An exciting account of the origins of the modern worldWho formed the first literate society? Who invented our modern ideas of democracy and free market capitalism? The Scots. As historian and author Arthur Herman reveals; in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries Scotland made crucial contributions to science; philosophy; literature; education; medicine; commerce; and politics—contributions that have formed and nurtured the modern West ever since.Herman has charted a fascinating journey across the centuries of Scottish history. Here is the untold story of how John Knox and the Church of Scotland laid the foundation for our modern idea of democracy; how the Scottish Enlightenment helped to inspire both the American Revolution and the U.S. Constitution; and how thousands of Scottish immigrants left their homes to create the American frontier; the Australian outback; and the British Empire in India and Hong Kong. How the Scots Invented the Modern World reveals how Scottish genius for creating the basic ideas and institutions of modern life stamped the lives of a series of remarkable historical figures; from James Watt and Adam Smith to Andrew Carnegie and Arthur Conan Doyle; and how Scottish heroes continue to inspire our contemporary culture; from William “Braveheart†Wallace to James Bond. And no one who takes this incredible historical trek will ever view the Scots—or the modern West—in the same way again.
#909818 in Books iUniverse; Inc. 2003-08-04Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x .16 x 6.00l; .26 #File Name: 059527998864 pages
Review
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Exercise your Mind WiselyBy Jim MartinAnd lastly I have read `the Way of the Living Sword'; by D.E. Tarver. Here we find another wonderful short guide not only for martial arts training but; more importantly; for life and how we should think.A few key points here:Pick the right leaders to guide othersKnow who's around you at all times - you must be aware and stay alertThere is but one rule for all to followYou must read the intentions of othersAs much as you read; you must be able to think for yourself (to read it - to live it)There is a process to all things; so allow ALL to flow naturallyProbably the most important note I would like to add:Do as though you were doing nothing and all things will flow from their own accord. Do not have a set goal where you think you can control the outcome - you will falter. Rather; release this thought of control; and just react to the "instant" (the current situation); and you will accomplish anything without the `appearance of effort'. Such is nature - the natural flow of all things...Naturally; I can't explain everything here; but there is plenty of discussion concerning fighting tactics - some which are very interesting. There is some very useful information in here depending on where you are in your training. I do not practice karate anymore; however it has left a valuable imprint on my life in more ways than one. However; I completely comprehend some of the important lessons in this book. I think it is a valuable tool to have handy. Once again - good job to the author...2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. A RevelationBy Luis LuzuriagaAfter reading this book the first time; my understanding and comprehension of my art has greatly expanded. After reading through the second time; I was a bit disheartened about all the things I missed the first time reading. But I am confident that with each re-read that I will come to better understand the concepts and ideals set out in writing by Yagyu Munenori each time.As I am sure most exponents of the martials arts have come across the terms; Shu; Ha; Rei. Or a similar concept. Reading this book is similar; we can read and copy the ideals verbatim in our everyday lives but it only mimicking the sensei so that our mind and body can absorb the teaching as in Shu. After gaining a better understanding we can break away (not literally) from the sensei's teachings to explore their meaning in greater depth as in Ha. Then comes the "final" stage of Rei; where we can adapt our sensei's teaching to further develop ourselves personally and make it a part of our individual style. Then we review it all and go through Shu; Ha; Rei again. As in our training this process can happen over one training session for a technique but it is a constant over the lifetime of all we do in our art. We are all training over a lifetime; it is not possible for us to learn everything in a few years.This book is not to teach people about how to swing a sword. If that is what you are after; I think you should reconsider and get another book. This book is more about "Why should I use a sword and the ideals; responsibilities and consequences." But it goes even further than a sword; this is about how we conduct ourselves whether we be samurai; poet; or a leader.Whether you are just beginning a new martial arts or have been training for a long time this is a good book to gain better insight as to why we train. For those that train in the Koryu Bujutsu; this is a definite must have book.Arigato1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Amazing legacy for those interested in the topicBy A. A. WI bought it as a spinoff from reading Miyamoto Musashi; and was quite impressed. More philosophical than The Book of Five Rings; it's easier to get started with; but also has more depth. Like the other it's one of those books you are constantly reading from and are always benefiting from thinking you understood some perspective it gave you.Even though it's more easily applicable to Buddhist philosophy or martial arts; the wisdom in here can enrich any perspective of life: work; relationships; self development; business; sport; politics; etc.
