Within the reader is provided with enlightened versions of selected and some even beloved segments of the Bible that have been previously either translated based on Semite legends, (due to the fact that at the time of translation those were the only historical references available,) or considered unknowable. The creation of the universe, earth, and humanity are presented in a manner that falls closer in line with the historical and archeological record as known today, instead of being based on ancient legends and fairy tales. Elements of the Book of Exodus, with passages concerning the 10 commandments and the role of Jethro in the establishment of a democratic form of government, provide the reader with new origins for the judicial and representational branches within our own form of government. The unknowable elements of the Book of Job, concerning the Lords reply to Job in the last few chapters of the book, are presented in a manner that not only suggests that it is indeed knowable, but also reasonable and logical as well, providing a description of the universe and earth that belies the level of knowledge available to humanity at its inception. Certain controversial passages of the New Testament are addressed, such as the Magi, the intent behind the Feast at Cana, and Mary Magdalenes true role in Jesus life and ministry, and this is followed with an interpretation of the symbolism found within the Book of Revelations. All in all, the author provides the reader with a new and different take on certain elements of old scriptures.

"Hosts of all kinds, this is a must-read!" --Chris Anderson, owner and curator of TED From the host of the New York Times podcast Together Apart, an exciting new approach to how we gather that will transform the ways we spend our time together—at home, at work, in our communities, and beyond. In The Art of Gathering, Priya Parker argues that the gatherings in our lives are lackluster and unproductive--which they don't have to be. We rely too much on routine and the conventions of gatherings when we should focus on distinctiveness and the people involved. At a time when coming together is more important than ever, Parker sets forth a human-centered approach to gathering that will help everyone create meaningful, memorable experiences, large and small, for work and for play. Drawing on her expertise as a facilitator of high-powered gatherings around the world, Parker takes us inside events of all kinds to show what works, what doesn't, and why. She investigates a wide array of gatherings--conferences, meetings, a courtroom, a flash-mob party, an Arab-Israeli summer camp--and explains how simple, specific changes can invigorate any group experience. The result is a book that's both journey and guide, full of exciting ideas with real-world applications. The Art of Gathering will forever alter the way you look at your next meeting, industry conference, dinner party, and backyard barbecue--and how you host and attend them.

SUMMARY: ATOMIC HABITS: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones. This book is not meant to replace the original book but to serve as a companion to it. ABOUT ORIGINAL BOOK: Atomic Habits can help you improve every day, no matter what your goals are. As one of the world's leading experts on habit formation, James Clear reveals practical strategies that will help you form good habits, break bad ones, and master tiny behaviors that lead to big changes. If you're having trouble changing your habits, the problem isn't you. Instead, the issue is with your system. There is a reason bad habits repeat themselves over and over again, it's not that you are not willing to change, but that you have the wrong system for changing. “You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems” - James Clear I’m a huge fan of this book, and as soon as I read it I knew it was going to make a big difference in my life, so I couldn’t wait to make a video on this book and share my ideas. Here is a link to James Clear’s website, where I found he uploads a tonne of useful posts on motivation, habit formation and human psychology. DISCLAIMER: This is an UNOFFICIAL summary and not the original book. It designed to record all the key points of the original book.

"It is not thought as such that can move anything, but thought which is for the sake of something and is practical." This discerning insight, which dates back more than 2000years to Aristotle, seems to have been ignored by most psycholo gists. For more than 40years theories of human action have assumed that cogni tion and action are merely two sides of the same coin. Approaches as different as S-O-R behaviorism,social learning theory, consistency theories,and expectancy value theories of motivation and decision making have one thing in common: they all assume that "thought (or any other type of cognition) can move any thing," that there is a direct path from cognition to behavior. In recent years, we have become more and more aware of the complexities in volved in the relationship between cognition and behavior. People do not always do what they intend to do. Aside from several nonpsychological factors capable of reducing cognition-behavior consistency, there seems to be a set of complex psychological mechanisms which intervene between action-related cognitions, such as beliefs, expectancies, values, and intentions,and the enactment of the be havior suggested by those cognitions. In our recent research we have focused on volitional mechanismus which presumably enhance cognition-behavior consistency by supporting the main tenance of activated intentions and prevent them from being pushed aside by competing action tendencies.

More than two decades ago, noted author, artist and teacher Mary Anne Radmacher, was beginning her chosen path--to live with purpose, to make a difference. She lost a dear friend and she wrote these words, which have appeared wrapped around mugs, on carry bags and journals, day planners, refrigerator magnets, and posters. In her new book she expands these words to invite readers to explore what it might mean to live each day with intention--to figure out what counts for them, what will make their lives richer, allow them to make a difference, and bring verve to each and every day. Radmacher shares the ten qualities she considers essential to intentional living and offers readers exercises, inspirations, and promises to help them find what's important in their lives.

She is a book of qualities illustrating the greatness of women. From "everywoman" to exemplars such as Madame Secretarys Hillary Clinton and Madeline Albright to visionary artist Shiloh McCloud and poet Maya Stein, these many women represent the very best in the human spirit. Author/artists Mary Anne Radmacher and Liz Kalloch have gathered these fierce and feisty females along with their best advice for our life's journey on the topics of leadership, friendship, purpose, adventurousness, cooperation, collaboration, risk-taking, resourcefulness, happiness, compassion, and much more, including what it is to inspire. Each page spread features a collection of vintage art and ephemera elegantly designed by Liz Kalloch paired with a love letter by Mary Anne Radmacher to each quality along with a tribute to women's strength, character, and the extraordinary capabilities within each and every woman. She gathers the wisdom of many wise women including Madeleine L'Engle, Laura Schlessinger, Erica Jong, Rachel Carson, Oprah Winfrey, Harper Lee, Lucille Ball, Mother Teresa, Pearl Buck, Cheri Huber, Julia Child, Drew Barrymore, and many more.