Good Enough

Good Enough PDF Author: Daniel S. Milo
Publisher: Harvard University Press
ISBN: 0674504623
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 321

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Book Description
In this spirited and irreverent critique of Darwin’s long hold over our imagination, a distinguished philosopher of science makes the case that, in culture as well as nature, not only the fittest survive: the world is full of the “good enough” that persist too. Why is the genome of a salamander forty times larger than that of a human? Why does the avocado tree produce a million flowers and only a hundred fruits? Why, in short, is there so much waste in nature? In this lively and wide-ranging meditation on the curious accidents and unexpected detours on the path of life, Daniel Milo argues that we ask these questions because we’ve embraced a faulty conception of how evolution—and human society—really works. Good Enough offers a vigorous critique of the quasi-monopoly that Darwin’s concept of natural selection has on our idea of the natural world. Darwinism excels in accounting for the evolution of traits, but it does not explain their excess in size and number. Many traits far exceed the optimal configuration to do the job, and yet the maintenance of this extra baggage does not prevent species from thriving for millions of years. Milo aims to give the messy side of nature its due—to stand up for the wasteful and inefficient organisms that nevertheless survive and multiply. But he does not stop at the border between evolutionary theory and its social consequences. He argues provocatively that the theory of evolution through natural selection has acquired the trappings of an ethical system. Optimization, competitiveness, and innovation have become the watchwords of Western societies, yet their role in human lives—as in the rest of nature—is dangerously overrated. Imperfection is not just good enough: it may at times be essential to survival.

Good Enough

Good Enough PDF Author: Daniel S. Milo
Publisher: Harvard University Press
ISBN: 0674504623
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 321

Get Book Here

Book Description
In this spirited and irreverent critique of Darwin’s long hold over our imagination, a distinguished philosopher of science makes the case that, in culture as well as nature, not only the fittest survive: the world is full of the “good enough” that persist too. Why is the genome of a salamander forty times larger than that of a human? Why does the avocado tree produce a million flowers and only a hundred fruits? Why, in short, is there so much waste in nature? In this lively and wide-ranging meditation on the curious accidents and unexpected detours on the path of life, Daniel Milo argues that we ask these questions because we’ve embraced a faulty conception of how evolution—and human society—really works. Good Enough offers a vigorous critique of the quasi-monopoly that Darwin’s concept of natural selection has on our idea of the natural world. Darwinism excels in accounting for the evolution of traits, but it does not explain their excess in size and number. Many traits far exceed the optimal configuration to do the job, and yet the maintenance of this extra baggage does not prevent species from thriving for millions of years. Milo aims to give the messy side of nature its due—to stand up for the wasteful and inefficient organisms that nevertheless survive and multiply. But he does not stop at the border between evolutionary theory and its social consequences. He argues provocatively that the theory of evolution through natural selection has acquired the trappings of an ethical system. Optimization, competitiveness, and innovation have become the watchwords of Western societies, yet their role in human lives—as in the rest of nature—is dangerously overrated. Imperfection is not just good enough: it may at times be essential to survival.

VisionMongers

VisionMongers PDF Author: David duChemin
Publisher: New Riders
ISBN: 0321702875
Category : Photography
Languages : en
Pages : 273

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Book Description
For those who want to make the transition into the world of vocational photography—staying true to your craft and vision, while fusing that craft with commerce VisionMongers is a great place to begin your journey. With a voice equally realistic and encouraging, photographer David duChemin discusses the experiences he’s had, the lessons he’s learned, and the practices he’s adopted in his own winding journey to becoming a successful working photographer. When it comes to this personal, honest combination of craft and commerce, there is no single path to success. Everyone’s goals are different, as is everyone’s definition of success. As such, VisionMongers does not prescribe a one size-fits-all program. Instead, duChemin candidly shares ideas, wisdom, and inspiration to introduce you to, and help you navigate, the many aspects of transforming your passion into your vocation. He addresses everything from the anxiety-riddled question “Am I good enough?” to the basics—and beyond—of marketing, business, and finance, as well as the core assumption that your product is great and your craft is always improving. Along the way, duChemin features the stories of nine other photographers—including Chase Jarvis, Gavin Gough, and Zack Arias—whose paths, while unique, have all shared a commitment and passion for bringing their own vision to market. With VisionMongers, you’ll learn what paths have been taken—what has worked for these photographers—and you’ll be equipped to begin the process of forging your own.

The Mediocrity Paradox

The Mediocrity Paradox PDF Author: Conrad Riker
Publisher: Conrad Riker
ISBN:
Category : Humor
Languages : en
Pages : 178

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Book Description
Are you tired of the constant pressure to excel in high school and beyond? Are you struggling with accepting that you're not exceptionally talented or gifted? If so, this book is for you. "The Mediocrity Paradox" is not just another book about high school and societal expectations. It's a wake-up call to those struggling with the harsh reality of not being the best. This book explores: - Why mediocrity is often seen as negative and how society views it - The pressure to excel in high school and the reality of not being the best - The psychological journey of accepting that one is not exceptional or gifted - How society defines success and the unrealistic standards set by media and social expectations - Examples of cognitive biases that lead people to believe they are better than they actually are - The phenomenon where winning can actually be detrimental, especially in high school - The statistical theory of averages and its application to high school performance and life - Each person's strengths and weaknesses, and how they can be used effectively If you're ready to redefine your understanding of success and stop letting societal expectations dictate your self-worth, then "The Mediocrity Paradox" is the book for you. It's time to understand the reality of mediocrity and embrace it. Order your copy today.

Mediocre

Mediocre PDF Author: Ijeoma Oluo
Publisher: Seal Press
ISBN: 1580059503
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 336

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Book Description
From the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller So You Want to Talk About Race, an “illuminating” (New York Times Book Review) history of white male identity. What happens to a country that tells generation after generation of white men that they deserve power? What happens when success is defined by status over women and people of color, instead of by actual accomplishments? Through the last 150 years of American history -- from the post-reconstruction South and the mythic stories of cowboys in the West, to the present-day controversy over NFL protests and the backlash against the rise of women in politics -- Ijeoma Oluo exposes the devastating consequences of white male supremacy on women, people of color, and white men themselves. Mediocre investigates the real costs of this phenomenon in order to imagine a new white male identity, one free from racism and sexism. As provocative as it is essential, this book will upend everything you thought you knew about American identity and offers a bold new vision of American greatness.

Ditch Mediocrity

Ditch Mediocrity PDF Author: Heléne Smuts
Publisher: Digital on Demand
ISBN: 0620941456
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 100

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Book Description
Heléne Smuts is the founder of Credo Growth, a people development consultancy that aims to bring out the best in leaders to help shape kick-ass teams. In her first book, she shares her experiences, insights and knowledge, to help you become a successful leader with a top calibre team.

The Irresistible Rise of Mediocre Man: The War On Excellence

The Irresistible Rise of Mediocre Man: The War On Excellence PDF Author: Joe Dixon
Publisher: Magus Books
ISBN:
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 824

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Book Description
Imagine a world without quality. That world is coming. Quality is being assassinated by mediocrity. We are told that a rising tide lifts all boats. A rising tide of mediocrity makes everything mediocre and drowns everything of quality. You can't find any quality because it is surrounded by so much mediocrity. Nietzsche said, "The higher we soar the smaller we seem to those who cannot fly." Mediocre people cannot recognize quality. For them, it's tiny, very far away, and irrelevant to their lives. Vicki Corona wrote, "Remember that life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away!" In the land of mediocrity, life is measured more and more by the former and features none of the latter. We live in a muzak world, a world of sanitized, sterilized elevator music, designed to be as innocuous as possible, forming a uniform background, a background of absolute, mind-wiping mediocrity. The whole world is becoming like that. What will you do about it?

Art & Fear

Art & Fear PDF Author: David Bayles
Publisher: Souvenir Press
ISBN: 1800815999
Category : Self-Help
Languages : en
Pages : 109

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Book Description
'I always keep a copy of Art & Fear on my bookshelf' JAMES CLEAR, author of the #1 best-seller Atomic Habits 'A book for anyone and everyone who wants to face their fears and get to work' DEBBIE MILLMAN, author and host of the podcast Design Matters 'A timeless cult classic ... I've stolen tons of inspiration from this book over the years and so will you' AUSTIN KLEON, NYTimes bestselling author of Steal Like an Artist 'The ultimate pep talk for artists. ... An invaluable guide for living a creative, collaborative life.' WENDY MACNAUGHTON, illustrator Art & Fear is about the way art gets made, the reasons it often doesn't get made, and the nature of the difficulties that cause so many artists to give up along the way. Drawing on the authors' own experiences as two working artists, the book delves into the internal and external challenges to making art in the real world, and shows how they can be overcome every day. First published in 1994, Art & Fear quickly became an underground classic, and word-of-mouth has placed it among the best-selling books on artmaking and creativity. Written by artists for artists, it offers generous and wise insight into what it feels like to sit down at your easel or keyboard, in your studio or performance space, trying to do the work you need to do. Every artist, whether a beginner or a prizewinner, a student or a teacher, faces the same fears - and this book illuminates the way through them.

The Decisions That Shape One's Destiny

The Decisions That Shape One's Destiny PDF Author: Lloyd N. Moffatt
Publisher: AuthorHouse
ISBN: 1456753177
Category : Family & Relationships
Languages : en
Pages : 315

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Book Description
Every lesson, experience and obstacle that is part of life requires a person to make a critical decision that will shape his or her destiny. It is through those experiences that come from the lessons that life teaches and the obstacles that one must go through that defines truly where one's heart and purpose lies in this world. I wrote this book because I know how important decision making is in everyone's lives. There are people who like to make decisions such as finding the right career, the right person to marry, the right places to live and raise their children, even decisions that affect their overall dreams and goals. Each person was born with a purpose in this world. No one can exist in this life without one. God doesn't make any mistakes in who or what He creates. Therefore, because you are not a mistake and God created you with a purpose, you have every reason to tap into your abilities and capabilities to impact the world. If you are hungry to discover your true potential, passion and purpose in life, you will be an entirely different person after reading this book. You will have the mindset to accomplish every impossible dream and goal that many people thought you could never possibly attain.

From Impressed to Obsessed: 12 Principles for Turning Customers and Employees into Lifelong Fans

From Impressed to Obsessed: 12 Principles for Turning Customers and Employees into Lifelong Fans PDF Author: Jon Picoult
Publisher: McGraw Hill Professional
ISBN: 1264258798
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 289

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Book Description
If you’re aspiring to satisfy your customers, then you’re aspiring to mediocrity. That’s the fascinating premise of From Impressed to Obsessed, a book that will fundamentally change how you think about creating a successful, beloved business. Acclaimed customer experience expert Jon Picoult explains why building customer loyalty requires leaving indelible positive impressions on everyone you work with—not just shaping their experiences, but also shaping their memories. Picoult explores the cognitive science behind great customer experiences, pinpointing the breakthrough, psychology-based strategies that both industry leaders (like Apple, Disney, and Southwest Airlines) as well as fast-growing startups (like BILT and Framebridge) use to shape people’s perceptions and sculpt unforgettable impressions—thereby turning more sales prospects into customers, and more customers into obsessed brand ambassadors. Packed with intriguing case studies, engaging stories, and eye-opening research, the book details these proven principles and illustrates how they can be applied to almost any type of business or customer. Examples include cases that show how to: • Create Peaks & Avoid Valleys—leverage the science of memory to etch positive impressions in people’s minds, by creating greater experiential peaks and fewer experiential valleys. • Give the Perception of Control—the almost magical power of giving customers a sense of agency, via choice and expectation-setting, causing them to feel better about the experience a business is already delivering. • Make It Effortless—make interactions easy for customers, not just from a physical perspective, but also a cognitive one, to satisfy today’s demand for simplicity and convenience. • Stir Emotion—harness the power of emotion as a memory cue, by infusing customer experiences with emotional resonance, highlighting positive feelings while stemming negative ones. No matter what kind of constituency you serve—customers or colleagues, individuals or institutions, employees or employment candidates—this book will help you do it with distinction. Picoult’s message is particularly relevant for managers, as he shows the parallels between how great companies cultivate engagement with customers, and how great leaders accomplish the same with their workforce. From Impressed to Obsessed reveals the what, the why, and—most importantly—the how behind great customer experiences. Filled with actionable insights, the book provides an invaluable roadmap for becoming the company that everyone wants to do business with, the employer everyone wants to work for, and the leader everyone wants to follow.

Shaping for Mediocrity

Shaping for Mediocrity PDF Author: Gibson Burrell
Publisher: Watkins Media Limited
ISBN: 1915672333
Category : Political Science
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
An insider account of the struggle for the soul of the university. In 2021, as part of a programme called Shaping for Excellence, bosses at the University of Leicester made redundant numerous scholars in what was simultaneously an attack on academic freedom and trade union organisation. The authors of Shaping for Mediocrity not only had front-row seats in the campaign against these mass redundancies, they were in the ring — both as targeted employees and as trade union officers and negotiators. Shaping for Mediocrity tells the inside story of these attacks and the campaign against them. It situates this story within a longer history of struggle to make the university a place where critical thinking is possible, showing how events in Leicester are both reflective of higher education in the UK following four decades of neoliberal "reform" and a particularly egregious instance of the increasingly authoritarian management of public institutions such as universities. Who makes the university and how? And what is the university for? These questions run through Shaping for Mediocrity. The book provides lessons for anyone who believes that workers have a right to organise, that employees must be allowed to question their employers, and that the university must be a critical institution.