What is human consciousness, where did it come from, and how does it determine who we are and how we live in the world? At the heart of this book is the theory that human consciousness did not develop over time--that, in fact, ancient peoples from mesopotamia to Peru did not "think" as we do and therefore were not conscious. Drawing on laboratory studies of the brain and clos examination of archaeological evidence, the author concludes that consciousness...

"Two weeks before his death, Oliver Sacks outlined the contents of The River of Consciousness, the last book he would oversee. The best-selling author of On the Move, Musicophilia, and The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat, Sacks is known for his illuminating case histories about people living with neurological conditions at the far borderlands of human experience. But his grasp of science was not restricted to neuroscience or medicine; he was fascinated...

"Western thought has been dominated by the dichotomy of traditional religion and secular atheism. But do we have to choose between these options? In this pioneering work, Philip Goff argues that it is time to move on from both God and atheism. Though an exploration of contemporary cosmology and cutting-edge philosophical research on consciousness, Goff argues for cosmic purpose: the idea that the universe is directed towards certain goals, such as...

"Peter Godfrey-Smith is a leading philosopher of science. He is also a scuba diver whose underwater videos of warring octopuses have attracted wide notice. In this book, he brings his parallel careers together to tell a bold new story of how nature became aware of itself. Mammals and birds are widely seen as the smartest creatures on earth. But one other branch of the tree of life has also sprouted surprising intelligence: the cephalopods, consisting...

"An electrifying introduction to complexity theory, the science of how complex systems behave--from cells to human beings, ecosystems, the known universe, and beyond--that profoundly reframes our understanding and illuminates our interconnectedness. Nothing in the universe is more complex than life. Throughout the skies, in oceans, and across lands, life is endlessly on the move. In its myriad forms--from cells to human beings, social structures,...

What is consciousness? Why does it remain a mystery? In the magic of consciousness, Daniel Dennett takes your students on a fascinating journey backstage, behind the minds curtain, to reveal the inner workings of the magic show we call consciousness- and why it evolved. Setting his stage with "the problem of consciousness," Dennett illuminates how human biases have, for centuries, insisted that consciousness must be irreducibly mysterious--like "real"...

Get leadership-fit and see results in yourself and others. Leadership and fitness are both journeys of self-discovery. Both require self-awareness, passion, and commitment. Both have the potential to inspire others. And for both, results come only with effort. To achieve great heights, you must be willing to take the first step, put in the work, and overcome the inevitable obstacles. In Peak Leadership Fitness: Elevating Your Leadership Game, leadership...

A guide for being fully equipped to succeed on the journey of life The Backpack: How to Understand and Manage Yourself While Loving Others Along the Way tells the story of Jon, Sofia, and Buddy whose pathways merge on a life-changing flight. Written by a senior consultant with the Flippen Group (a world-wide leader in self-awareness training), the book brings together an angry passenger, a wise flight attendant, and a down-home cowboy. Their chance...

This accessible, user-friendly toolbox for teens introduces them to mindfulness practice and shows them how it can ease their fears and anxieties, reduce their impulsivity, help them develop a more measured response to the stressors around them, and build strong relationships.

A group of people agree to take part in a workshop led by spiritual leader Paul Lowe in their search for a higher personal truth. Searing emotional honesty, sexuality and the exorcising of inner demons are the hallmarks of this groundbreaking and provocative documentary.