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Questions and Answers

Find answers to the most popular questions about our products — 4564 questions total

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Who are Horkheimer and Adorno, and what is their connection to the Enlightenment?

Max Horkheimer and Theodor W. Adorno, in their 1947 work *Dialectic of Enlightenment*, famously linked Enlightenment rationality to totalitarianism, a critique that heavily influenced subsequent intel...

📦 Reclaiming the Enlightenment Esoteric History & Biography

What historical events does Bronner reference when discussing the Enlightenment's legacy?

Bronner references the American Revolution (1776) and the French Revolution (1789) as key moments embodying the progressive, universalist aspirations he seeks to reclaim for the Left.

📦 Reclaiming the Enlightenment Esoteric History & Biography

What is the Counter-Enlightenment in the context of this book?

The Counter-Enlightenment refers to movements and ideologies that arose in opposition to the core tenets of the Enlightenment, such as reason, individualism, and universalism, particularly in response...

📦 Reclaiming the Enlightenment Esoteric History & Biography

What does Bronner mean by 'reclaiming the Enlightenment'?

He means reasserting the positive, emancipatory potential of Enlightenment thought, distinguishing it from its instrumental or authoritarian interpretations, and applying its principles to contemporar...

📦 Reclaiming the Enlightenment Esoteric History & Biography

When was Reclaiming the Enlightenment first published?

Reclaiming the Enlightenment by Stephen Eric Bronner was first published in 2004.

📦 Reclaiming the Enlightenment Esoteric History & Biography

What period does "Ancestors and Anxiety" primarily focus on?

The book primarily concentrates on the period between the 3rd and 6th centuries CE in China, a critical era for the development and transmission of ideas about the afterlife and rebirth.

📦 Ancestors and Anxiety Esoteric History & Biography

Does the book only discuss Buddhist ideas of rebirth?

No, a central focus of "Ancestors and Anxiety" is on how non-Buddhist Chinese authors, including Daoists, received and deployed ideas about rebirth, offering a broader perspective than solely Buddhist...

📦 Ancestors and Anxiety Esoteric History & Biography

What kind of texts does Bokenkamp analyze?

Stephen R. Bokenkamp analyzes a variety of Chinese texts from the specified period, including scriptures and other writings that detail conceptions of the afterlife and the areas of the dead.

📦 Ancestors and Anxiety Esoteric History & Biography

What is the significance of "anxiety" in the book's title?

The "anxiety" likely refers to the pervasive human concern with death, the unknown afterlife, and the desire for continuity or proper passage, which fueled the development of complex eschatological be...

📦 Ancestors and Anxiety Esoteric History & Biography

Is this book suitable for beginners in Chinese religious studies?

While comprehensive, the book is written for a scholarly audience and may be dense for absolute beginners. However, it provides essential context for anyone seriously studying early Chinese afterlife ...

📦 Ancestors and Anxiety Esoteric History & Biography

When was 'Ancestors and Anxiety' first published?

The book 'Ancestors and Anxiety' by Stephen R. Bokenkamp was first published on August 2, 2007.

📦 Ancestors and Anxiety Esoteric History & Biography

What are the six main Daoist scriptures translated in this book?

The book features translations of the *Taiping jing* (Scripture of Great Peace), the *Xiang'er* commentary on the *Dao De Jing*, the *Lingbao jing* (Scripture of Numinous Treasure), the *Zhen'gao* (De...

📦 Early Daoist Scriptures Esoteric History & Biography

Who is Stephen R. Bokenkamp and why is his work significant?

Stephen R. Bokenkamp is a renowned scholar of Daoism whose previous works are highly regarded. His expertise brings deep textual understanding and historical context to the translations, making comple...

📦 Early Daoist Scriptures Esoteric History & Biography

What is the significance of the *Xiang'er* commentary?

The *Xiang'er* commentary, included in this volume, is crucial for understanding how the *Dao De Jing* was interpreted and integrated into early religious Daoism, influencing its cosmology and ethical...

📦 Early Daoist Scriptures Esoteric History & Biography

When was *Early Daoist Scriptures* first published?

This significant collection of early Daoist texts was first published in 1997, providing scholars and students with access to key scriptures at that time.

📦 Early Daoist Scriptures Esoteric History & Biography

Are these texts suitable for beginners in Daoism?

While comprehensive, the texts are scholarly in nature. Beginners might benefit from starting with introductory materials before engaging with these primary sources, though the introductions provide v...

📦 Early Daoist Scriptures Esoteric History & Biography

What historical period do these scriptures primarily represent?

The scriptures generally represent the period of early religious Daoism, primarily from the Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE) through the Six Dynasties period (220–589 CE), offering insights into their f...

📦 Early Daoist Scriptures Esoteric History & Biography

What is the primary goal of the Buddhist concept of nirvana as explained by Steven Collins?

Steven Collins explains nirvana as the ultimate goal in Buddhism: the cessation of suffering and the extinguishing of the fires of greed, hatred, and delusion, leading to liberation from the cycle of ...

📦 Nirvana Esoteric History & Biography

Who is Steven Collins and what is his background in writing about Buddhism?

Steven Collins is an author who has written introductory texts on Buddhist philosophy. His work "Nirvana," first published in 2010, aims to present complex Buddhist ideas in an accessible manner for a...

📦 Nirvana Esoteric History & Biography

What historical Buddhist texts does Steven Collins reference in his book "Nirvana"?

The book references foundational Buddhist texts, including sutras and commentaries, offering new translations and interpretations for non-specialist readers to understand concepts like anicca, dukkha,...

📦 Nirvana Esoteric History & Biography

How does "Nirvana" by Steven Collins differentiate itself from academic studies of Buddhism?

Collins' "Nirvana" prioritizes accessibility, using simplified language and direct interpretations of texts, distinguishing itself from dense scholarly works by focusing on clarity for readers new to ...

📦 Nirvana Esoteric History & Biography

What is the significance of the year 2010 for Steven Collins' book "Nirvana"?

The year 2010 marks the original publication date of Steven Collins' "Nirvana," positioning it within contemporary discussions and popular interest in Buddhist concepts and practices in the Western wo...

📦 Nirvana Esoteric History & Biography

Does Steven Collins' "Nirvana" discuss the difference between nirvana and enlightenment?

Yes, the book explores the concept of nirvana as the ultimate state of liberation, often synonymous with enlightenment, focusing on the cessation of suffering and the end of the cycle of rebirth.

📦 Nirvana Esoteric History & Biography

What is the primary focus of Steven Gregory's *Santería in New York City*?

The book's primary focus is on understanding why practitioners of Santería in New York found its beliefs and practices socially, culturally, and politically meaningful in their everyday lives, viewing...

📦 Santería in New York City Esoteric History & Biography

When was Steven Gregory's work on Santería first published?

Steven Gregory's work on Santería in New York City was first published in 1999, though it originated from his 1985 doctoral dissertation.

📦 Santería in New York City Esoteric History & Biography

Does the book cover recent scholarship on Santería?

The 1999 revised edition does not incorporate scholarship published after its original 1985 dissertation completion, though it does add recent works to its bibliography.

📦 Santería in New York City Esoteric History & Biography

What does Gregory mean by Santería being a 'sociohistorical site of resistance'?

This refers to Santería providing a space and framework for practitioners to assert their cultural identity and agency, particularly in response to social or political pressures within their lived env...

📦 Santería in New York City Esoteric History & Biography

What is the academic origin of *Santería in New York City*?

The book is a revision of Steven Gregory's doctoral dissertation, completed for the New School for Social Research in 1985.

📦 Santería in New York City Esoteric History & Biography

Who is the author of *Santería in New York City*?

The author is Steven Gregory, whose academic work focuses on the anthropology and sociology of religion, particularly Afro-Caribbean traditions.

📦 Santería in New York City Esoteric History & Biography

What is the primary focus of Steven Kaplan's "The Ethiopians"?

The book primarily focuses on the history of ancient Ethiopia, particularly the Aksumite civilization and the period up to 1500 CE, utilizing recent archaeological research to present a comprehensive ...

📦 The Ethiopians Esoteric History & Biography

Does "The Ethiopians" discuss the Queen of Sheba?

Yes, the book revisits famous stories like the legend of the Queen of Sheba, examining them within the context of historical evidence and the Aksumite civilization.

📦 The Ethiopians Esoteric History & Biography

What role does Islam play in the book?

The book explores the significant role of Muslims and the emergence of Islam in Ethiopian society, detailing their interactions, trade, and coexistence with existing communities.

📦 The Ethiopians Esoteric History & Biography

What is the timeframe covered by "The Ethiopians"?

The book covers Ethiopian history from the beginning of the Common Era, focusing on the Aksumite civilization, up to approximately 1500 CE.

📦 The Ethiopians Esoteric History & Biography

Is "The Ethiopians" based on new archaeological findings?

Yes, the book draws significantly on the latest archaeological research to provide a fresh perspective on ancient Ethiopian history.

📦 The Ethiopians Esoteric History & Biography

What kind of reader would most benefit from "The Ethiopians"?

This book is ideal for students of ancient history, comparative religion, and anyone interested in the origins of Ethiopian civilization and its cultural heritage.

📦 The Ethiopians Esoteric History & Biography

What are the main Enlightenment values Steven Pinker discusses?

Pinker emphasizes reason, science, humanism, and progress. He argues these values, originating from the 18th-century Enlightenment, are crucial drivers of the improvements seen in human well-being glo...

📦 Enlightenment Now Esoteric History & Biography

Does Steven Pinker acknowledge any problems in the modern world?

Yes, while advocating for progress, Pinker acknowledges persistent problems like climate change and inequality. However, he frames them as challenges to be solved using the same Enlightenment tools of...

📦 Enlightenment Now Esoteric History & Biography

What evidence does Pinker use to support his claims of progress?

He cites extensive data on metrics such as increased life expectancy, reduced poverty and violence, greater literacy, and expanded freedoms, often comparing current global averages to historical figur...

📦 Enlightenment Now Esoteric History & Biography

Who are some thinkers Steven Pinker engages with?

Pinker discusses and often refutes the arguments of contemporary pessimists and critics of modernity. He also draws on the work of Enlightenment thinkers and modern proponents of progress, referencing...

📦 Enlightenment Now Esoteric History & Biography

Is 'Enlightenment Now' a political book?

While rooted in political philosophy and societal trends, its primary focus is on the intellectual underpinnings of progress and human well-being, using empirical evidence to support its arguments for...

📦 Enlightenment Now Esoteric History & Biography

How does the book define 'progress'?

Progress is defined not as a utopia, but as a measurable improvement in human well-being across various domains: life, health, prosperity, safety, knowledge, and happiness, driven by reason and empiri...

📦 Enlightenment Now Esoteric History & Biography

When did the Mayan civilization reach its peak?

The Classic Period, considered the zenith of Mayan civilization, spanned from approximately 250 CE to 900 CE. During this era, major city-states flourished, and significant advancements in art, archit...