How meaning works—from monkey calls to human language, from spoken language to sign language, from gestures to music—and how meaning is connected to truth. We communicate through language, connecting what we mean to the words we say. But humans convey meaning in other ways as well, with facial expressions, hand gestures, and other methods. Animals, too, can get their meanings across without words. In What It All Means, linguist Philippe Schlenker explains how meaning works, from monkey calls to human language, from spoken language to sign language, from gestures to music. He shows that these extraordinarily diverse types of meaning can be studied and compared within a unified approach—one in which the notion of truth plays a central role. “It’s just semantics” is often said dismissively. But Schlenker shows that semantics—the study of meaning—is an unsung success of modern linguistics, a way to investigate some of the deepest questions about human nature using tools from the empirical and formal sciences. Drawing on fifty years of research in formal semantics, Schlenker traces how meaning comes to life. After investigating meaning in primate communication, he explores how human meanings are built, using in some cases sign languages as a guide to the workings of our inner “logic machine.” Schlenker explores how these meanings can be enriched by iconicity in sign language and by gestures in spoken language, and then turns to more abstract forms of iconicity to understand the meaning of music. He concludes by examining paradoxes, which—being neither true nor false—test the very limits of meaning.

What It All Means is a fresh formulation of the perennial philosophy addressed to the serious spiritual seeker in the twenty-first century. Author Salah weaves together Eastern and Western wisdom traditions, personal mystical experiences, and modern scientific discoveries to produce a portrait of the universe that is completely different from how it appears to our senses. In What It All Means, you will discover that the universe is ultimately spiritual, not material, and that it is alive, self-aware, and infinitely intelligent. More dramatically, you will see that your human life is similar to an illusion, a dream, or an image in a mirrorthat your true nature is one with the Source of the universe and is therefore eternal, formless, pure awareness, untouched by the limitations of the material world. What It All Means is a book that just may change your lifeundoubtedly for the better. Open it anywhere and read a couple of pages. You wont be disappointed.

From two leading scholars in the field, a comprehensive account of the Chinese economy's explosive growth over the past 25 years.

First known as Elaine Nardo on the Emmy-Award winning sitcom Taxi, Marilu Henner has moved from Evening Shade to her own hit talk show, Marilu. Whether talking about life on the set or her steamy affairs, Marilu Henner tells it like it is. Includes 16 pages of photos.

An inspirational book that is “a smart, sweeping run through the history of Western philosophy. Important for the way it illuminates life today and for the controversial advice it offers on how to live” (The New York Times). “What constitutes human excellence?” and “What is the best way to live a life?” These are questions that human beings have been asking since the beginning of time. In their critically acclaimed book, All Things Shining, Hubert Dreyfus and Sean Dorrance Kelly argue that our search for meaning was once fulfilled by our responsiveness to forces greater than ourselves, whether one God or many. These forces drew us in and imbued the ordinary moments of life with wonder and gratitude. Dreyfus and Kelly argue in this thought-provoking work that as we began to rely on the power of our own independent will we lost our skill for encountering the sacred. Through their original and transformative discussion of some of the greatest works of Western literature, from Homer’s Odyssey to Melville’s Moby Dick, Dreyfus and Kelly reveal how we have lost our passionate engagement with the things that gave our lives purpose, and show how, by reading our culture’s classics anew, we can once again be drawn into intense involvement with the wonder and beauty of the world. Well on its way to becoming a classic itself, this inspirational book will change the way we understand our culture, our history, our sacred practices, and ourselves.

Jeffery Darnell Thomas wanted to be rich and powerful. It was his dream for as long as he could remember. Growing up in one of the toughest neighborhoods in America at the time is a test though. But his hatred of poverty, along with a strong desire to make it better for his people, is the fuel behind his passion. All he needs is that one big break. He devises a plan that could make or break everything. In the process he learns a lot about himself and life. This is a story about hard work and determination that will move your soul.

When Ray Comfort scooped up his tired dog Sam as it ran beside his bike, the animal loved it. So he built a platform on his bike, sat him on it, added a seatbelt, and put sunglasses on the dog. To his surprise people came out from their homes to take photos. Women called out “How cute!” Drivers gave a thumbs up. Sam suddenly became a wonderful way to meet strangers. In this book you will find ways, which you never thought possible, to connect with strangers and fulfill the Great Commission.