The Evolution of Beauty

The Evolution of Beauty PDF Author: Richard O. Prum
Publisher: Anchor
ISBN: 0385537220
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 436

Get Book Here

Book Description
A FINALIST FOR THE PULITZER PRIZE NAMED A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR BY THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW, SMITHSONIAN, AND WALL STREET JOURNAL A major reimagining of how evolutionary forces work, revealing how mating preferences—what Darwin termed "the taste for the beautiful"—create the extraordinary range of ornament in the animal world. In the great halls of science, dogma holds that Darwin's theory of natural selection explains every branch on the tree of life: which species thrive, which wither away to extinction, and what features each evolves. But can adaptation by natural selection really account for everything we see in nature? Yale University ornithologist Richard Prum—reviving Darwin's own views—thinks not. Deep in tropical jungles around the world are birds with a dizzying array of appearances and mating displays: Club-winged Manakins who sing with their wings, Great Argus Pheasants who dazzle prospective mates with a four-foot-wide cone of feathers covered in golden 3D spheres, Red-capped Manakins who moonwalk. In thirty years of fieldwork, Prum has seen numerous display traits that seem disconnected from, if not outright contrary to, selection for individual survival. To explain this, he dusts off Darwin's long-neglected theory of sexual selection in which the act of choosing a mate for purely aesthetic reasons—for the mere pleasure of it—is an independent engine of evolutionary change. Mate choice can drive ornamental traits from the constraints of adaptive evolution, allowing them to grow ever more elaborate. It also sets the stakes for sexual conflict, in which the sexual autonomy of the female evolves in response to male sexual control. Most crucially, this framework provides important insights into the evolution of human sexuality, particularly the ways in which female preferences have changed male bodies, and even maleness itself, through evolutionary time. The Evolution of Beauty presents a unique scientific vision for how nature's splendor contributes to a more complete understanding of evolution and of ourselves.

The Evolution of Beauty

The Evolution of Beauty PDF Author: Richard O. Prum
Publisher: Anchor
ISBN: 0385537220
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 436

Get Book Here

Book Description
A FINALIST FOR THE PULITZER PRIZE NAMED A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR BY THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW, SMITHSONIAN, AND WALL STREET JOURNAL A major reimagining of how evolutionary forces work, revealing how mating preferences—what Darwin termed "the taste for the beautiful"—create the extraordinary range of ornament in the animal world. In the great halls of science, dogma holds that Darwin's theory of natural selection explains every branch on the tree of life: which species thrive, which wither away to extinction, and what features each evolves. But can adaptation by natural selection really account for everything we see in nature? Yale University ornithologist Richard Prum—reviving Darwin's own views—thinks not. Deep in tropical jungles around the world are birds with a dizzying array of appearances and mating displays: Club-winged Manakins who sing with their wings, Great Argus Pheasants who dazzle prospective mates with a four-foot-wide cone of feathers covered in golden 3D spheres, Red-capped Manakins who moonwalk. In thirty years of fieldwork, Prum has seen numerous display traits that seem disconnected from, if not outright contrary to, selection for individual survival. To explain this, he dusts off Darwin's long-neglected theory of sexual selection in which the act of choosing a mate for purely aesthetic reasons—for the mere pleasure of it—is an independent engine of evolutionary change. Mate choice can drive ornamental traits from the constraints of adaptive evolution, allowing them to grow ever more elaborate. It also sets the stakes for sexual conflict, in which the sexual autonomy of the female evolves in response to male sexual control. Most crucially, this framework provides important insights into the evolution of human sexuality, particularly the ways in which female preferences have changed male bodies, and even maleness itself, through evolutionary time. The Evolution of Beauty presents a unique scientific vision for how nature's splendor contributes to a more complete understanding of evolution and of ourselves.

The Five Longings

The Five Longings PDF Author: David Richo
Publisher: Shambhala Publications
ISBN: 1611803624
Category : Self-Help
Languages : en
Pages : 194

Get Book Here

Book Description
How identifying what you want can reveal deep truths about yourself—and how working with those longings can lead to a happier, more satisfying life If you’ve ever had a vague sense that something’s missing from your life, congratulations: that longing for something better is a sign of being fully human, fully alive. But what’s even more wonderful, according to Dave Richo, is that when you identify and carefully examine the things you long for—like love, meaning, freedom, happiness, and growth—you not only discover deep truths about yourself, but you also find that the things you long for were never really “missing” at all. Richo provides enlightening advice and practices for accessing just this kind of profound self-discovery, illustrated by a wealth of examples from depth psychology, religion, and literature. Our longings in fact point to the presence of something transcendent in us, he shows. In seeking something better, we are seeking that which we already are. “David Richo does a brilliant job unpacking the unhealthy versions of ego that confine us. Through psychological and Buddhist wisdom teachings and a range of powerful practices and meditations, we are guided beyond the identity of separate self to the loving awareness that is our deepest essence.” —Tara Brach, PhD, author of Radical Acceptance and True Refuge

Love, Joe

Love, Joe PDF Author: Joe Brainard
Publisher: Columbia University Press
ISBN: 0231555040
Category : Literary Collections
Languages : en
Pages : 600

Get Book Here

Book Description
An artist and writer whose charming and inventive works are at once modest and ambitious, Joe Brainard was one of the most distinctive figures on New York City’s vibrant cultural scene in the 1960s and 1970s. Widely known for his influential experimental memoir, I Remember, Brainard worked in a variety of forms, from New York School–aligned poetry to Pop Art–adjacent artworks, including wild riffs on the comic strip character Nancy. His art drew on the everyday and popular culture, exuding a sense of amiability, wit, and generosity. Love, Joe presents a selection of Brainard’s letters stretching from 1959 to 1993, offering an intimate view of his personal and artistic life. They allow readers to witness an extraordinarily fertile moment in New York’s history, when literary and visual arts intersected with happenings, proto-punk and psychedelic rock concerts, and experimental music and dance performances. Brainard’s letters to his partner, Kenward Elmslie, and others also open a window onto the transformations of queer life during this period. His correspondents include poet and artist friends such as John Ashbery, Anne Waldman, Ted Berrigan, Alice Notley, Fairfield Porter, Ron Padgett, Bernadette Mayer, James Schuyler, Alex Katz, and Andy Warhol, as well as lovers, patrons, high school friends, and fans. At once an insider’s view of the art and literary worlds and a revelation of Brainard’s creative process, these letters invite readers to share in his radical but gentle candor, his open-mindedness, and a sophisticated naiveté that helped him erase the conventional barriers between art and life.

What Makes Us Tick?

What Makes Us Tick? PDF Author: Hugh Mackay
Publisher: Hachette Australia
ISBN: 0733627536
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 263

Get Book Here

Book Description
'Hugh Mackay is one of this country’s most perceptive social commentators' - Sydney Morning Herald Insightful and engaging, What Makes Us Tick? helps to explain what drives us, concerns us and is important to each of us – from Australia's leading social researcher, Hugh Mackay. Dr Mackay has spent a lifetime listening to people talk about their dreams, fears, hopes, disappointments and passions. As well, his bestselling books have documented the impact of the changes that have been radically reshaping our society. In What Makes Us Tick? he reflects on some of the things that don't change, identifies ten desires that drive us all, and asks: 'Why do we talk as if we're rational, but act as if we're not?'; 'Why do some people always want to take control?'; 'Why do we seek change, yet resist it?'; 'Why do we want more of the things that have failed to satisfy us?'. His exploration of these and other issues goes to the heart of some of life's big questions. In this new edition Hugh Mackay offers a postscript that delves into the many concerns that were raised by people around the country when he was first promoting What Makes Us Tick?. They include: 'Why do people become workaholics?'; 'How can religious people hold such irrational beliefs?'; 'Why are so many people hooked on social media?'; 'What about gender and generational differences?'; 'Shouldn't our desire for security be on the list?', as well as many other issues that resonate with modern Australia. He also offers more thoughts on ... the desire to be taken seriously; the desire for 'my place'; the desire for something to believe in; the desire to connect; the desire to be useful. Raising all these ideas, this is a book that will explain us to ourselves. Hugh Mackay is a psychologist, social researcher and novelist, and is the author of the the bestselling Advance Australia... Where?

The Spiritual Mechanics of Love

The Spiritual Mechanics of Love PDF Author: Dan Desmarques
Publisher: 22 Lions
ISBN:
Category : Self-Help
Languages : en
Pages : 50

Get Book Here

Book Description
Discover the secrets they don't want you to know about understanding and processing emotions in "The Spiritual Mechanics of Love: Secrets They Don't Want You to Know about Understanding and Processing Emotions." This compelling book delves into what truly makes relationships work and why they often fail, providing valuable insights and guidance for transforming your love life. In today's modern world, relationships can be challenging to navigate. Despite our knowledge of basic principles of love, such as communication, more and more people find themselves unsatisfied in their relationships, leading to an increase in breakups and divorces. But what efforts should we truly be focusing on? How can we understand love from a spiritual perspective? This book provides the answers we've been seeking. With a deep dive into the world of energy and emotions, "The Spiritual Mechanics of Love" explores the spiritual laws and chemical principles that influence our relationships. By understanding these underlying forces, we can enhance our communication and connection with our partners. Discover how to tap into the energy field around us, uncovering the information displayed in our reality and responding accordingly. Written with clarity and insight, this book offers practical guidance for transforming your relationships and cultivating lasting love. Whether you're single, in a new relationship, or struggling in a long-term partnership, "The Spiritual Mechanics of Love" is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of love and the tools to create a fulfilling and harmonious connection. Take the first step towards a more fulfilling love life. Buy "The Spiritual Mechanics of Love" today and unlock the secrets to understanding and processing emotions for a happier, more connected relationship.

The Land: Foundin

The Land: Foundin PDF Author: Aleron Kong
Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
ISBN: 9781720912491
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 294

Get Book Here

Book Description
The Acclaimed Debut Novel of the Best Selling Chaos Seeds Saga A mesmerizing tale reminiscent of the wonder of Ready Player One and the adventure of Game of Thrones #1 Audiobook 2017 #1 in Cyberpunk and Video Game Fantasy Over Four THOUSAND positive reviews on Goodreads Welcome my friends! Welcome... to "The Land!" Tricked into a world of banished gods, demons, goblins, sprites and magic, Richter must learn to meet the perils of The Land and begin to forge his own kingdom. Actions have consequences across The Land, with powerful creatures and factions now hell-bent on Richter's destruction. Can Richter forge allegiances to survive this harsh and unforgiving world or will he fall to the dark denizens of this ancient and unforgiving realm? A tale to shake "The Land" itself, measuring 10/10 on the Richter scale, how will Richter's choices shape the future of The Land and all who reside in it? Can he grow his power to meet the deadliest of beings of the land? When choices are often a shade of grey, how will Richter ensure he does not become what he seeks to destroy? ps - Gnomes Rule

Perfect Circle

Perfect Circle PDF Author: Alvin L. A. Horn
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 1451683758
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 411

Get Book Here

Book Description
Stalking, violence, and philandering threaten the well-being of the professional and private lives of four characters in the Emerald City of Seattle. Ayman Sparks is the head coach of the East Seattle City University basketball team. He tries to control everything in life just like the tight swish of a basketball. But he can’t control his life when his wife leaves him. When he meets a woman, he initially simply considers her a substitute for his ex-wife, but she pushes boundaries with her deep emotional issues and doesn’t go away without taking a pound of flesh. Sterlin Baylor, the assistant coach, is pure playboy, and he bounces women in and out of his bed—and sometimes two at a time. This changes when a woman does something foul to him that becomes a life-or-death situation for Sterlin and everyone involved. Lois Mae has turned to Internet dating. He finds a stylish, full-figured woman who teaches literature at the university. But their dates sometimes turn dangerous as she has a hard time keeping her compulsive sexual appetite under control. Her past follows her from the abuse she received her ex-husband and her second husband’s murder. Will her history keep her love dying or will she learn to live for love? Vanita Irving is a churchgoing single mother. She is a model of beauty who appears confident and efficient, but she can’t control her life-long struggles with depression. Will she take the right steps to change her life or will she keep repeating her past? The beauty of Seattle and the four protagonists will keep you under an umbrella of drama to the very end.

Time, Love , Memory

Time, Love , Memory PDF Author: Jonathan Weiner
Publisher: Vintage
ISBN: 0804153361
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 322

Get Book Here

Book Description
The story of Nobel Prize–winning discoveries regarding the molecular mechanisms controlling the body’s circadian rhythm. How much of our fate is decided before we are born? Which of our characteristics is inscribed in our DNA? Weiner brings us into Benzer's Fly Rooms at the California Institute of Technology, where Benzer, and his asssociates are in the process of finding answers, often astonishing ones, to these questions. Part biography, part thrilling scientific detective story, Time, Love, Memory forcefully demonstrates how Benzer's studies are changing our world view--and even our lives. Jonathan Weiner, winner of the Pulitzer Prize for The Beak of the Finch, brings his brilliant reporting skills to the story of Seymour Benzer, the Brooklyn-born maverick scientist whose study of genetics and experiments with fruit fly genes has helped revolutionize or knowledge of the connections between DNA and behavior both animal and human.

Gemsigns

Gemsigns PDF Author: Stephanie Saulter
Publisher: Arcadia
ISBN: 1780878664
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 377

Get Book Here

Book Description
They were created to save humanity. Now they must fight to save themselves. For years the human race was under attack from a deadly Syndrome, but when a cure was found - in the form of genetically engineered human beings, Gems - the line between survival and ethics was radically altered. Now the Gems are fighting for their freedom, from the oppression of the companies that created them, and against the Norms who see them as slaves. And a conference at which Dr Eli Walker has been commissioned to present his findings on the Gems is the key to that freedom. But with the Gemtech companies fighting to keep the Gems enslaved, and the horrifying godgangs determined to rid the earth of these 'unholy' creations, the Gems are up against forces that may just be too powerful to oppose.

A Convenient Arrangement

A Convenient Arrangement PDF Author: Lynne Graham
Publisher: Harlequin
ISBN: 1460345495
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 374

Get Book Here

Book Description
Two women in desperate circumstances find love where they least expect it in these two classic stories from a USA Today–bestselling author. The Italian’s Wife Holly Sansom has hit rock bottom. She has no way to care for herself or her eight-month-old son. Then a chance encounter with handsome CEO Rio Lombardi changes everything. Suddenly she’s living in luxury, and if she accepts Rio’s proposal, all her worries will be forever behind her. But is it really the perfect life if she doesn’t have his love? The Spanish Groom Dixie Robinson hasn’t been good at much. The one thing she’s done right is to befriend an elderly man. She’ll do anything for Jasper—except marry his godson. After all, Cesar Valverde doesn’t even like her. But as Jasper is rushed to the operating room, Dixie is rushed to the altar. Is this yet another mistake, or the smartest thing Dixie has ever done? Originally published in 2001 and 1999