Feline Philosophy

Author : John Gray
Publisher : Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Page : 99 pages
File Size : 54,7 Mb
Release : 2020-11-24
Category : Philosophy
ISBN : 9780374718794

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Feline Philosophy by John Gray Pdf

The author of Straw Dogs, famous for his provocative critiques of scientific hubris and the delusions of progress and humanism, turns his attention to cats—and what they reveal about humans' torturous relationship to the world and to themselves. The history of philosophy has been a predictably tragic or comical succession of palliatives for human disquiet. Thinkers from Spinoza to Berdyaev have pursued the perennial questions of how to be happy, how to be good, how to be loved, and how to live in a world of change and loss. But perhaps we can learn more from cats--the animal that has most captured our imagination--than from the great thinkers of the world. In Feline Philosophy, the philosopher John Gray discovers in cats a way of living that is unburdened by anxiety and self-consciousness, showing how they embody answers to the big questions of love and attachment, mortality, morality, and the Self: Montaigne's house cat, whose un-examined life may have been the one worth living; Meo, the Vietnam War survivor with an unshakable capacity for "fearless joy"; and Colette's Saha, the feline heroine of her subversive short story "The Cat", a parable about the pitfalls of human jealousy. Exploring the nature of cats, and what we can learn from it, Gray offers a profound, thought-provoking meditation on the follies of human exceptionalism and our fundamentally vulnerable and lonely condition. He charts a path toward a life without illusions and delusions, revealing how we can endure both crisis and transformation, and adapt to a changed scene, as cats have always done.

Author : Walter Léon Hess
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 308 pages
File Size : 51,8 Mb
Release : 1891
Category : Cats
ISBN : HARVARD:32044011794526

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Feline Philosophy by Walter Léon Hess Pdf

Author : William Braden
Publisher : Ten Speed Press
Page : 98 pages
File Size : 48,6 Mb
Release : 2013-04-30
Category : Humor
ISBN : 9781607745105

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Henri, le Chat Noir by William Braden Pdf

This gift book is a collection of photos and quotes from Henri, the existential cat whose ennui has captivated people all over the world. Through his series of short films and interactions with an enthusiastic online community, Henri's contemplation and disillusion with the world has struck a chord with millions of fans. Now, finally, we have a collection of Henri's musings in his own words featuring never-before-seen photos and quotes. This book is a window into the tortured soul of the world's first feline philosopher.

Author : Steven D. Hales
Publisher : Open Court Publishing
Page : 260 pages
File Size : 55,5 Mb
Release : 2008
Category : Pets
ISBN : 9780812696523

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What Philosophy Can Tell You about Your Cat by Steven D. Hales Pdf

"Eighteen essays investigate philosophical aspects of the feline mind and the world of cats, illustrated by anecdotes about cats the authors have known"--Provided by publisher.

Author : John Gray
Publisher : Granta Books
Page : 246 pages
File Size : 53,7 Mb
Release : 2015-07-02
Category : Nature
ISBN : 9781783782611

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Straw Dogs by John Gray Pdf

Straw Dogs is a radical work of philosophy that sets out to challenge our most cherished assumptions about what it means to be human. From Plato to Christianity, from the Enlightenment to Nietzsche and Marx, the Western tradition has been based on arrogant and erroneous beliefs about human beings and their place in the world. Philosophies such as liberalism and Marxism enthrone humankind as a species whose destiny is to transcend natural limits and conquer the Earth. Even in the present day, despite Darwin's discoveries, nearly all schools of thought take as their starting point the belief that humans are radically different from other animals. In Straw Dogs, John Gray argues that this humanist belief in human difference is an illusion and explores how the world and human life look once humanism has been finally abandoned.

Author : John Gray
Publisher : Penguin UK
Page : 240 pages
File Size : 47,8 Mb
Release : 2013-02-28
Category : Philosophy
ISBN : 9780141969022

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The Silence of Animals by John Gray Pdf

The powerful, beautiful and chilling sequel to the bestselling Straw Dogs John Gray draws on an extraordinary array of memoirs, poems, fiction and philosophy to make us re-imagine our place in the world. Writers as varied as Ballard, Borges, Freud and Conrad are mesmerised by forms of human extremity - experiences on the outer edge of the possible, or which tip into fantasy and myth. What happens to us when we starve, when we fight, when we are imprisoned? And how do our imaginations leap into worlds way beyond our real experience? The Silence of Animals is consistently fascinating, filled with unforgettable images and a delight in the conundrum of our existence - an existence which we decorate with countless myths and ideas, where we twist and turn to avoid acknowledging that we too are animals, separated from the others perhaps only by our self-conceit. In the Babel we have created for ourselves, it is the silence of animals that both reproaches and bewitches us. Reviews: 'The Silence of Animals is a new kind of book from Gray, a sort of poetic reverie on the human state, on the state, that is, of the human animal ... He blends lyricism with wisdom, humour with admonition, nay-saying with affirmation, making in the process a marvellous statement of what it is to be both an animal and a human in the strange, terrifying and exquisite world into which we straw dogs find ourselves thrown' John Banville, Guardian 'Interesting, original and memorable ... The Silence of Animals is a beautifully written book, the product of a strongly questioning mind. It is effectively an anthology with detailed commentary, setting out one rich and suggestive episode after another' Philip Hensher, Spectator About the author: John Gray has been Professor of Politics at Oxford University, Visiting Professor at Harvard and Yale and Professor of European Thought at the London School of Economics. He now writes full time. His books include False Dawn: The Delusions of Global Capitalism, Straw Dogs: Thoughts on Humans and Other Animals and The Immortalization Commission: The Strange Quest to Cheat Death. His selected writings, Gray's Anatomy, was published in 2009.

Author : Various Various Authors
Publisher : Sounds True
Page : 0 pages
File Size : 53,5 Mb
Release : 2019-10-29
Category : Body, Mind & Spirit
ISBN : 9781683643210

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The Karma of Cats by Various Various Authors Pdf

Stories and reflections on the many lessons we learn from cats—about life, love, and our spiritual nature “The Karma of Cats is yet more proof that cats teach us to be better humans, and sometimes even save our lives. Read this book with a cat on your lap, then hand it to another biped in need of inspiration.” —Caroline Paul, author of Lost Cat and The Gutsy Girl “What I find most enticing about The Karma of Cats are the golden filaments of respect, delight, and appreciation that weave through the unique voice of each storyteller, these kindred spirits who—like ourselves—treasure the remarkable gifts bestowed upon us by our feline family members.” —Susan Chernak McElroy, author of Why Buffalo Dance There is nothing quite like the love of a cat. Both revered and feared throughout history, cats are unique in the mystical truths and practical lessons they share with us. In The Karma of Cats, spiritual teachers and writers reflect on the wisdom and gifts they’ve received from their feline friends—exploring themes of radical respect, unconditional love, our spiritual nature, and more. Loving companions and wild spirits, our feline friends have much to teach all who welcome them into their homes and hearts. With an introduction by Seane Corn and contributions by Alice Walker, Andrew Harvey, Biet Simkin, Brother David Steindl-Rast, Damien Echols, Geneen Roth, Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson, Kelly McGonigal, Rachel Naomi Remen, Sterling “TrapKing” Davis, and many more.

Author : John Gray
Publisher : Doubleday Canada
Page : 263 pages
File Size : 48,7 Mb
Release : 2011-04-12
Category : Social Science
ISBN : 9780307375735

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The Immortalization Commission by John Gray Pdf

A great philosopher will change the way you think about your life. For most of human history, religion provided a clear explanation of life and death. But in the late 19th and early 20th centuries new ideas — from psychiatry to evolution to Communist — seemed to suggest that our fate was now in our own hands. We would ourselves become God. This is the theme of a remarkable new book by one of the world's greatest lving philosophers. It is a brilliant and frightening look at the problems and opportunities of a world coming to grips with humankind's now solitary, unaided place in the universe. Gray takes two major examples: the belief that the science-backed Communism of the new USSR could reshape the planet, and the belief among a group of Edwardian intellectuals — popularized through mediums and automatic writing — that there was a non-religious form of life after death. Gray presents an extraordinary cast of philosophers, journalists, politicians, charlatans and mass murderers, all of whom felt driven by a specifically scientific and modern world view. He raises a host of fascinating questions about what it means to be human. The implications of Gray's book will haunt its readers for the rest of their lives.

Author : John Gray
Publisher : Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Page : 192 pages
File Size : 55,9 Mb
Release : 2015-05-19
Category : Philosophy
ISBN : 9781429953191

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The Soul of the Marionette by John Gray Pdf

Compared with that of humans, the life of the marionette looks more like an enviable state of freedom In his brilliantly enjoyable and freewheeling new book, John Gray draws together the religious, philosophic, and fantastical traditions that question the very idea of human freedom. We flatter ourselves about the nature of free will and yet the most enormous forces—logical, physical, metaphysical—constrain our every action. Many writers and intellectuals have always understood this, but instead of embracing our condition we battle against it, with everyone from world conquerors to modern scientists dreaming of a "human dominion" almost comically at odds with our true state. Filled with wonderful examples and drawing on the widest possible reading (from the Gnostics to Philip K. Dick), The Soul of the Marionette is a stimulating and engaging meditation on everything from cybernetics to the fairground marionettes of the title.

Author : T. S. Eliot
Publisher : Faber & Faber
Page : 98 pages
File Size : 54,5 Mb
Release : 2021-08-31
Category : Juvenile Nonfiction
ISBN : 9780571346141

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Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats by T. S. Eliot Pdf

The naming of Cats is a difficult matter,It isn't just one of your holiday games;You may think at first I'm as mad as a hatterWhen I tell you, a cat must have THREE DIFFERENT NAMES.So begins one of the best-known poetry collections of all time. The practical cats need no introduction, but this stunning new full-colour version, illustrated by Júlia Sardà, is the perfect companion to Old Toffer's Dogs. Whether you are a cat or a dog person, you will be enchanted by Júlia's highly original interpretation.

Author : Alison Davies
Publisher : Hardie Grant Publishing
Page : 144 pages
File Size : 49,8 Mb
Release : 2017-09-07
Category : Humor
ISBN : 9781787131934

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Be More Cat by Alison Davies Pdf

Embrace your inner cat with this light-hearted self-help book. From living in the moment, trusting your sixth-sense instincts, to taking cat naps and even going feral, this book will show you how to benefit by unleashing your innate cattitude. Cats' ability to seize the day makes them excellent examples of how to make the most of every moment; whether it's playing an impromptu game of chase the sock, or an opportune swiping of a slice of roast chicken, our cats have it sorted. They're flexible but also prepared to tread their own path and they recognise the importance of play and rest in equal quantities. This book reveals the nine different traits that you can take on board to Be More Cat and live a happier, healthier and all-round 'feline fabulous' existence. Packed with practical tips and exercises, interspersed with folklore and fun facts about our kitty gurus, there's something for everyone. So stretch out, relax and learn the art of being more cat.

Author : Philip J. Davis
Publisher : Harcourt
Page : 143 pages
File Size : 48,8 Mb
Release : 1988
Category : Fiction
ISBN : 0151881006

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Thomas Gray, Philosopher Cat by Philip J. Davis Pdf

Thomas Gray, a cat that helps a Cambridge historian of mathematics with his reserch, purrs at the center of this light, philosophical tale wrapped around a mathematical problem

Author : Jay Heinrichs
Publisher : Rodale Books
Page : 144 pages
File Size : 48,8 Mb
Release : 2018-06-19
Category : Self-Help
ISBN : 9781635652758

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How to Argue with a Cat by Jay Heinrichs Pdf

Learn how to persuade cats—the world’s most skeptical and cautious negotiators—with this primer on rhetoric and argument from the New York Times bestselling author of Thank You for Arguing! Cats are skilled manipulators who can talk you into just about anything without a single word (or maybe a meow or two). They can get you to drop whatever you’re doing and play with them. They can make you serve their dinner way ahead of schedule. They can get you to sit down in an instant to provide a lap. On the other hand, try getting a cat to do what you want.... While it’s hard, persuading a cat is possible. And after that, persuading humans becomes a breeze, and that is what you will learn in this book. How to Argue with a Cat will teach you how to: · Hold an intelligent conversation—one of the few things easier to do with a cat than a human. · Argue logically, even if your opponent is furry and irrational. · Hack up a fallacy (the hairball of logic). · Make your body do the talking (cats are very good at this). · Master decorum: the art of fitting in with cats, venture capitalists, or humans. · Learn the wisdom of predator timing to pounce at the right moment. · Get someone to do something or stop doing it. · Earn any creature’s respect and loyalty.

Author : John Bradshaw,Sarah Ellis
Publisher : Basic Books
Page : 352 pages
File Size : 51,9 Mb
Release : 2016-09-13
Category : Pets
ISBN : 9780465096497

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The Trainable Cat by John Bradshaw,Sarah Ellis Pdf

A New York Times Bestseller "I have to hand it to Bradshaw and Ellis: Once you suss out their basic cat-training philosophy, their methods totally work." --Slate We often assume that cats can't be trained, and don't need to be. But in The Trainable Cat, bestselling anthrozoologist John Bradshaw and cat expert Sarah Ellis show that cats absolutely must be trained in order to enrich the bond between pet and owner. Full of training tips and exercises--from introducing your cat to a new baby to helping them deal with visits to the vet--The Trainable Cat is the essential cat bible for cat owners and lovers. "I doubt you'll find a more well-informed or scientific book on cats that better shows you how feline thinking works."--Times (UK)

Author : Phillip Schreibman
Publisher : Wheeler Publishing, Incorporated
Page : 134 pages
File Size : 49,9 Mb
Release : 2001
Category : Nature
ISBN : 1587240300

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My Cat Saved My Life by Phillip Schreibman Pdf

This is a true story of the author's friendship with Alice, a cat, and how she helped him through a difficult time in his life, bringing him to a new level of looking at both life and death. My Cat Saved My Life explores the relationship between cat and man: the ways in which she gave him a clearer understanding of existence; taught him, in fact, how to live, how to achieve a spiritual awakening to the world, and the place of humans in it.Phillip Schreibman rescued a sickly stray kitten when he was struggling with both his parents' deaths. The emotions he experienced had driven him into a deep depression, which had begun to fracture his relationships, disconnect him from the everyday world, and impair his work as a composer.Alice soon began to insinuate herself into all aspects of Schreibman's daily routine. He began a personal journey to discover the cat's "strategy of life". Their ensuing adventures and the exploration of the bond that grew between them make a remarkable tale of how one species can teach another -- with respect, compassion, and love.