Normality today is to be enslaved by the material world to the point where individual happiness has not kept pace with increasing material prosperity. Have we lost our original nature in the pursuit of the external material world? Wang Yangming's School of Mind of nearly 500 years ago teaches us how to overcome external circumstances and seek the source of the great strength that lies in our innermost being. Wang Yangming's School of Mind is a gathering together of the achievements of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. It is one of the most representative and influential strands of Chinese philosophical thought and proposes that "conscience" is a cosmic prime principle innate in man that transcends all living things. The lifelong realization and practice of conscience is the only path towards self-fulfillment and perfection of character. This book uses Wang Yangming's principles of "Mind is Principle," "the unity of knowledge and action," and "the exercise of conscience" to describe the School of Mind in simple terms to enable you to understand your own original self and go on a journey of self-cultivation that will gain you a kind of inner freedom and strength.

Told for the very first time, this is the true story of the adventure that shaped the world . . . 'A thrilling story of courage, survival and science. It's an extraordinary, visceral and vivid read' Geographical Magazine ________ Three hundred years ago no one knew the true shape of the world. It wasn't a sphere - but did it bulge at the equator or was it pointed at the poles? Until we found out no map could ever be truly accurate. So a team of scientists was sent to South America - to measure one full degree of latitude. But South America was a land of erupting volcanoes, sodden rainforests, earthquakes, deadly diseases, tropical storms and violent unrest. And the misfit scientists had an unfortunate tendency to squander funds, fight duels, stumble into mutinies or die horribly. The tale of their ten-year odyssey of exploration, discovery, flirtations with failure and ultimate triumph becomes in Nicholas Crane's hands the greatest scientific adventure story ever told. ________ 'Pace, rigour and attention to enticing detail . . . Crane has a rare knack for showing people things without them having to get out of their chair' Joe Smith, director of The Royal Geographic society

New Tools to Overcome the Human Barriers to Change Leaders know that their job is to transform their organizations to keep pace with technology and an ever-changing business environment. They also know that they are bound to fail in doing so. But this discouraging prospect is not because they won't be able to solve a technological or strategic problem. Leaders will fail because of intractable human responses associated with change--responses such as fear, ingrained habits, politics, incrementalism, and lack of imagination. These stumbling blocks always arise when we humans are faced with change, but what if we had a way to transcend them? This book reveals a radical new method for doing just that. Written by the executive who designed and implemented it, the neuroscientist who helped make it work, and the academic who explains why it works and how to do it, Leading Transformation introduces an innovative yet proven process for creating breakthrough change. Divided into three steps--envisioning the possible, breaking down resistance, and prototyping the future--this process uses cutting-edge tools such as science fiction, cartoons, rap music, artifact trails, and neuroprototypes to overcome people's inability to imagine or react to what doesn't yet exist, override powerful habits and routines that prevent them from changing, and create compelling narratives about the organization's future and how to get there. Showing how these tools have been used successfully by companies such as Lowe's, Walmart, Pepsi, IKEA, Google, Microsoft, and others, the process revealed in this book gives leaders the means to transcend the human barriers that block change and lead their organizations confidently into the future.

New Tools to Overcome the Human Barriers to Change Leaders know that their job is to transform their organizations to keep pace with technology and an ever-changing business environment. They also know that they are bound to fail in doing so. But this discouraging prospect is not because they won't be able to solve a technological or strategic problem. Leaders will fail because of intractable human responses associated with change--responses such as fear, ingrained habits, politics, incrementalism, and lack of imagination. These stumbling blocks always arise when we humans are faced with change, but what if we had a way to transcend them? This book reveals a radical new method for doing just that. Written by the executive who designed and implemented it, the neuroscientist who helped make it work, and the academic who explains why it works and how to do it, Leading Transformation introduces an innovative yet proven process for creating breakthrough change. Divided into three steps--envisioning the possible, breaking down resistance, and prototyping the future--this process uses cutting-edge tools such as science fiction, cartoons, rap music, artifact trails, and neuroprototypes to overcome people's inability to imagine or react to what doesn't yet exist, override powerful habits and routines that prevent them from changing, and create compelling narratives about the organization's future and how to get there. Showing how these tools have been used successfully by companies such as Lowe's, Walmart, Pepsi, IKEA, Google, Microsoft, and others, the process revealed in this book gives leaders the means to transcend the human barriers that block change and lead their organizations confidently into the future.

One man. Seven Kings. England's bloody throne . . . THE EPIC STORY FROM MASTER STORYTELLER CONN IGGULDEN, PERFECT FOR FANS OF ROBERT HARRIS' ACT OF OBLIVION 'Iggulden tells an absolutely cracking story. The pace is nail-biting and the set dressing magnificent' THE TIMES _________ Tenth century England: a divided and broken country of misrule. Yet King Athelstan, grandson of Alfred the Great, seeks to unite the kingdom under one crown. By his side is Dunstan of Glastonbury - priest, soldier, visionary and, some insist, traitor - whose task is to steward seven kings through fire, war, murder and fury to see Athelstan's dream come true. But what stain will it leave on his mortal soul . . . _________ 'Iggulden has created an intriguingly complex saint - flawed, spiteful and unreliable as the teller of his own tale. Through his eyes we watch the story of the making of England' The Times 'Engrossing. Rich in intrigue, with Iggulden breathing life into this remarkable and complex figure who played a vital role in safeguarding a newly united England' Daily Express 'A gripping and glorious legend. Brilliant!' Weekend Sport 'Breathes new life into the darkest and most dramatic of times' Star 'Dunstan is a vivid, convincing character' BBC History Magazine

A NO. 1 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER 'The beautiful love child of David Nicholl's One Day and Kate Atkinson's Life After Life' The Times What if one small decision could change the rest of your life? Eva and Jim are nineteen, and students at Cambridge, when their paths first cross in 1958. Jim is walking along a lane when a woman approaching him on a bicycle swerves to avoid a dog: what happens next will determine the rest of their lives. As we follow three different versions of their future - together, and apart - their love story takes on different incarnations, as it twists and turns to the conclusion in the present day. 'A triumphant debut.. a thoughtful, measured book about the interplay of chance and destiny in our lives' Sunday Telegraph 'An utterly convincing love story about two people destined to be together somehow, no matter what' The Times 'Like Kate Atkinson's Life After Life or the film Sliding Doors, this fine debut offers multiple "what ifs"... Involving and poignant' The Sunday Times 'The tantalising "what if?" theme keeps all three stories going at a cracking pace' Daily Mail 'Truly enthralling... I simply adored this wonderful novel' Jessie Burton, author of The Miniaturist

A powerful defense contractor, a reluctant intelligence agent, and an ambitious journalist race to contain and control an international crisis that could destroy the world in this #1 New York Times bestselling thriller. "Dick, I need a war." Nicolas Creel is a man on a mission. He heads up the world's largest defense contractor, The Ares Corporation. Dick Pender is the man Creel retains to "perception manage" his company to even more riches by manipulating international conflicts. But Creel may have an even grander plan in mind. Shaw, a man with no first name and a truly unique past, has a different agenda. Reluctantly doing the bidding of a secret multi-national intelligence agency, he travels the globe to keep it safe and at peace. Desperate to get back to the top of her profession, Katie James gets the break of a lifetime: the chance to interview the sole survivor of a massacre that has left every nation stunned. In David Baldacci's first international thriller, these characters face a catastrophic threat that could change the world as we know it. "High-stakes action, shadowy government agencies, and [a] neo-Cold War backdrop ... Baldacci pushes his plot ahead at such a blistering pace." ― Washington Post

A NO. 1 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER 'The beautiful love child of David Nicholl's One Day and Kate Atkinson's Life After Life' The Times What if one small decision could change the rest of your life? Eva and Jim are nineteen, and students at Cambridge, when their paths first cross in 1958. Jim is walking along a lane when a woman approaching him on a bicycle swerves to avoid a dog: what happens next will determine the rest of their lives. As we follow three different versions of their future - together, and apart - their love story takes on different incarnations, as it twists and turns to the conclusion in the present day. 'A triumphant debut.. a thoughtful, measured book about the interplay of chance and destiny in our lives' Sunday Telegraph 'An utterly convincing love story about two people destined to be together somehow, no matter what' The Times 'Like Kate Atkinson's Life After Life or the film Sliding Doors, this fine debut offers multiple "what ifs"... Involving and poignant' The Sunday Times 'The tantalising "what if?" theme keeps all three stories going at a cracking pace' Daily Mail 'Truly enthralling... I simply adored this wonderful novel' Jessie Burton, author of The Miniaturist

Welcome to the world of comprehensive learning and academic excellence with "10 Years Solved IGNOU Papers: Artificial Intelligence." As we stand at the forefront of a technological revolution, the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a driving force, transforming the way we live, work, and perceive the world around us. The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has been at the forefront of providing quality education, and this compilation of solved papers aims to facilitate your journey through the AI program. Over the past decade, AI has witnessed unprecedented growth, becoming an integral part of various industries, from healthcare to finance, and from education to entertainment. Keeping pace with this dynamic field requires a strong foundation, and IGNOU's AI program is designed to provide just that. This book, featuring solved papers from the last 10 years, serves as an invaluable resource for students, offering a comprehensive overview of the examination patterns, question types, and the depth of knowledge required to excel in AI studies. The selection of solved papers in this book is meticulous, covering a wide range of topics such as machine learning, natural language processing, robotics, and neural networks. Each solution is presented in a clear and concise manner, offering not only the correct answers but also detailed explanations to enhance your understanding of the underlying concepts. We believe that learning from past examinations is a powerful tool for success, and this book is crafted with the intention of providing you with the necessary insights to tackle future challenges in the AI domain. As you embark on this academic journey, it is essential to acknowledge the dedication and hard work put in by the faculty, authors, and experts in compiling this collection. Their commitment to academic excellence is reflected in the quality of solutions provided, ensuring that you receive the best possible guidance for your AI studies. Approach each solved paper with curiosity and diligence, treating it not only as a test of your current understanding but also as an opportunity for growth and improvement. In conclusion, "10 Years Solved IGNOU Papers: Key Features Include: Extensive Analysis of Solved Papers: Each chapter focuses on a specific year's exam, providing detailed solutions and explanations that clarify the rationale behind each answer, helping you understand the intricacies of question framing and answer selection. Theoretical Insights and Practical Examples: To supplement the solved papers, we provide theoretical insights and practical examples that explain complex AI concepts, ensuring a well-rounded understanding. Mock Tests and Self-Assessment: To mimic examination conditions and test your readiness, we include mock tests crafted from unsolved questions and typical exam questions, accompanied by self-assessment tools that help you track your progress and identify areas needing improvement. Expert Tips and Examination Strategies: Gain from insights provided by experts who have a profound understanding of the IGNOU exams. These tips are designed to enhance your examination tactics and time management skills. Artificial Intelligence" is more than just a compilation of solved papers; it is a companion on your academic journey, providing guidance, insights, and a roadmap to success. Embrace the challenges, enjoy the process of learning, and let this book be your trusted ally in mastering the exciting and evolving field of Artificial Intelligence. Visit our official website Lightup Technologies to find the digital edition of this book at a lower price. It offers an easy and comfortable reading experience. We will deliver within one hour. Soft copy is compatible to all devices like Mobile, Tablet, Laptop, Desktop, etc.

A New York Times, Washington Post, USA Today, and IndieBound bestseller "Brilliant and timely" — Oliver Burkeman ~ Do Fewer Things. Work at a Natural Pace. Obsess over Quality. ~ From the New York Times bestselling author of Digital Minimalism and Deep Work, a groundbreaking philosophy for pursuing meaningful accomplishment while avoiding overload Our current definition of “productivity” is broken. It pushes us to treat busyness as a proxy for useful effort, leading to impossibly lengthy task lists and ceaseless meetings. We’re overwhelmed by all we have to do and on the edge of burnout, left to decide between giving into soul-sapping hustle culture or rejecting ambition altogether. But are these really our only choices? Long before the arrival of pinging inboxes and clogged schedules, history’s most creative and impactful philosophers, scientists, artists, and writers mastered the art of producing valuable work with staying power. In this timely and provocative book, Cal Newport harnesses the wisdom of these traditional knowledge workers to radically transform our modern jobs. Drawing from deep research on the habits and mindsets of a varied cast of storied thinkers – from Galileo and Isaac Newton, to Jane Austen and Georgia O’Keefe – Newport lays out the key principles of “slow productivity;” a more sustainable alternative to the aimless overwhelm that defines our current moment. Combining cultural criticism with systematic pragmatism, Newport deconstructs the absurdities inherent in standard notions of productivity, and then provides step-by-step advice for cultivating a slower, more humane alternative. From the aggressive rethinking of workload management, to introducing seasonal variation, to shifting your performance toward long-term quality, Slow Productivity provides a roadmap for escaping overload and arriving instead at a more timeless approach to pursuing meaningful accomplishment. The world of work is due for a new revolution. Slow productivity is exactly what we need.

A New York Times, Washington Post, USA Today, and IndieBound bestseller "Brilliant and timely" — Oliver Burkeman ~ Do Fewer Things. Work at a Natural Pace. Obsess over Quality. ~ From the New York Times bestselling author of Digital Minimalism and Deep Work, a groundbreaking philosophy for pursuing meaningful accomplishment while avoiding overload Our current definition of “productivity” is broken. It pushes us to treat busyness as a proxy for useful effort, leading to impossibly lengthy task lists and ceaseless meetings. We’re overwhelmed by all we have to do and on the edge of burnout, left to decide between giving into soul-sapping hustle culture or rejecting ambition altogether. But are these really our only choices? Long before the arrival of pinging inboxes and clogged schedules, history’s most creative and impactful philosophers, scientists, artists, and writers mastered the art of producing valuable work with staying power. In this timely and provocative book, Cal Newport harnesses the wisdom of these traditional knowledge workers to radically transform our modern jobs. Drawing from deep research on the habits and mindsets of a varied cast of storied thinkers – from Galileo and Isaac Newton, to Jane Austen and Georgia O’Keefe – Newport lays out the key principles of “slow productivity;” a more sustainable alternative to the aimless overwhelm that defines our current moment. Combining cultural criticism with systematic pragmatism, Newport deconstructs the absurdities inherent in standard notions of productivity, and then provides step-by-step advice for cultivating a slower, more humane alternative. From the aggressive rethinking of workload management, to introducing seasonal variation, to shifting your performance toward long-term quality, Slow Productivity provides a roadmap for escaping overload and arriving instead at a more timeless approach to pursuing meaningful accomplishment. The world of work is due for a new revolution. Slow productivity is exactly what we need.

The popular parenting webcomic featured on HuffPost, Buzzfeed, and Upworthy is now a book! The perfect gift for baby showers and for those already in the throes of parenting, Fowl Language: Welcome to Parenting is here to let you know that you're not alone. Parenting is hard and often gross. Laughing about it helps. If you liked Toddlers Are A**holes, you'll love Fowl Language! Parenting can be a magical journey full of bliss and wonder . . . if you're on the right meds. For the rest of us, it's another thing altogether. Fowl Language Comics takes an unvarnished look at the tedium and aggravation of parenting, while never forgetting that the reason we put up with those little jerks is that we love them so damn much. By poking fun at the daily struggles parents face, these cartoons help all of us feel less alone in our continual struggle to stay sane. Brian Gordon, creator of Fowl Language Comics, has two small children of his own and knows well the trials and tribulations that go along with raising them. With more than eighteen years of experience in humorous illustration, writing, and cartooning, Brian's visual point of view is memorable, authentic, and instantly recognizable. From Brian: "They say 'write what you know.' Well, I don’t know much, but I do know what it’s like to be the father of two brilliant, beautiful, bat-shit-crazy kids." Launched in July 2013, the relatable humor of Fowl Language broke out on HuffPost Parents, Pop Sugar Moms, Bored Panda, Awkward Family Photos, and countless other humor and parenting blogs. Thanks to more than 200,000 fans on social media, including Facebook, Tumblr, and Instagram, it continues to grow in popularity at a rapid pace.

Visionary designer and technologist John Maeda defines the fundamental laws of how computers think, and why you should care even if you aren't a programmer. "Maeda is to design what Warren Buffett is to finance." --Wired John Maeda is one of the world's preeminent interdisciplinary thinkers on technology and design. In How to Speak Machine, he offers a set of simple laws that govern not only the computers of today, but the unimaginable machines of the future. Technology is already more powerful than we can comprehend, and getting more powerful at an exponential pace. Once set in motion, algorithms never tire. And when a program's size, speed, and tirelessness combine with its ability to learn and transform itself, the outcome can be unpredictable and dangerous. Take the seemingly instant transformation of Microsoft's chatbot Tay into a hate-spewing racist, or how crime-predicting algorithms reinforce racial bias. How to Speak Machine provides a coherent framework for today's product designers, business leaders, and policymakers to grasp this brave new world. Drawing on his wide-ranging experience from engineering to computer science to design, Maeda shows how businesses and individuals can identify opportunities afforded by technology to make world-changing and inclusive products--while avoiding the pitfalls inherent to the medium.

The third utterly gripping thriller from the former head of MI5 and bestselling author Stella Rimington, featuring MI5 officer Liz Carlyle. 'A tense, terrifying read we couldn't put down' Cosmopolitan 'Gripping' Financial Times ----- When MI5 intelligence officer Liz Carlyle learns of a Russian government plot to kill super-rich Nikita Brunovsky - a man who openly criticises the Putin regime from his London base - it's a race against time to track down the killer. How the man is to be silenced is unclear, but the Foreign Office dreads any kind of incident and Liz must work fast to protect him. As she goes undercover, desperately trying to find out who in Brunovsky's retinue might betray him, Liz discovers that an 'illegal' Russian agent has arrived in London. Is this the assassin she is seeking? Under an assumed name, caught up in the high-octane world of the oligarchs, Liz soon finds herself in terrible danger... ------- Readers love Illegal Action: 'I love the fast pace of this series, the author's witty writing style and her authenticity ' 5-star reader review 'A real page-turner ' 5-star reader review 'This book grabbed my attention and held it all the way through the twists and turns ' 5-star reader review ' Fascinating !' 5-star reader review 'I love Stella Rimington and her Liz Carlisle series !' 5-star reader review

Change is only 50 minutes away! Find out everything you need to know about eating more healthily with this straightforward guide.Most of us are well aware that we should be eating more healthily, but it can be difficult to sift through all the contradicting dietary advice available to us and get a clear idea of what that means in practice. Coupled with the pressures and fast pace of modern life, this makes it all too easy to fall into bad habits. However, by taking a comprehensive view of our basic nutritional needs, it is possible to identify some fundamental steps that anyone can follow to improve both their diet and their overall wellbeing.In just 50 minutes you will be able to: Learn about the fundamental nutrients that our bodies need Understand your body's personal nutritional needs Discover the simple ways you can improve your diet quickly and effectivelyABOUT 50MINUTES.COM HEALTH AND WELLBEING The Health and Wellbeing series from the 50Minutes collection is perfect for anyone looking to be healthier and happier in their personal life. Our guides cover a range of topics, from social anxiety to getting ready for a new baby, and provide simple, practical advice and suggestions to allow you to reduce stress, strengthen your relationships and increase your wellbeing.

The popular parenting webcomic featured on HuffPost, Buzzfeed, and Upworthy is now a book! The perfect gift for baby showers and for those already in the throes of parenting, Fowl Language: Welcome to Parenting is here to let you know that you're not alone. Parenting is hard and often gross. Laughing about it helps. If you liked Toddlers Are A**holes, you'll love Fowl Language! Parenting can be a magical journey full of bliss and wonder . . . if you're on the right meds. For the rest of us, it's another thing altogether. Fowl Language Comics takes an unvarnished look at the tedium and aggravation of parenting, while never forgetting that the reason we put up with those little jerks is that we love them so damn much. By poking fun at the daily struggles parents face, these cartoons help all of us feel less alone in our continual struggle to stay sane. Brian Gordon, creator of Fowl Language Comics, has two small children of his own and knows well the trials and tribulations that go along with raising them. With more than eighteen years of experience in humorous illustration, writing, and cartooning, Brian's visual point of view is memorable, authentic, and instantly recognizable. From Brian: "They say 'write what you know.' Well, I don’t know much, but I do know what it’s like to be the father of two brilliant, beautiful, bat-shit-crazy kids." Launched in July 2013, the relatable humor of Fowl Language broke out on HuffPost Parents, Pop Sugar Moms, Bored Panda, Awkward Family Photos, and countless other humor and parenting blogs. Thanks to more than 200,000 fans on social media, including Facebook, Tumblr, and Instagram, it continues to grow in popularity at a rapid pace.

The only official workbook from Dr. Richard C. Schwartz, founder of Internal Family Systems, to meet, understand, and heal the parts of yourself The Internal Family Systems (IFS) model teaches that each of us is not a single personality. Rather, we carry in us a "family" of distinct inner parts that hold our many hurts and conflicts-and that we can heal in order to live with more confidence, courage, and connection. With The Internal Family Systems Workbook, Dr. Schwartz presents an invaluable tool to help you learn about IFS and apply it to your own life-on your own time and at your own pace. Opening with a beginner-friendly overview of IFS, the workbook offers more than 50 practices, exercises, and meditations to help you: ¿ Understand the parts that make up your system, including Manager parts that want to keep you out of uncomfortable situations and Firefighter parts that react to painful emotions and events ¿ Extend compassion to each part as you begin to understand how they're trying to support you ¿ Learn strategies to stay calm and navigate anxiety when your parts are activated, allowing you to face challenging situations with courage ¿ Explore ways to heal past wounds and trauma ¿ Uncover your core Self that is the source of your deepest wisdom Throughout the workbook, you'll find a variety of exercises to support different learning styles, as well as QR codes for guided audio meditations read by Dr. Schwartz to further bolster your journey. IFS has proven to be a revolutionary tool for stress, anxiety, depression, PTSD, trauma, burnout, addiction, disordered eating, relationships, and more. As Dr. Schwartz writes, "IFS changes lives. Now it is your turn to experience this transformative tool for yourself. You and all your parts are welcome here."

A New York Times, Washington Post, USA Today, and IndieBound bestseller "Brilliant and timely" — Oliver Burkeman ~ Do Fewer Things. Work at a Natural Pace. Obsess over Quality. ~ From the New York Times bestselling author of Digital Minimalism and Deep Work, a groundbreaking philosophy for pursuing meaningful accomplishment while avoiding overload Our current definition of “productivity” is broken. It pushes us to treat busyness as a proxy for useful effort, leading to impossibly lengthy task lists and ceaseless meetings. We’re overwhelmed by all we have to do and on the edge of burnout, left to decide between giving into soul-sapping hustle culture or rejecting ambition altogether. But are these really our only choices? Long before the arrival of pinging inboxes and clogged schedules, history’s most creative and impactful philosophers, scientists, artists, and writers mastered the art of producing valuable work with staying power. In this timely and provocative book, Cal Newport harnesses the wisdom of these traditional knowledge workers to radically transform our modern jobs. Drawing from deep research on the habits and mindsets of a varied cast of storied thinkers – from Galileo and Isaac Newton, to Jane Austen and Georgia O’Keefe – Newport lays out the key principles of “slow productivity;” a more sustainable alternative to the aimless overwhelm that defines our current moment. Combining cultural criticism with systematic pragmatism, Newport deconstructs the absurdities inherent in standard notions of productivity, and then provides step-by-step advice for cultivating a slower, more humane alternative. From the aggressive rethinking of workload management, to introducing seasonal variation, to shifting your performance toward long-term quality, Slow Productivity provides a roadmap for escaping overload and arriving instead at a more timeless approach to pursuing meaningful accomplishment. The world of work is due for a new revolution. Slow productivity is exactly what we need.

A New York Times, Washington Post, USA Today, and IndieBound bestseller "Brilliant and timely" — Oliver Burkeman ~ Do Fewer Things. Work at a Natural Pace. Obsess over Quality. ~ From the New York Times bestselling author of Digital Minimalism and Deep Work, a groundbreaking philosophy for pursuing meaningful accomplishment while avoiding overload Our current definition of “productivity” is broken. It pushes us to treat busyness as a proxy for useful effort, leading to impossibly lengthy task lists and ceaseless meetings. We’re overwhelmed by all we have to do and on the edge of burnout, left to decide between giving into soul-sapping hustle culture or rejecting ambition altogether. But are these really our only choices? Long before the arrival of pinging inboxes and clogged schedules, history’s most creative and impactful philosophers, scientists, artists, and writers mastered the art of producing valuable work with staying power. In this timely and provocative book, Cal Newport harnesses the wisdom of these traditional knowledge workers to radically transform our modern jobs. Drawing from deep research on the habits and mindsets of a varied cast of storied thinkers – from Galileo and Isaac Newton, to Jane Austen and Georgia O’Keefe – Newport lays out the key principles of “slow productivity;” a more sustainable alternative to the aimless overwhelm that defines our current moment. Combining cultural criticism with systematic pragmatism, Newport deconstructs the absurdities inherent in standard notions of productivity, and then provides step-by-step advice for cultivating a slower, more humane alternative. From the aggressive rethinking of workload management, to introducing seasonal variation, to shifting your performance toward long-term quality, Slow Productivity provides a roadmap for escaping overload and arriving instead at a more timeless approach to pursuing meaningful accomplishment. The world of work is due for a new revolution. Slow productivity is exactly what we need.

'Extremely compelling' – THE GUARDIAN 'Remarkable' – WASHINGTON POST 'A beautifully-rendered memoir' – PUBLISHERS WEEKLY Because We Are Bad is a gripping, fast-paced non-fiction memoir that takes you inside the invisible war of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) — where a single intrusive thought can feel like a verdict, and where the mind insists that certainty is the only form of safety. From the outside, Lily is a bright, capable girl navigating school, friendships, and family life. On the inside, her days are governed by dread: unwanted images, taboo thoughts, sudden spikes of anxiety, and the persistent fear that thinking something "bad" means being bad. OCD is not neat, quirky, or harmless in this story. It is urgent, intelligent, and exhausting — an illness that hijacks logic, steals time, and makes ordinary moments feel dangerous. Written with razor-sharp clarity and literary elegance, Because We Are Bad has the pace of a thriller: a page-turning true story of rituals and mental compulsions, of moral panic and secret rules, of the desperate bargains made to keep disaster away. Lily Bailey captures the looping nature of obsession — the way intrusive thoughts return, mutate, and demand new answers — while showing how shame and silence can tighten the trap. This is narrative nonfiction at its most intimate: an OCD memoir that turns a private disorder into a vivid, cinematic reading experience. Yet this is not only a story of suffering. It is also a story of survival, insight, and recovery — the hard-won shift from fear-driven obedience to the possibility of freedom. With compassion and hard truth, Bailey traces how OCD distorts identity ("because we are bad"), and how naming the disorder can become the first step toward reclaiming the self. If you have ever lived with anxiety, panic, depression, perfectionism, rumination, or the crushing need to "get it right," you will recognise the emotional squeeze of a brain that refuses to let go. Inside this unforgettable mental health memoir, you'll hear: - A vivid, honest portrait of life with OCD and intrusive thoughts, including the isolating pressure to appear "fine." - The hidden mechanics of compulsions — checking, reassurance seeking, avoidance, mental reviewing — and how they can escalate in secret. - A moving coming-of-age journey through fear, courage, family, and the complicated work of growing up with mental illness. - A voice that is intelligent, humane, and fiercely readable: candid, darkly funny at times, and always compassionate. Because We Are Bad is essential for anyone searching for an OCD memoir, an obsessive-compulsive disorder autobiography, or a powerful mental health book that combines literary nonfiction with real-life urgency. If you crave narrative non-fiction that is emotionally intense, psychologically precise, and impossible to put down, Lily Bailey delivers. Because We Are Bad offers the rare combination of speed and depth: the propulsive momentum of a true life story and the enduring resonance of a book that changes how you see the mind.