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Universal Truths
Taming the Fetal Tyrant, and Its Ancestral Delusional Love Stories is an exploration of human nature, consciousness, and the cultural delusions that shape our beliefs and behaviors. What made you write a book about this topic? Anything pulled from your life experiences?
My interest began about 66 years ago but I had, upon reflection, an epigenetic experience at age 5. Of course, I had no idea what it was then. Today, with my observations and research I now know that ALL LIFE has such experiences and the importance of it needs to be known by all on this planet.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
As a doctor I wanted to know the person behind the health history form they filled out. Specifically, I wanted to know how the thoughts of life became manifested as real biological molecules in people. When I combined the sciences of biology, chemistry, and physics and added a spell of my own making, that was in line with the three sciences, I had achieved a life’s goal and had to tell people how to use their minds in a modern way as opposed to the cave way that places us all 90 seconds from doom on the doomsday clock. No scat, lady, NONE. This vindicated me and I’m now ready to be pummeled mercilessly.
What is one thing that people point out after reading your book that surprises you?
Not many have read it but it has been professionally reviewed.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Taming the Fetal Tyrant, and Its Ancestral Delusional Love Stories?
To think in terms of universal truth and not to confuse it with personal truths I call opinion, bias, prejudice, and faith. We kill each other over the latter, never the former.
Author Links: Website | Book Review
Socrates: “Employ your time in improving yourself by other men’s writings, so that you shall gain easily what others have labored hard for.”
Taming The Fetal Tyrant And Its Ancestral Delusional Love Stories
Taming the Fetal Tyrant is an ambitious exploration of human nature, consciousness, and the cultural delusions that shape our beliefs and behaviors. It delves into the concept of megalomania starting in the womb, where author Steve Pasin posits that the fetus develops a tyrannical sense of self, believing it is in control of the entire world. This notion serves as a foundation for the book’s broader discussions, which blend epigenetics, human psychology, and culture. The book is a critique of how culture, religion, and societal structures nurture and perpetuate delusions, often in ways that undermine our health and well-being.
Reading this book is a wild ride. Pasin’s style is unapologetically direct and often combative, which makes it both challenging and refreshing. He doesn’t shy away from taking aim at cultural sacred cows, from religion to the human ego. One of the most striking parts of the book is his discussion on epigenetics and how our thoughts and beliefs, largely shaped by our environment, have tangible effects on our genes and health. This idea is explored in Chapter 6, where Pasin introduces stress and its role in shaping not just individual well-being but the health of future generations. While the writing is dense at times, the ideas are compelling, and Pasin’s passion for his subject shines through.
I particularly enjoyed the chapter on megalomania. It was eye-opening and unsettling to consider the idea that we’re all born with a megalomaniacal view of the world, only to have it stripped away by society. Pasin’s descriptions of how culture imposes itself on us, turning us into people obsessed with winning, control, and domination, hit hard. His examples of historical figures like Mother Teresa and Hitler having the same underlying human nature were provocative and, honestly, a bit hard to swallow at first, but it made sense in the context of his argument.
Taming the Fetal Tyrant, and Its Ancestral Delusional Love Stories is a book for thinkers, those who aren’t afraid to have their ideas about life, religion, and culture shaken up. I think it is best suited for readers with a deep interest in psychology, philosophy, and biology who want to challenge their worldview. If you’re looking for light reading or are easily offended by critiques of cultural norms, this might not be for you. But if you’re up for a mental workout and ready to question some deep-rooted beliefs, this book will have an impact.
Pages: 238 | ASIN : B0DJPQYMH8
Black On Madison Avenue
Mark S. Robinson recounts his experiences as an African American professional in the US advertising sector for over 40 years in his compelling memoir, Black on Madison Avenue. Through his writing, Robinson raises much-needed awareness of an industry that, despite some improvements over time, remains entrenched in racial prejudice and structural discrimination.
Robinson’s natural storytelling flair shines throughout the book. Each anecdote is engaging and rich with details about the advertising world. His impressive roster of clients, including Unilever, HBO, and Coors, and encounters with numerous celebrities add a captivating layer to his narrative.
Despite the serious underlying message, the book maintains an optimistic and humorous tone. The heart of the book lies in Robinson’s critique of the advertising industry’s systemic racism. He does not shy away from discussing the obstacles he faced, such as the challenges of proving minority ownership and dealing with passive-aggressive behaviors from colleagues. These experiences are eye-opening and serve as a powerful indictment of the industry’s failures. Robinson’s decision to push back against these injustices, even when it could potentially harm his career, showcases his resilience and integrity.
One of the most striking aspects of the book is Robinson’s emphasis on the importance of mentorship and community. His involvement with the Minority Advertising Internship Program (MAIP) and his continuous support for upcoming black professionals in advertising highlight his commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion. These sections of the book are particularly inspiring, as they show how individual efforts can contribute to broader social change.
Black on Madison Avenue, by Mark S. Robinson, is a must-read for anyone interested in the advertising industry, racial dynamics in professional settings, or personal stories of overcoming adversity. Robinson’s memoir is both a historical document and a guide for future generations. It is especially valuable for young Black professionals seeking inspiration and for industry leaders who need to understand the importance of diversity and inclusion.
Pages: 285 | ASIN : B0C1QWS2C9
Tickling is Bizarre
Almost Everything You Wanted to Know About Tickling is a fascinating study on a topic that is not often discussed or looked at from the unique perspective of women. Why did you want to write about subjects such as tickling?
Tickling is bizarre physiologically and psychologically. On balance, it must be a good thing or humans would not have evolved to become ticklish in a way that is different from all other animals. On the other hand, tickling is often unpleasant and detrimental to relationships. Any behavior that causes many different kinds of positive and negative consequences, none of which are well-understood, is worth exploring.
The second reason I wanted to write this book was that I was especially qualified to do so. Not only did I have excellent experience using the necessary methodologies during a long career in academic research, but I was retired. Tickling is not a respected topic, and active researchers who pursue it risk their careers.
What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
My goals changed throughout the study. They appeared in the following order.
1. Design a method for an independent researcher working alone to study tickling?
2. Identify the most interesting questions that could be studied about tickling. I found many, but the ones most thoroughly explored in the book were how ticklish are women throughout the world, and how much did women throughout the world enjoy being tickled.
3. Evaluate what characteristics of the women influence how ticklish they are and how much they liked being tickled.
4. Finally, I wanted to present respectable science so that it would be understandable and interesting to the general reader. I predicted that scientists would consider this topic trivial, but some general readers would be curious. This book is for them.
How much research did you undertake for this book, and how long did it take to put it all together?
This book involved a huge amount of research over more than four years. Much of the research I did was left out of the book because my target audience was the general reader. I spent more than a year trying to hire someone who could write this book for me. When I realized that was not possible, I spent another couple of years writing it myself.
What is the next book that you are writing and when will that be published?
You sound like my wife. I have ideas for several possible books on the topic of how people relate to each other. I’m not far enough along on any of them to make a meaningful prediction of when one might be completed.
Author Links: GoodReads
Why read this book.It is the best book about tickling that has been written. Since it’s the only book about tickling, that’s not a big claim, but it is a good book.
It makes you think about why tickling evolved and what good it may do.
The information is interesting and socially important.
It provides fodder for book groups and informal conversations.
University of Hard Knocks
Have you ever pondered upon the profound questions of why you are here, where you fit in, what you are born to do, what gift you are born to give? In other words, have you figured out your contribution to the world, the grand tapestry of life, and the symphony of human civilization?
In moments of introspection during his retirement years, Rolland felt as if he had unwittingly ‘wandered in the desert’ for 40 years (1975-2015 or 1980-2020). Yet, in hindsight, his life’s purpose was, at some pivotal points in his career -unbeknownst to him- already staring him in the face. He just failed to appreciate and recognize, much earlier, his life’s true purpose. In essence, the author failed to ‘bloom’ where God had already planted him!
If you are a teen or young adult -but especially if you are an immigrant or a member of a minority group- on a quest for your life’s purpose, this book was written for you. It’s a self-help guide outlining practical steps you can use to find and crystallize your life’s true purpose … sooner, rather than 40 years later!
If you follow the guidance contained in this book, you would hopefully avoid the shame and ultimate embarrassment of a lifetime which befell the book’s author: ‘wandering in the desert for forty years’ without constancy to purpose, to the abject dismay of his humdrum biography.
This book is also a clarion call for all citizens, especially immigrants and minorities, to say GOODBYE to apathy and indifference and, instead, to say HELLO to active participation and involvement in an ailing American democracy.
In these extraordinary times, sitting on the sidelines is simply unacceptable. Do you have a definite purpose? What does it mean for you –with your distinct set of skills, knowledge, passions, and talents– to be here in America at this particular moment in time?
The answers lie within you, waiting for you to bring them to light. May you embrace your uniqueness and align your actions with your deepest strengths, values, and aspirations … so you can experience a deep sense of fulfillment of your life’s purpose.
Yes, You Matter asserts that self-reflection is essential for understanding oneself and living to one’s fullest potential. What inspired you to write this book?
My realization, upon retirement that I failed to ‘bloom where I was planted’ inspired me to write this book. You see, upon retirement, I felt a great sense of regret and guilt when I came face to face with the reality that –having been blessed by the Almighty with the great fortune of life in America, a safe haven and comfortable refuge from the clutches of a burgeoning dictatorship I fled decades ago– I did NOT live my life with a constancy to purpose. With no definiteness of purpose, I, therefore, failed to fulfill my life’s true purpose … I failed to make it in America despite an environment of unparalleled freedom and opportunity for immigrants in the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave! In hindsight, my successes in the CPA profession and in local electoral politics did not measure up to my true potential.
My intent in writing this book is simple: To be of service, to pass on the key lessons I learned from the University of Hard Knocks so that readers don’t end up ‘wandering in the desert for 40 years’ without definiteness of purpose’ like I did, to the abject dismay of my humdrum biography.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
For me, out of the whole book, the hardest thing to write about was the discussion on Chapter 4, “Passion and Purpose: Are They the Same?” I had to discuss the twin topics of passion and purpose from the intellectual and practical vantage points to be helpful to the reader. With no formal training in psychology or philosophy, Chapter 4 really challenged me.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from Yes, You Matter?
The pursuit of purpose can be met with challenges and uncertainties. The expectations of others, the pressures of society, and the fear of failure can cloud your vision and divert you from your true path. In such moments, it becomes essential to quiet the outside noise and listen to your heart’s whispers. Allow your intuition and inner wisdom to guide you, for they are the compass that will lead you toward your purpose. Embrace your uniqueness, nurture your passions, and step forward with courage and conviction.
Can readers look forward to seeing more from you soon? What are you currently working on?
Yes, despite health issues, I’m working on a few more books on the twin topics of K-12 education and American democracy.
Author Website
This book was born out of a great sense of regret and guilt which the author felt after he had retired, when he came face to face with the reality that he –blessed by the Almighty with the great fortune of life in America, a safe and comfortable refuge from the clutches of a burgeoning dictatorship he fled decades ago– had failed to fulfill his life’s purpose, despite an environment of freedom and opportunity for immigrants in the Land of the Free and Home of the Brave! In moments of introspection during his retirement years, the author felt as if he had unwittingly ‘wandered in the desert’ for 40 years. Yet, In hindsight, his life’s purpose was, at some pivotal points in his career, already staring him in the face. He just failed to appreciate and recognize his life’s true purpose. The author failed to ‘bloom’ where God had already planted him!
If you are a teen or young adult, an immigrant, or a member of a minority group on a quest for your life’s purpose, this book was written for you. It’s a self-help guide outlining practical steps you can use to find and crystallize your life’s true purpose … sooner, rather than later.
Hopefully, this book can help the reader avoid the shame and ultimate embarrassment of a lifetime which befell the book’s author: ‘wandering in the desert for forty years’ without constancy to purpose, without definiteness of purpose, to the abject dismay of his humdrum biography.
This book is also a clarion call for all citizens, especially immigrants, and minorities, to say GOODBYE to apathy and indifference and, instead, to say HELLO to active participation and involvement in an ailing American democracy. Whatever suits you, in these extraordinary times, sitting on the sidelines is simply unacceptable. What does it mean for you –with your distinct set of skills, knowledge, passions, and talents– to be here in America at this particular moment in time?
The answers lie within you, waiting for you to bring them to light. May you embrace your uniqueness and align your actions with your deepest strengths, values, and aspirations … so you can experience a deep sense of fulfillment of your life’s purpose.
Almost Everything You Wanted to Know About Tickling: An International Study
Duncan Taub’s Almost Everything You Wanted to Know About Tickling delves into the curiously underexplored world of tickling, challenging the common assumption that tickling is a trivial subject. Taub’s comprehensive research spans various cultures and demographics, providing a refreshing perspective on this often-overlooked aspect of human behavior. His commitment to treating tickling as a serious research subject is evident throughout the book, offering a rich blend of information on its prevalence, cultural perceptions, and societal boundaries.
Taub’s work stands out for its depth and rigor. It effectively argues for the significance of tickling in understanding human social interaction. He approaches this topic with a commendable balance of academic diligence and engaging storytelling. His exploration of tickling’s evolutionary origins and its varied responses—from laughter to discomfort—highlights the complexity of this phenomenon. His willingness to address the uncomfortable or ‘icky’ aspects of tickling adds an honest and candid layer to the narrative.
The book excels in making academic research accessible and engaging. Taub skillfully navigates between scholarly discourse and reader-friendly language, ensuring the content resonates with lay readers and seasoned researchers. He thoughtfully explains his statistical data clearly, and his flexible approach to the material allows readers to engage with the book according to their interests. Taub’s transparent and curiosity-driven research process, evident even in the book’s title, invites readers into a world of scientific exploration. His concise summary of key findings and implications towards the end of the book is a testament to his thoughtful consideration of the reader’s experience.
Almost Everything You Wanted to Know About Tickling could potentially open new avenues of inquiry in the field. Taub’s meticulous work and novel perspective make this a noteworthy addition to scientific literature. This book is compelling for anyone with an open mind, whether they are casually curious or deeply involved in research.
Pages: 176 | ASIN : B0CVRBX8F6
Yes, You Matter … Your Purpose Awaits You!
In Yes, You Matter, Rolland B. presents a compelling guide for personal growth and self-discovery, exploring the depths of human potential. Central to the book’s thesis is the belief that self-reflection is crucial to avoid stagnation and to continuously evolve in understanding oneself. By asking challenging existential questions, the book doesn’t just ponder life’s mysteries but also propels readers to critically assess their own existence and life choices.
The author skillfully intertwines philosophical concepts, psychological theories, and spiritual insights to create a robust framework for readers. Drawing on Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, the Japanese concept of Ikigai, and the Greek philosophy of Eudaimonia, Rolland B. constructs a multi-faceted approach towards finding and nurturing one’s purpose. The book’s practicality is one of its strengths, offering actionable exercises and strategies to help readers build self-worth, confront self-doubt, and follow their passions with conviction. Rolland B.’s encouraging tone is another highlight of the book. He engages readers with empathy, understanding, and a shared sense of struggle, making the journey of self-discovery feel like a communal experience. This approach makes the book not only informative but also deeply relatable. The author’s real-life experiences with societal pressures, self-doubt, and challenging relationships lend authenticity and depth to his guidance, positioning him as a credible and experienced voice on the subject. The book’s nuanced handling of sensitive topics, such as ethnicity and toxic relationships, is noteworthy. The author navigates these subjects with care and insight, reflecting his deep understanding and experience in self-reflection. The use of metaphors adds an element of elegance and further depth to the narrative.
Yes, You Matter is an inspiring call to action in a world often dominated by social media trends and the threat of conformity. It’s a book that not only encourages self-assessment and personal growth but also champions the importance of charting one’s unique path in life. With its blend of philosophical depth, practical advice, and empathetic tone, the book stands as a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand themselves better and forge a meaningful and fulfilling life.
Pages: 230 | ASIN : B0CTWHW6TS
Random Musings of the Left Hemisphere
Random Musings of the Left Hemisphere by Mike Joyner serves as a comprehensive anthology of his reflective insights on a myriad of political and social issues currently permeating the United States. Joyner critically examines the cultural trend of “woke-ism” and the embracement of progressivism, contending that such movements are, paradoxically, regressing American society towards historic European models of governance that our nation’s founders fervently resisted.
The book casts a wide net, exploring topics such as the Covid-19 pandemic, gun violence, the controversial Florida voting incident, impeachment, perceived leftist privilege, the Black Lives Matter movement, and even personal anecdotes like ‘Grandpa’s dating rule.’ By incorporating elements from his personal life, Joyner forges a human connection with his readers, fostering a relatable and engaging atmosphere.
True to its title, the book is a rich tapestry of diverse thoughts, presented in succinct chapters that streamline reader comprehension while maintaining their engagement. Joyner’s profound passion for the well-being of his country and its citizens is palpable in each chapter. His candid and bold commentary, driven by his desire for a safer and fairer nation, is both refreshing and thought-provoking.
One particularly poignant chapter sees Joyner express a deep-seated protective instinct, asserting that as a father, grandfather, and husband, he would courageously place himself between a child and danger, mirroring the heartbreaking sacrifice made by teachers during the tragic incident in Florida.
Readers concerned about the future trajectory of the United States will find Joyner’s book an enlightening and conversational read. Amid an era characterized by cancel culture and a lack of tolerance for divergent views, Joyner fearlessly articulates his perspectives on where he perceives the nation is faltering and how it can strive toward improvement.
Random Musings of the Left Hemisphere offers an insightful exploration of contemporary American issues. While Joyner’s views might not resonate with everyone, they undeniably provoke thoughtful consideration. Regardless of one’s political orientation, this book provides an invaluable opportunity to enhance understanding of current American challenges and the complexities of its political landscape.
Pages: 122 | ASIN : B0C2WMQNHH
LITERARY TITAN 