Psychology

Aristotle in 90 Minutes

Background

Published in 1996, “Aristotle in 90 Minutes” by Paul Strathern provides a concise overview of Aristotle’s life and philosophical contributions. The book explores Aristotle’s extensive work across various fields, including logic, ethics, politics, and natural sciences, highlighting his methodical approach to categorizing human knowledge. Strathern presents Aristotle’s ideas in an accessible manner, offering insights into his influence on Western thought. The text includes selections from Aristotle’s writings, chronologies to contextualize his era, and suggestions for further reading, serving as an introductory guide for those interested in understanding Aristotle’s impact on philosophy.

Aristotle in 90 Minutes
Aristotle in 90 Minutes

My Thoughts

As I approached the writings of “The Great Philosopher”, I thought it might be a good idea to get some supporting texts under my belt before I start on his writings. This may turn out to be a terrible idea as I am already influenced by what I’ve read. (I’m reading three other books on the subject.) However, I believe I will get more out of Aristotle’s thoughts if I come at it with some familiarity.

This was a good bird’s eye view of the life and teachings of Aristotle. As I have studied his life before, very little was a surprise other than some of his personal life. (E.g. Falling in love.) However, it was a great reminder and has been useful in tying everything together.

Recommendation

This would be a great book to start off studying the work of Aristotle and understanding the major events in his life.

Submarine: A Guided Tour Inside a Nuclear Warship

Background

Published in 1993, “Submarine: A Guided Tour Inside a Nuclear Warship” is a non-fiction book by Tom Clancy. The book offers an in-depth exploration of the inner workings of both attack and nuclear submarines, with tours of the USS Miami (SSN-755), an improved Los Angeles-class nuclear attack submarine, and the British submarine HMS Triumph. Clancy provides detailed insights into submarine design, construction, and operations, supplemented by diagrams, photographs, and previously classified information. The book also delves into the history and evolution of submarines, offering readers a comprehensive understanding of these complex vessels.

Submarine: A Guided Tour Inside a Nuclear Warship
Submarine: A Guided Tour Inside a Nuclear Warship

My Thoughts

This book was much more of a reference than a story so it was a little hard to push through it. Clancy does give some scenarios and speculations of how a submersible ship could be used in war and politics, but most of it read more like a text book. It truly is amazing what marvels of engineering these vessels are and how much they can do! It’s important to keep in mind this was written 30 years ago. I can only imagine what the new Columbia class boats are able to achieve.

Clancy reinforced my desire to never step on one of these boats. My hat is off to all the intrepid submariners who have endeavored to keep us safe. I sincerely hope they found joy in their service, but I would politely decline the opportunity if it ever presented itself. Seriously, I thought it was extreme to be shipped off to Mars and yet every habitation scenario I saw was better than life on a submarine.

Recommendation

This is dated information but still interesting.

Healing Anxiety and Depression

Background

Published in 2004, “Healing Anxiety and Depression” authored by Dr. Daniel G. Amen and Dr. Lisa C. Routh, explores the neurological underpinnings of anxiety and depression through brain SPECT imaging. The authors identify seven distinct types of these disorders, each associated with specific brain patterns. They provide tailored treatment plans for each type, incorporating medication, diet, supplements, exercise, and therapeutic support. The book also includes a self-diagnostic test to help readers determine their specific type, aiming to offer a comprehensive approach to managing and overcoming anxiety and depression.

Healing Anxiety and Depression
Healing Anxiety and Depression

My Thoughts

While it is now a dated resource, I enjoyed several of the ideas put forth in the text. First is the idea that it is helpful to see what the brain is doing before a round of medication is attempted. The authors liken this to trying to figure out why a car won’t start without looking under the hood. I like this idea for a number of reasons.

First, it makes sense. It is my personal belief that most psychotropic medications are prescribed without a clear understanding of the underlying problem. Therefore, they are given with the expectation that they will need to be adjusted based on changes in the patient’s symptoms. However, dialing in a medication can take several years, if the patient hangs on that long.

Second, if there is no understanding of the underlying problem, it is unclear which medication to try. While the doctor and patient are trying to find the right dosage, the medication itself might be going in the wrong direction. (For example, if you want to decrease activity in the basal ganglia, then you shouldn’t prescribe a stimulant.)

Third, there may be a structural issue in the brain causing the problem, such as the cyst in the temporal lobe given as an example in the book. This would not be impacted by medication, no matter the dosage.

I am interested in learning more about the costs involved with SPECT scans and where they fall in the spectrum of care today. I appreciated that the book discussed diet and exercise as important to a person’s mental health.

Recommendation

This book is fairly specialized and assumes a certain level understanding of chemistry and psychology. The first part of the book was mostly medications and their side effects. It was fairly dense reading and was harder to push through. If you have interest and a high school education, you should be able to make it through.

Christlike Parenting

Background

Published in 2002, “Christlike Parenting” by Glenn I. Latham, presents a approach to raising children emphasizing the importance of kindness, patience, positive reinforcement in parenting, and encouraging parents to model their behavior after Christ. By focusing on building positive relationships and avoiding punitive discipline, Latham shows how effective parenting can lead to happier, more respectful children. The techniques are explained and both scriptural references and psychological insights are cited, making the book a useful guide for Christian families and those looking for practical parenting advice rooted in love and understanding.

Christlike Parenting
Christlike Parenting

My Thoughts

While I felt some of Dr. Latham’s methods were a little too “Pollyanna” for the real world, I do agree with most of what he put in the book. Kids really don’t need you yelling at them and the world heaps plenty of problems on them without their parents adding to the load. As much as I believe all parents try to stay in control of the situation, they typically aren’t in an environment of stress. That said, I thought the majority of the book to be pretty well spot on.

What I believe was missing from the book is how to “repair” the damage after it occurs. Likely his response would be something along the lines of being consistent, forgiving, and being the role model for the children to emulate. However, I believe that would include owning our issues and apologizing to children when appropriate. That can be a hard pill to swallow by several families, but I believe it to be worth it.

Also, Dr. Latham quoted my Psychology Chair at Utah State, Dr. Carl Cheney on page 115. That really made my day! He is an incredible man and loved seeing his name in print.

Recommendation

Not bad. It was a quick read and a good reminder.

Women, Peace, and Security in Professional Military Education

Background

Published in 2022, “Women, Peace, and Security in Professional Military Education,” edited by Dr. Lauren Mackenzie and published by the Marine Corps University Press, explores the critical integration of the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda into military education systems. This book is a compilation of essays and articles published on the relevant topics and arranged to provide a narrative. It examines how the principles of WPS, as outlined in UN Security Council Resolution 1325, are being woven into the curricula of military institutions to ensure that future leaders understand the importance of gender perspectives in conflict resolution and peacebuilding. Through analysis and case studies, the book highlights the impact of WPS on operational effectiveness, strategic planning, and the protection of vulnerable populations in conflict zones.

Women, Peace, and Security in Professional Military Education
Women, Peace, and Security in Professional Military Education

My Thoughts

The book doesn’t really read like a cohesive whole. This was to be expected as anytime you have a variety of authors, you run into this problem. However, the editors struggled to give it flow in areas that were in need of more form and structure.

Most of the segments came from articles or peer reviewed literature. Unfortunately, there are a number of statements and inferences made that seem unsupported unless you delve further into the references. I found myself wondering about a few seeming leaps in logic and occasionally about conflicting ideas. Below is an example.

Several of the studies were using small sample sizes requiring t-distributions. It’s hard to see many of the findings to be much more than anecdotal evidence when you are interviewing 6 people. A specific example would be the quantitative discussion that 20% of women failed a course over a 4 year period only to find out the study was only involved 10 women. It’s hard to follow the sweeping generalizations on such evidence. It is also a little frightening that the evolving military attitude toward female combat fitness could be based on that kind of data. I only hope more data pours in as the years go by and all of us can have an honest look at what happened without the bias of our preconceived notions.

Recommendation

This one was difficult to get through.

Where You Go Is Not Who You’ll Be

Background

Published in 2015, “Where You Go Is Not Who You’ll Be” by Frank Bruni challenges the notion that attending an elite college is the only path to success and happiness. Bruni argues that students should prioritize finding a college where they can thrive academically and personally rather than focusing solely on prestigious institutions. Drawing on research and interviews with students and professionals, Bruni advocates for a more holistic approach to college admissions and highlights the achievements of individuals who have found fulfillment outside of the Ivy League.

Where You Go In Not Who You'll Be
Where You Go In Not Who You’ll Be

My Thoughts

This book was heavily aligned with my personal beliefs about higher education and what “where you go” says about your potential and character. I have a saying that “nothing decreases your respect for a degree more than earning it.” I didn’t walk for my undergrad but I do remember looking down the line of people in my graduate program and thinking that each one of them had the same degree I had. Since I worked with them, I knew who didn’t do the work, who didn’t know the content, and who wouldn’t have graduated if they didn’t ride the coattails of their group, which only received top marks because someone else did all the work. Of course, this is a microcosm of the greater system, but it illustrates the college experience can vary even at the same institution. Imagine the variance of experiences across all the world’s centers of learning.

I also remember talking to a young lady who just finished her BS from Harvard. I was suitably impressive and I asked her what it was in. “German” was her excited reply. Having studied German in high school and a bit in college, I started speaking to her in German. Long story short, I didn’t speak much German. She didn’t understand much German (admitted it was me speaking it), but her level seemed to be about a first year student. Yet, she had a BS from Harvard. I was pretty disappointed in Harvard and that has colored my thoughts on the subject ever since.

Where you go does matter, but not for the reasons you might think. Go to Harvard if you want to study business or law and cost isn’t a factor. Those connections may mean something to you down the line. However, find the school that speaks to your wants and needs. I was very happy with my education from a state school and I feel it has served me well.

Recommendation

Given the soaring costs of tuition and the growing ubiquity of college educated people, this message needs to be heard.

Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us

Background

Published in 2009, “Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us” explores the concept of motivation and challenges traditional notions of what drives human behavior. Daniel H. Pink argues that conventional carrot-and-stick approaches to motivation, such as rewards and punishments, are often ineffective in fostering long-term engagement and creativity. Pink introduces the concept of intrinsic motivation suggesting individuals are most motivated when they have the freedom to pursue tasks that align with their interests and values, opportunities to develop their skills, and a clear sense of meaning in their work.

Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us
Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us

My Thoughts

Reading this book 16 years after the publication does taint the excitement generated by the subject matter. I remember the rise of the open office in the tech world and the ideas of empowerment that were prevalent during that time. Some offices have continued along that path but have learned there are times employees needed time to themselves to do deep work. Of course, the COVID pandemic threw a monkey wrench into the idea of a fixed office provided by the company. Oddly enough, this plays directly into Pink’s point of autonomy. Are we more productive now? We are still sorting that out, but early reports like this one say we are much better off.

Recommendation

A good read but getting dated.

The Age of Deer

Background

Published in 2016, “The Age of Deer” by Erika Howsare is an exploration of humanity’s ecological interdependence with the deer population, blending memoir, natural history, and cultural analysis. Howsare’s book takes readers in her personal journey as she observes, interacts with, and reflects upon the behavior and symbolism of deer in different cultures and in her rural Virginia surroundings. She attempts to view human interaction with deer through several perspectives and through several lenses.

The Age of Deer
The Age of Deer

My Thoughts

At times the book is surprisingly insightful and touched on information and situations, of which I was not aware. However, it is all through the eyes of someone who is still squeamish at the sight of blood and has obvious distaste for hunters. Through the story arc of the book, she does find grudging respect for those who hunt (fortunately they were family members). Still, she seems to want it tied up in a bow of nobility and need. Something akin to, ‘The hunter must hunt to survive and must reverence the creature on which they feed.’

Regardless, she seemed to do her homework and the book is well written. Even if she had to hold her nose through the project, she did provide some interesting facts.

Recommendation

This was hard to get through for me but I’m glad I read it.

Leaders Eat Last

Background

Published in 2014, “Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don’t,” by Simon Sinek, explores the foundational elements of great leadership and successful teams. Sinek delves into the biology of leadership, explaining how leaders can create environments where people feel safe, cooperate, and dedicate themselves to collective success. Drawing on real-life stories and scientific research, he illustrates why leaders who prioritize the well-being of their teams foster trust and collaboration, leading to more resilient and innovative organizations. The book underscores the importance of empathy and self-sacrifice in leadership, arguing that when leaders put their team’s needs first, they unlock the potential for extraordinary achievements. Sinek’s work offers a compelling roadmap for anyone looking to inspire loyalty, build stronger teams, and lead with a sense of purpose.

Leaders Eat Last
Leaders Eat Last

My Thoughts

Unlike “The Four”, this book seems to have withstood the test of time a little bit better. The forward was from Marine General Flinn, who gained some notoriety back in those days. No wonder this book was suggested to me by a Marine officer…

Recommendation

Good book with some solid ideas about inspiring others.

Between Husband and Wife: Gospel Perspectives on Marital Intimacy

Background

Published in 2000, “Between Husband and Wife: Gospel Perspectives on Marital Intimacy,” by Stephen E. Lamb and Douglas E. Brinley, provides a thoughtful exploration of the physical and emotional aspects of marital intimacy through the lens of gospel teachings. The authors delve into how couples can enhance their marital relationship by aligning their intimate lives with their spiritual beliefs, emphasizing communication, mutual respect, and love. The book addresses common challenges and questions couples may have, offering guidance and insights based on scriptural doctrines and the teachings of modern-day church leaders. It aims to help couples build a stronger, more fulfilling marriage by integrating their faith with their personal relationship, particularly in the context of intimacy, which is often considered a taboo subject in religious discussions. Through practical advice and spiritual encouragement, the book seeks to empower couples to nurture a deep, lasting connection that harmonizes their physical and spiritual union.

Between Husband and Wife: Gospel Perspectives on Marital Intimacy
Between Husband and Wife: Gospel Perspectives on Marital Intimacy

My Thoughts

Sex is one of the most taboo things that seems to be in everyone’s face. Pornographic images and videos are all over the place and none of them help a married couple because it isn’t real. Suspending for a second that the whole point of porn is to debase people in order to make money, even the most realistic depictions of sexual acts does not help married couples grow closer together. They need to walk that road themselves and discover themselves and each other in the process.

Recommendation

Certainly not the definitive source but it was a good book.