Average customer rating:
- Nice man, wandering story...
- ****LOVED IT****
- MEASURE OF A MAN does not measure up
- SPIRITUAL "Of, Relating to, Consisting of, or Affecting the Spirit" MERRIAM-WEBSTER
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The Measure of a Man: A Spiritual Autobiography (Oprah's Book Club)
Sidney Poitier
Manufacturer: HarperSanFrancisco
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0061357901
Release Date: 2007-01-26 |
Book Description
"I have no wish to play the pontificating fool, pretending that I've suddenly come up with the answers to all life's questions. Quite that contrary, I began this book as an exploration, an exercise in self-questing. In other words, I wanted to find out, as I looked back at a long and complicated life, with many twists and turns, how well I've done at measuring up to the values I myself have set."
—Sidney Poitier
In this luminous memoir, a true American icon looks back on his celebrated life and career. His body of work is arguably the most morally significant in cinematic history, and the power and influence of that work are indicative of the character of the man behind the many storied roles. Sidney Poitier here explores these elements of character and personal values to take his own measure—as a man, as a husband and a father, and as an actor.
Poitier credits his parents and his childhood on tiny Cat Island in the Bahamas for equipping him with the unflinching sense of right and wrong and of self-worth that he has never surrendered and that have dramatically shaped his world. "In the kind of place where I grew up," recalls Poitier, "what's coming at you is the sound of the sea and the smell of the wind and momma's voice and the voice of your dad and the craziness of your brothers and sisters...and that's it." Without television, radio, and material distractions to obscure what matters most, he could enjoy the simple things, endure the long commitments, and find true meaning in his life.
Poitier was uncompromising as he pursued a personal and public life that would honor his upbringing and the invaluable legacy of his parents. Just a few years after his introduction to indoor plumbing and the automobile, Poitier broke racial barrier after racial barrier to launch a pioneering acting career. Committed to the notion that what one does for a living articulates to who one is, Poitier played only forceful and affecting characters who said something positive, useful, and lasting about the human condition.
Here is Poitier's own introspective look at what has informed his performances and his life. Poitier explores the nature of sacrifice and commitment, price and humility, rage and forgiveness, and paying the price for artistic integrity. What emerges is a picture of a man in the face of limits—his own and the world's. A triumph of the spirit, The Measure of a Man captures the essential Poitier.
Customer Reviews:
Nice man, wandering story..........2007-10-04
I had to force myself to finish this book, simply because I didn't want to waste my money by leaving it when I was tempted to. It was interesting to realize that an actor whose work I had appreciated came from such a spare beginning, but by halfway through the book, the continuous wandering asides and disclaimers of the author so overwhelmed the narrative that I could barely tolerate it. It seems to me that the story could have been told to greater effect with half the words!
****LOVED IT****.......2007-09-24
Kept me interested...I really enjoyed this book...I couldn't put the book down until I finished reading it!!!!
MEASURE OF A MAN does not measure up.......2007-09-21
Wow, a book about Sidney Poitier. An outstanding actor with a book that just does not give him true justice. The reading tends to be dry and lacks substance. His life struggles could have been the story of any man or woman, black or white. The writing and editing are weak in some sections.
You should rent or buy one of Poitier's movies instead. His movie roles show his true skills.
SPIRITUAL "Of, Relating to, Consisting of, or Affecting the Spirit" MERRIAM-WEBSTER.......2007-08-30
I've always been smitten with Poitier's voice--his diction and control on film, the flow of his words as they travel in and around ideas during interviews--so I read THE MEASURE OF A MAN with an ear for his voice. I wondered, Is it translatable to print? It is, but that means allowing Poitier's thoughts to meander until they find their point, and that his thoughts are less formulated (or formal) and more "in his own words," than they might be if they were written by a biographer. (I read just enough "You know?"s "You hear me when I tell you?"s and "You follow?"s to feel like he was talking to me, but not too many to be annoyed.) I read to imagine what it might be like to have a conversation with Poitier. The book reinforced what I already knew--I'd be as intimidated as heck--but it also gave me the courage to think I'd be able to speak my mind.
As an editor, I read Poitier's book because I wanted to know how he defines a "spiritual" autobiography. Is it a I-Was-A-Sinner-But-I-Found-Jesus-And-Now-I'm-Saved chronology? Is it about how Christianity or another faith influenced his life? Neither. Poitier examines the people, events, circumstances, beliefs, and so on, which have related to, consisted of, or affected his "spirit," and, in doing so, he writes about childhood experiences in the Bahamas, his changing perceptions of his parents, how he adapts to living in the United States, his approach to acting and filmmaking, and his attitude toward fatherhood. He also shares a debate a friend and he had about the Basic Truth of Nature, a debate worth every second of reading it takes to get to.
Is THE MEASURE OF A MAN going to satisfy readers interested only in Poitier's film career? No, but I urge them to read it anyway, if for no other reason than to find out how his "spirit" influenced the films he starred in.
Books.......2007-08-21
I purchased this book for my daughter and she loved it!
She is a teacher and plans to teach this story in her English class fall 2007.
A great story with a great moral.
Book Description
Meet Denver, a man raised under plantation-style slavery in Louisiana in the 1960s; a man who escaped, hopping a train to wander, homeless, for eighteen years on the streets of Dallas, Texas. No longer a slave, Denver's life was still hopeless-until God moved. First came a godly woman who prayed, listened, and obeyed. And then came her husband, Ron, an international arts dealer at home in a world of Armani-suited millionaires. And then they all came together.
But slavery takes many forms. Deborah discovers that she has cancer. In the face of possible death, she charges her husband to rescue Denver. Who will be saved, and who will be lost? What is the future for these unlikely three? What is God doing?
Same Kind of Different As Me is the emotional story of their story: a telling of pain and laughter, doubt and tears, dug out between the bondages of this earth and the free possibility of heaven. No reader will ever forget it.
Customer Reviews:
What a Great Read!.......2007-10-10
This book was recommended by a colleague and I could not find it here in Key West. I ordered two copies from Amazon and gave them both to friends (after reading). I was moved to tears by parts of the book. If anybody has any concerns about homeless issues, this book will renew one's faith in what can be done. It is one of the finest books on homeless issues that I have read in many years.
Very touching.......2007-10-01
This is a very readable book. It is also extremely touching. Several times as I read,I found tears streaming down my face. It will restore your faith in mankind and that there is more to a person than meets the eye.
A must read book.......2007-09-29
I don't have proper words to express this "amazing" book.
I can now better understand how it used to be in Slave times,
and feel a better understanding of my own faith and life after death.
I cried at moments of revealation! Would help anyone become a believer.
This book changed my life!.......2007-09-25
It's very easy to forget that this is a true story - it is such an amazing story that it could be fiction! It's a beautiful, poignant, touching book and it changed the way I view the homeless and how I share my resources with others. LOVED IT and I've been telling everyone I know to read it too!!
book.......2007-09-18
I ordered this book for my husband who had heard it was wonderful. He thought it was the best book he had ever read and he highly recommends it!!
Customer Reviews:
This book changed my life.......2006-10-16
I read this book in the midst of discovering the myriad of hidden truths about african history. Being African American myself I have spent many years trying to undo the backwards education that I was subjected to about my culture in this country by doing extensive research.
If for anything, read this book alone to gain an inside experience of what horrors Africans suffered at the hands of missionaries who felt it was their duty to "save" african children from their "barbaric" roots. They stole these children away from their villages to bring them up in seminary schools where they were subject to brutal treatment and the brainwashing of their religion. I feel it is people's duty to understand the raw effects of these events as it has also happened to indigenous cultures all over the world.
As some reviewers say below, there is a lot about this book that seems fantastical. Malidoma takes us far into the magic and ritual of his culture. It takes an open mind, one that recognizes that the destructive path of colonialism was not only physical but emotional and spiritual. Take time if you will to reflect that if you think colonialism was a destructive force, it also took it's toll on our openess to the possibility of realities other than our own. There isn't hocus pocus in this book, Malidoma a very grounded, extremely well educated gentlemen who has experienced the western world and his traditional one inside out. What he offers in this book is an invaluable opportunity to see the remnants of a culture that we have lost touch with and just how important it is to reconnect to the possibility that what we experience as solid reality is only that which we have been brought up to believe in. It does not mean that it is the only one.
Malidoma's writing is also beautiful and engrossing, I couldn't put it down. I was left with a more solid sense of who I was as an African American, I have learned about the advanced architecture and maths that africans had but I had never had a chance to look this deeply into our spiritual history.
An unforgettable book.......2006-08-26
A riveting and beautiful mystical story that encompasses many lessons that we all could learn from. I could feel Malidoma's pain in his struggle with the evil criminals that complicated his life. This book is absolutely wonderful for all who appreciate the mysteries of existence but it also has many very important lessons that the Africans in America and the diaspora would do well to take notice of.In my opinion,this book should be in schools.
A mixed blessing.......2006-06-29
Malidoma Some's book is truly a mixed blessing! He writes about his personal experiences and life journey, about the spirituality of his people and the contrasts between the African Mindset and the ideas and pre-conceptions of Western people/white people.
Some parts of this book truly deserve 5 starts, other parts deserve 0! The most important part of this book is indeed Mr Some's return to his own village and his struggles to re-claim his own roots. Every practitioner and every seeker of African religions should have a look at this section of the book. It clearly shows that the western mindset can hinder us from fully embracing what African spirituality has to offer and how different the TRADITIONAL African mindset is to the mindset of western people. Just like Mr Some, who in the course of his journey realized that his "Europeanization" hindered him from fully embracing his own tradition, so should many Europeans who search for "greater powers" within the African traditions examine their own preconceptions and ideas. This part alone deserves 5 starts!
Other parts of the book read much like a fiction story and should be take with a big pinch of salt. This being said, some of the things Mr Some describes can still be found within African Traditional Religions in the West - visible spirit manifestations being just one example. However, others are rather dubious...0 stars for that part of the work!
Of Water and the Spirit, and contradictory book.......2006-02-13
first of all, i would like to have it known that i am 15, and i had to read this book for AC Writing Workshop. the first 4 or 5 chapters are very dull. the next few chapters are mildly distrubing, for he gets molested, and it is hinted that other boys are getting raped. later on, the book gets better. this book is entertaining, but unrealistic, i highly disagree with its title as an autobiography, for there is no way many of these happenings could have taken place. if it was classified as a fictional story, i would have no problem, but it is classified as an autobiography. i believe that many of his "experiences" have to do with either, dehydration, heat stroke, hallucinagents, or hypnosis. it is impossible for someone to jump into a light portal and disappear into another dimension. for this reason, i would not recomend using this book for a class, for it is completely ridiculus. it is entertaining towards the latter half of the book, the author occasionally slips into a few instances when he uses circumlocution, but other then that, its not too bad. read this book, if ur believe in spirits, but i would not recomend it if u are into science, and the phisical limits of certain things, for this book is completely contradictory to "western" beliefs.
John G.
Malidoma blurs the line between Western Fiction and African Nonfiction.......2006-01-03
I was given this book by a friend because of my interest in Water (see: Masaru Emoto's "The Hidden Messages in Water") and my interest in Shamanism (see: Tom Cowan's "Fire in the Head").
Generally, I read these kinds of books because of personal soul-searching, so it is good that Malidoma's book delivers some of his personal answers and leaves other answers open. It struck me as a nonfiction that read as a fiction novel. The downside is that Malidoma learns something deep in this novel, but the reader is not privy to his experience: even Malidoma says that a lot of what he sees cannot be described, for personal reasons or due to the limits of our language. It is a palpatable feeling of loss when Malidoma comes out of his experience enlightened, but many readers would not.
I would recommend this book for people who already live in a world of fiction: Malidoma has seen a lot of things that defy Western "reality," and some straightlaced readers may not be able to accept or respect Malidoma enough to continue reading. If you can suspend your beliefs, however, the book is completely engrossing: I found it hard to put down! Malidoma is a sympathetic character in his own book, and characterizes the people he met very well.
The book itself is jam-packed full of text: a cursory glance at the textual presentation makes you blink. Take a look at an excerpt above.
I found this book hard to put down. Any fiction-lover who is interested in a new culture that is not fictional at all should this book.
Book Description
Contemporary West African culture harbors rich and meaningful spiritual traditions. Yet, there are few written records of West Africa's major beliefs, rituals, and ceremonies. The Way of the Elders co-authored by a West African native raised in the Mande tradition offers rare and authentic insight into the spirituality of West Africa, and particularly the Mande culture.
This spiritual guidebook explains fundamental beliefs, such as reverence for the One Spirit, that permeate tribal life. Offerings, charms, herbal healing, shamans and their functions, the importance of wildlife, and the four elements of nature are discussed in detail. The second half of the book is devoted to sacred living and focuses on village life, sacred music and dance, pregnancy, birth, childhood initiation, marriage, death, and funerals.
Customer Reviews:
Taken out of Context.......2007-05-12
please pay no mind to kaioatey's comments. The book is meant to discuss the spiritual aspect of West African (particularly Mande) culture. It is not a book about divination or sorcery. Kaioatey's comments are ignorant for several reasons.
1. Using Benin as an example is ridiculous because Benin is over a thousand miles away from the Mande region, which is the focus of this book.
2. West African religions are not anymore preoccupied with harming neighbors than any other religion. Many other religions justify destruction of neighbors like Yahweh's destruction of Canaan and all the first born sons of Egypt or Mohammed's forceful conversion of the Middle East in the name of Allah or the Hindu doctrine of caste systems--did the same thing to a much greater extent. This is a small part of the religion practiced by a small group within it and should not be considered the focus; just as it would not be appropriate to judge a book discussing the spirituality of Islam or Christianity because it did not talk about the damaging effects these religions had because of their expansionist approach. Just the same, just because some West Africans may misuse the religion as other cultures misuse their religion, it should not be a part of the spiritual canon of what the religion stands for. Not to mention many of the Western ideas of West African religion and use of sorcery are COMPLETELY misuderstood and inaccurate.
good reading.......2007-02-11
This is a nice book that covers many basic aspects of life among the Wolof and Fulani (Fulbe), West African peoples living in today's Senegambia, Mali and Burkina Faso. The book covers the basics of beliefs, rituals, family life, spirits etc. in an open-hearted and simple manner. Lots of little details about plants, animals, initiation, relationships with the elders, village life, music in this book.
On the down side, the authors have striven to show only the best aspects of the village life and the book appears somewhat aseptic. Any West African village is also filled with envy, greed, sorcery, conflict and Africans are well-known masters of 'witchcraft' spending inordinate amounts of material and time resources on protecting and attacking fellow villagers. Benin, from which originates most of what is known today as vodou, is just next door. There is no mention of these practices in the book, as if West Africans lived in lovey dovey New Age communes. There are no real life stories of actual people in the book, nor are there, in what in my opinion is the greatest minus of the book, any experiences and personal beliefs of the authors themselves.
Nevertheless, i recommend the book, as it shows how integrated community life is into ancestral patterns and spiritual frameworks in West Africa.
Ashe!.......2006-11-07
Its nice to see a good book published by Llewellyn for once. The author has written a simple and beautiful book for anyone interested in traditional African spirituality. The book is very well organized, and provides information on many aspects of of African spirituality as practiced in African, the Carribean, and the Americas. Highly reccomended for someone just starting out on this path.
A Jewel.......2005-03-18
The Way of the Elders: West African Spirituality and Tradition by the Doumbia's is a little jewel. Written in a very concise way, "The Way of the Elders" contains the wise voice of an African proverb. The no-nonsense, easy to relate to style the couple uses is inviting and does a great deal to put West African Spiritual tradition in perspective amidst other traditions of indigenous people around the world. The topic itself, West African Spirituality and Traditions, is immense and only beginning to be told by various authors. I have a feeling there is a lot more lurking under the surface of this book. I hope in future books the Doumbia's will be able to share and reveal more about the fascinating Bamana, Fulani,and Wolof cultures.
a touching, creative overview.......2004-11-30
The Way of the Elders has all the elements of a great book: it tells good stories, imparts cultural information, and inspires personal improvement. It is a primer on West Africa showing how spirituality is interwoven with everyday life; the two are not spoken of separately the way they often are in the western world.
The voices are both personal and scholarly. Whether you want a thorough introduction to the lives, work, artistry, and storytelling of West Africans or you just want to enjoy a lovely read, this is an excellent choice.
Book Description
Orisa is the indigenous earth-centered religion of the Yoruba people of southwestern Nigeria. Its central tenet is for people to live intimately with the sacred, working toward an awareness of the divine in all things. The author introduces the basic teachings and metaphysical underpinnings of Orisa and explores its history, branches, and stories. Correal also covers rites of initiation, relationships with ancestors, and how to integrate the principles into daily living. These in-depth, easily grasped explanations of Orisa's basic concepts are offered here in a personal approach that brings the African spiritual path of Orisa into daily life.
Customer Reviews:
Spiritual Growth and Development.......2007-01-12
This book was so interesting, I could not put it down. Most of the content directly related to my personal experiences with Yoruba, and in addition, it sheds insight into the various levels of spiritual growth and development so that you can better understand yourself and others and most importantly, how God works within humans. I found the book to be remarkably well written, concise and to the point and refreshing for the mind. Thank you for having it available at a time when I needed it the most and could not find it anywhere else.
Truth & Tradition.......2007-01-01
Reading "Finding Soul" gave me a great sense of priorities. As a Yogi, my practice is to go inside first and outside next. Tobe took me inside of her journey of Yoruba, and I appreciate it greatly. My Guru, Yogananda, teaches that external ritual is moot without an inner attempt to commune with the Divine. I think Finding Soul teaches us that same truth. I think that the author took her her tradition and enhanced it without compromising it, and then she invited us in much as a friend might invite us into her living room. Thank you.
Finding Soul on the Path of Orisa.......2006-09-13
I found what I've been looking for. The book explains well in detail the aspects of the path or looking for God as we see her/him. Great for anybody who wants to know more about the path of the orisa and the spirituality within ourself and everithing around us and God. Thank you for reccommending this book. I will buuy more of them to pass on to my family and friends or anybody who wants to know more about my spiritual path.
Finding Soul.......2006-09-12
Finding Soul on the path of Orisa is truly one of the great books available on the market today. Out of all the books written about Traditional African Religion available, this one truly has something special that speaks to the self, to the soul of the reader. I have barely begun my own journey finding soul, but I feel this book helps one to be better able to make that journey. There is a true blessing in this book, much respect to the author.
A message people of all faiths can embrace.......2006-09-11
As a new initiate I found the book both informative and inspirational. I believe in my heart that all faiths are designed to elevate us to our higher selves and ultimately to God. 'Finding Soul on the Path of Orisa' provides some powerful insights that will help you on that journey. I recommend this book to anyone, regardless of faith, you wont regret it.
Book Description
Fu-Kiau Bunseki, Ph.D. is one of the great scholars of the African religion, and the leading authority on the Bantu-Kongo civilization. He is also a genuine practitioner of the Kongo spiritual tradition. He is intiated in the three "secret societies" Lemba, Khimba and Kimpasi. Lemba is the foundation for several African based religious practices including Palo Mayombe (Cuba), Vodou Petro (Haiti) and Candomble Angola (Brasil). African cosmology of the Bantu-Kongo explores the Bantu-Kongo religious and philosophical teachings, as well as concepts of law and crime. It connects the reader with one of the most ancient and powerful spiritual traditions-explore "seven-direction walk" our origin and links to society, nature and the universe.
Customer Reviews:
Only for the very gullible.......2007-04-11
As I read this book I felt my jaw slowly dropping and my sense of incredulity slowly rising, until I just couldn't take it any more.
First there's the pseudo-science and made up history and language of the Bantu-Kongo, the author seems to imply that ancient Africans came up with sophisticated theoretical physics concepts like 'the big bang' and planet formation theory. Then there's the oft-repeated anti-Western invective and hostility wherein the author tells the reader that the West is greedy, evil, corrupt, and, of course, the source of all the ills suffered by modern Africans. The reader is told that prior to European encroachment, Africa was a paradise inhabited by noble savages. Liberal democracy, the enlightenment and the industrial revolution have absolutely nothing positive to offer the African. The answer to all modern African problems seem to be a return to primitive village society, notwithstanding the obvious fact that simple village culture is completely unable and ill-equipped to handle the sophisticated economic, social and political problems one is confronted with in a technologically advanced world. The author himself lives and works in the United States, by the way.
At no point does the author present any coherent thesis. At no point does the author make any rational argument supported by evidence or credible authority. Most citations consist of the author citing his previous essays and books.
If one is disgruntled with Western Civilization, or the World Economy, one can do much better than resort to pseudo-science, re-writing history, and the fiction of the noble savage presented here.
Possibly the worst book I've ever had the displeasure of reading.
Excellent text on Bakongo Civilization and Philosophy.......2006-12-27
In this wonderful text, Dr. Fu-Kiau introduces his audience to the fantastically complex Central African philosophy of the Bakongo--the creators of the 13th Century Kongo Empire. The logic of the Bakongo rivals that of East Asia and Ancient Greece. Their philosophical religion, which was very concerned with not only the world but the universe and its planets and stars and the nature of Kalunga--a concept of energy that is akin to the idea of "the Force" in Star Wars. It's fantastic. It's intellectual. It's insightful. It's political. It's spiritual. A must have!
Wonderful Life Living Spirtual Knowledge.......2005-12-25
The author is as soulful and mysterious as the cosmic -mathematical -spirituality written on the pages of this book. I had the pleasure of meeting him in person and knew I had to seek further into what he had to say. One of the more important messages being that since all systems are coded, it is imperative for groups of African descent to love the study of their languages, to prove their scientific capacity in order to avoid yesterdays biased blunders. The cosmology is explained in graphic form in the first chapter for those of us who need visuals to understand, and it is plain enough for the novice to comprehend. There is an awesome chapter on Law and Crime as it relates to cosmic Congo life and living principles as well as a chapter on the concept of the V, the basis for all realities and the binding force to all. You will love all of the proverbs as they are according to the author “ regarded as the warehouse of the ancient African wisdom.” This book is a must have, must read for all who value the old ways of living and who know that this is the way to go.
Be patient.......2004-03-27
This book is not for the faint of heart. as in faint heart never fair suitor won. You will have to work to get into this book, it does not reveal itself to the casual reader. all of those foolish notions about "primitives" fly far away when you try to examine this wisdom. Good Luck.
Rhetorically brilliant - how/why village society works.......2003-03-28
In the first chapter, "Kongo Cosmology in Graphics", Mr. Bunseki utilizes an ingenious series of geometric figures/diagrams to outline the cosmological/linguistic underpinnings of Bantu-Kongo society in the villages where he grew up and has lived for over 40 years. As in other African societies, so-called societal and ritual categories often overlap in many different ways - things aren't always as they seem, but this is why things work so well and are expressive of so much vitality. Everything interpenetrates with everything else, in numerous ways, and on numerous levels, and from numberless standpoints. Much is made in a few short sentences here and there of interactions of forms/fronts/loci of energy.
The figures aren't referenced directly in the text, so you have to intuit your way through. Though annoying at first, this ends up being the best way to grasp the concepts at a fundamental level. You tend to "hear" what he's telling you as you're scanning the images, more akin to oral traditional ways of gaining knowledge, even though ostensibly it's being done to you via a printed medium. He uses native Kongo words to illustrate his lead concepts, even offering entire sentences, which he then translates and/or offers commentary on, at times creatively bending and distorting the English language rather than offering up a weak-kneed or water-down version.
The chapter begins as an exposition of the origin of the elemental earth/cosmos, and proceeds to illuminate different general stages of planetary life. It then illustrates beautifully the living, breathing relationship between this macrocosmic vision and the comings and goings of individual humans in the cyclic dynamics and inter-meshing forces of family, clan, and society. This includes of course the world before birth and after death (that of the ancestors) as theirs is a [reincarnational] version of reality, every aspect full of dynamism, and of communication.
The book, though slim, packs more and more potency the more you study it, even in fits and starts, rather than just reading it straight through. Even when you are trying to skim the text, you feel the forces symbolized therein grabbing at you, seeking to draw you into the world being portrayed. Yes, this book is rather alive.
Next chapter: "The African Concept of Law and Crime"- there are no law books in traditional society. In large sections of Africa, all legal, political and societal matters are ensconced in a plethora of expressive proverbs which all members of the village have access to, depending on the extent of their memorization skills. So when a legal matter comes before the village, all those present act as 'lawyers', not for and against, but rather to flesh out the problem and to seek resolution. Any metaphor(s) enshrined in this or that proverb or folktale may be cited in order to get a glimpse of the energy of the moment and/or a grasp of the situation at hand.
In the following chapter, "Historical Background of the Kongo Cultural Zone", Mr. Bunseki utilizes a large number of such proverbs to give a sense of the outlines of how Kongo society works. One ends up with a vision of a society that is/was probably pure democracy and pure communalism at the same time, prior to their eventual divergence. For instance: all land was held in common by the community . . . no one could become too rich, as that threatens the stability of the overall community . . . all important decisions are made in common. And leaders act as servants of the community, not as its rulers.
Of course, none of this was known by the European colonizers of Africa, mainly because they never spoke any of the native languages, all the better to ignore Africans' humanity in order to exploit the continent's many resources. Thus Africans were portrayed as ignorant savages; their languages and customs were characterized as mumbo-jumbo.
Bunseki's grasp of the subject matter is powerful, his delivery even more so - both very expressive, and full of truthfulness. He is rhetorically/poetically very sensitive to the needs of African society to find a way back to its roots, in order that the usual political excesses seen in recent years will hopefully be turned around, and the ancient order be allowed to re-establish itself.
At the end of this chapter he outlines and (provides another diagram for) how perception (via sound,, sight, etc.) propagates in space; but expands/confounds the customary "scientific" conception by postulating/explaining how such things as dreams propagate as well.
The final chapter ["The 'V': Basis of All Realities"] is even more astounding than what's come before . . . here is where the esoteric nature of Bunseki's training is showered upon the reader. There are several more figures/diagrams by which Bunseki opens up the inner heart of the matter . . . you'll emerged cleansed, somewhat more enlightened (depending on previous training/experience and the temporary condition of your mind and nervous system, of course). Your view of our universe will have been clarified, and amplified.
Here, one diagram shows the seven cosmic directions, in an almost identical fashion to what many of us studying Native American traditions have come to know. But then the teacher opens up the seventh direction and uses a series of diagrams to really initiate the great work, provided the reader has followed along up to this point. The way he maps it out and describes it is exquisite, inspired, intuitive and wholeheartedly alive. Give this guy all of the stars you can find for this work . . . he's worth at least that much.
Average customer rating:
- Amazing Collection of Speeches
- AMERICANS SHOULD REALIZE THIS 'DREAM' TO THE FULLEST!
- The essential King
- Excellent introduction to Dr. King's works
- Inspirational
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I Have a Dream: Writings and Speeches That Changed the World, Special 75th Anniversary Edition (Martin Luther King, Jr., born January 15, 1929)
Martin Luther King
Manufacturer: HarperOne
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0062505521 |
Book Description
On August 28, 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. stood in front of the Lincoln Memorial looking out over thousands of troubled Americans who had gathered in the name of civil rights and uttered his now famous words, "I have a dream . . ." It was a speech that changed the course of history.
This anniversary edition honors Martin Luther King Jr.'s courageous dream and his immeasurable contribution by presenting his most memorable words in a concise and convenient edition. As Coretta Scott King says in her foreword, "This collection includes many of what I consider to be my husband's most important writings and orations." In addition to the famed keynote address of the 1963 march on Washington, the renowned civil rights leader's most influential words included here are the "Letter from a Birmingham Jail," the essay "Pilgrimage to Nonviolence," and his last sermon, "I See the Promised Land," preached the day before he was assassinated.
Editor James M. Washington arranged the selections chronologically, providing headnotes for each selection that give a running history of the civil rights movement and related events. In his introduction, Washington assesses King's times and significance.
Customer Reviews:
Amazing Collection of Speeches.......2007-01-15
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is one of America's greatest heroes and this is a collection of his wonderful writings and speeches. Often people stop at "I Have a Dream" but this shows the complete evolution of Dr. King. A wonderful read that has been part of my library for the past 10 years -- and I've read it three times and often use it for reference and store it next to the Bible.
AMERICANS SHOULD REALIZE THIS 'DREAM' TO THE FULLEST!.......2002-11-28
Dr. Martin Luther King's collection of writings and speeches, "I Have A Dream", brings aspiration to light. The events that surrounded the life and death of this true hero reveals the shameful fact that no matter how great the United States of America is today, it is one country that was nurtured with inhumane machinery: slavery, racism, injustice, Mickey-Mouse freedom, and Mickey-Mouse democracy. I hate to think about it, but it is an honest fact, which we should all come to terms with. Nobody can rewrite history.
The 256 pages that is "I Have A Dream" was enough to highlight the wickedness and the violence that were deliberately sustained in America, for a full century, after a bloody Civil War ended her tenacity on slavery.
One question that will always beg for answer is: How on earth did U.S. Presidents who presided over the ruthless color-bar era qualified for those Nobel Peace Prizes that they received? Knowing what life was like in the U.S.A. just a couple of decades ago melts my heart. "I Have A Dream" is a big eye-opener!
The essential King.......2001-10-26
"I Have a Dream: Writings and Speeches That Changed the World," by Martin Luther King, Jr., is a fine collection of texts by this important figure. The book has been edited by James M. Washington. Coming in at less than 300 pages, this is a concise but meaty book.
Washington includes King's most important texts: the "Letter from Birmingham Jail"; the "I Have a Dream" speech; his Nobel Prize acceptance speech; "My Trip to the Land of Gandhi"; "A Time to Break Silence," his 1967 speech criticizing the United States war in Vietnam, and more. These writings and speeches cover King's great themes: nonviolent resistance, the African-American civil rights movement, etc.
Those seeking a more comprehensive collection of Kings' work should seek out "A Testament of Hope: The Essential Writings and Speeches of Martin Luther King, Jr." also edited by James M. Washington. At more than 700 pages, this is a truly monumental collection, and includes much material not found in "I Have a Dream": the 1965 "Playboy" interview, transcripts of television interviews, and more. But for those who want a shorter text that cuts to the heart of King's life and work, "I Have a Dream" is perfect.
"I Have a Dream" reveals King to be a true Christian prophet, and a man with a global vision. As literature, these texts also show King to be the heir of such American thinkers as Henry David Thoreau and W.E.B. DuBois. Highly recommended.
Excellent introduction to Dr. King's works.......2000-10-21
This collection of Dr. King's writings includes all the major speeches -- such as I Have A Dream and I See the Promised Land, as well as important writings such as Letter from A Birmingham Jail. It also has great essays on the lessons Dr. King learned from Ghandi and a wonderful introduction from Mrs. King. This is a great collection to get started learning about Dr. King -- from his own pen. I highly reccomend it.
Inspirational.......2000-06-21
Reading the speeches of Dr. King are inspiring. You get a glimpse into his mind and to genuinely understand the struggle he was up against. I'm not just refering to the Civil Rights movement. you also get insights into the responsibilities and pressure he felt as the leader of this movement. He was a man who changed history. This book offers glimpses into his humanity as well as his motivational and inspirational speeches. A must for anyone interested in American history, the Civil Rights movement or in biographys. It will continue to effect you long after you have put the book down.
Book Description
Immaculee Ilibagiza grew up in a country she loved, surrounded by a family she cherished. But in 1994 her idyllic world was ripped apart as Rwanda descended into a bloody genocide. Immaculee’s family was brutally murdered during a killing spree that lasted three months and claimed the lives of nearly a million Rwandans.
Incredibly, Immaculee survived the slaughter. For 91 days, she and seven other women huddled silently together in the cramped bathroom of a local pastor while hundreds of machete-wielding killers hunted for them.
It was during those endless hours of unspeakable terror that Immaculee discovered the power of prayer, eventually shedding her fear of death and forging a profound and lasting relationship with God. She emerged from her bathroom hideout having discovered the meaning of truly unconditional love—a love so strong she was able seek out and forgive her family’s killers.
The triumphant story of this remarkable young woman’s journey through the darkness of genocide will inspire anyone whose life has been touched by fear, suffering, and loss.
Customer Reviews:
A Life Giving Antidote to Self Pity and Unforgiveness.......2007-10-04
This book deeply touched my heart. I found it was too difficult to read before bed but I had a hard time putting it down as well. Immaculee's story is one of true character and forgiveness that is more than just words. It truly challenged me to let go of unforgiveness. Nothing that was ever done to me....and I thought I had been deeply hurt...can compare to what she has had to forgive. This story is a light that shines the way on the difficult path of letting go of hurts, a path to which we have all been called by God. Immaculee tells of how this is, however, a path where Jesus leads and sustains and that ultimately ends in a freedom we could never have imagined.
Left to Tell Left Me Wanting.......2007-10-04
Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust was written by Immaculee Ilibagiza, a survivor of the Rwandan genocide. The story stands as an amazing testimony to the power of prayer and the importance of faith in prayer, but I wonder, how does all the God talk strike a non-Christian? Does it resonate with truth, with an A-ha! that changes a life, or does it exist as a concept without relevance?
The fact that the book is on the New York Times bestseller list says something, but what is it? Does the message of surrendering to Christ get glossed over by the same voyeuristic appeal that drives American culture to support Ultimate Fighting?
As a Christian, the way God moved in Imaculee's life is breathtaking and clear. It's without question. It inspires a hearty "Yes God. Bless you! You are faithful!" It stirs the soul, paints the picture of God's purpose in this world and shows where God was during the slaughter.
But despite that, the book didn't grip my soul. I enjoyed reading it, but it didn't possess me to the point of being unable to put it down. Living in a bathroom with seven other women for three months should be more than a statement of fact; I should live the emotional struggle between fear and faith, between death and life, with Immaculee. Instead, I experienced a foregone conclusion.
It's easy to say forgive your neighbor, but when that neighbor murdered your mother, butchered your brother and looted your home the magnitude of the act is incomprehensible. And the telling of that tale should have stirred more in me.
Left to Tell gets bogged down in details, of walking us through a holocaust timeline as lived by the author, and it's a journey without feeling. But that may just be my problem.
Amazing.......2007-10-03
Imaculee, If I could only meet you! This is a potentially life changing book. There is some shocking material but it is extrememly worth reading and will change you if you let it.
Left to Tell.......2007-10-03
Those of you who have struggled either to find a personal relationship with God, or to forgive those who have caused you harm, this book is for you. Those of you who have wondered what it's like to experience a holocaust from the inside, read this book. Immaculee has the riviting power of Elie Wiesel himself to convey the horrors of genocide, and to expose its demonic nature.
Suspense and God's Providence WON!!.......2007-10-01
Immaculee in her own words presents a chilling account of the brutality and that was happening in a small country in Africa and how with persevence , prayer and trust in God , shows the world that to survive WE must all not forget the Creator!!
Book Description
2005 Coalition of Visionary Resources (COVR) Winner for Best General Interest Book!
Hoodoo is an eclectic blend of African traditions, Native American herbalism, Judeo-Christian ritual, and magical healing. Tracing Hoodoo's magical roots back to West Africa, Stephanie Rose Bird provides a fascinating history of this nature-based healing tradition and gives practical advice for applying Hoodoo magic to everyday life. Learn how sticks, stones, roots, and bones - the basic ingredients in a Hoodoo mojo bag - can be used to bless the home, find a mate, invoke wealth, offer protection, and improve your health and happiness.
Customer Reviews:
About as bad as Hoodoo Mysteries.......2007-08-19
The caption for my review about sais it all. This is yet another "new age" fluff bunny attempt at sterilizing a tried and true folk practice into some modern hip thing for anyone to go to Barnes and Noble to pick up. If you are looking for an authentic guide to african american conjure, I reccomend Mules and Men by Zora Nele Hurston and Hoodoo Herb and Root Magic by Cat Yronwode. If you want to still use this book too I suppose it would make a good substitute for toilet paper or perhaps kindling.
murky at best sexist at worse.......2007-05-15
First off when I bought this book I had a lot of high hopes for it but upon reading it I found it to be way to water down for me to like it. First it brings up in candle magic how the view point of black as being evl? Okay black candles (not people) can be used for 'negative' work but than she spouts of with it being racist to say this. She also attacke Austin Powers about the mojo comment (can you imagine that a piece of fiction and a comedy to boot). You can't take everything so serriously and expect other people to take you serrious.
Also I didn't like how she used certian roots that were actually more used for women attracting men like queen elzibeth's root john the conquerer root can also be used to attract women not just to attract luck. Not to mention after reading this book I felt she had this reverse sexism going on. For example in one passage in women comming of age she brings up how women are all special blah blah blah, than the next passage about men comming of age it was almost completely ignorant. It almost seemed to me like she thought of men as complete dogs.
Also most of her recipes seemed completely stripped and although I am new to Hoodoo and in fact learning as I go I will not use anything Lewellan has to offer. I will just have to wait untill the Hoodoo Herb And Root Magic comes instead of trying to learn a form of hoodoo that I didn't want to learn in the first place.
Happy, informative book.......2007-01-04
This book was a pleasure to read. It's written in a style that you can't help but admire the writer and and feel that they wholheartedly believe in their subject and want to help you understand it too. I would recommend it to anyone who wanted a better undersanding of HooDoo. It's not the usual airy-fairy crap that fills the shelves.
Modern Mojo!.......2006-09-19
This wonderful book stands out among most titles Llewellyn puts out. Hoodoo is a strange and wonderful system of magic that is skillfully handled by this gifted author. Ms. Bird has a wonderful writing voice that comfortably presents this seemingly lost art.
I knew very little about Hoodoo before this book. Indeed, other than some bad horror films and cultural bias against "black" magic, this is a precious American tradition that needs more exposure. It all seems very familiar with Stephanie's presentation. West African magic is not a bad thing. Indeed, just the opposite. Much like European Witchcraft, Chinese Feng Shui, Hoodoo ranks at the top of the heap of the magical traditions of our small planet
Part aromatherapy, part cosmetic this rich tradition does nothing more than enhance the practioners life. Hoodoo can build self esteem and rebuild a culture here in the the U.S. that has gotten away from it magical roots. Either through fear or social pressure, black culture has abandoned its ethnic heritage.
Now is the time for a complete restoration of this tradition. Stephanie Rose Bird is a mid wife for this rebirth. Now, the internet has opened the door for this to happen. Hoodoo shops are starting to pop up carrying many of the more exotic supplies listed within. Most can be found on the web, if not.
Job well done!
A Good Intro to Hoodoo.......2006-08-22
I enjoyed this book- it is well written and Stephanie Rose Bird weaves the images she poses well. It also has some great practical uses, as a starter book for rootwork and mojo. It definitely is written in such a way that inspires the reader to incorporate their spirituality more fully into their daily life, and we can never have too much of that! My only qualms are that it does seem to be more of the typical "cookbook" format, which leaves foundation room to be filled to back up each working.
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- The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari: A Fable About Fulfilling Your Dreams & Reaching Your Destiny
- The Natural Way to Draw: A Working Plan for Art Study
- The Osha: Secrets of the Yoruba-Lucumi-Santeria Religion in the United States and the Americas : Initiation, Rituals, Ceremonies, Orishas, Divination, Plants, s
- The Phoenix Affirmations: A New Vision for the Future of Christianity
- The Politics of Jesus : Rediscovering the True Revolutionary Nature of Jesus' Teachings and How They Have Been Corrupted
- The Power and the Glory (Penguin Classics)
- The Problem of Pain
- The Psychology of Religion and Coping: Theory, Research, Practice
- The Sermon on the Mount: The Key to Success in Life
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