Book Description
With a unique combination of ancient and contemporary wisdom from the Tibetan Buddhist tradition,
The Diamond Cutter presents readers with empowering strategies for success in their work and personal lives.
Geshe Michael Roach, one of the great teachers today of Tibetan Buddhism, has richly woven
The Diamond Cutter in three layers. The first is a translation of selections from the Diamond Sutra itself, an ancient text comprised of conversations between the Buddha and his close disciple Subhuti. Considered a central work by Buddhists throughout the world, the Diamond Sutra has been the focus of much interpretation over the centuries. In the second layer, Geshe Michael quotes from some of the best commentaries of the Tibetan tradition. In the main text, the third layer, he uses both sutra and commentary as a jumping-off point for presenting his own teaching.
Geshe Michael gives fresh insight into ancient wisdom by using examples from his own experience as one of the founders of the Andin International Diamond Corporation, which was started with capital of fifty thousand dollars and which today has annual sales in excess of one hundred million dollars. Much of the success of Andin has come from applying the business strategies presented in
The Diamond Cutter. Geshe Michael's easy style and spiritual understanding make this work of timeless wisdom an invaluable source for those already familiar with, and those unfamiliar with, Tibetan Buddhism.
From the Hardcover edition.
Customer Reviews:
An awesome book.......2007-04-06
Its a very good book, give me lots of inspiration towards my work and my life, sometimes we get confused with our life, but this book leads you to find another way to see our life. such an awesome book.
a bit scary.......2007-03-27
This is a guidebook to achieving 'success" in the business world through application of perception practices developed by Tibetans. The book is based on sound Buddhist methodology, written by a highly competent and experienced person (geshe, no less).
One potential concern is that some of the suggestions and ideas Roach writes about are about becoming a clever manipulator. Becoming skilled in these practices gives one an edge over fellow humans. Roach himself is controversial, has broken his monk vows, was excommunicated from his order, renounced by his teacher Geshe Thubten Rinchen, and is no loner welcome in Dharamsala. One view of his current situation might be that Roach is pioneering a new, revolutionary Vajrayana path; other views are not so charitable.
This work opens the question of compatibility of vajrayana and business practices. I can understand that Roach is selling the idea that business canbe a 'chop wood-carry water' activity, no different from practice as, say, meditation. Yet, i know of no zen monks or Tibetan masters who actually subscribe to or embody this idea. Modern business is based on profit and ego. Perhaps tantrikas rightfully scorn the traditionalists. Yet the guy who comes to mind is no other than the ultimate scam master, Rajneesh himself. Dangerous territory.
The Path to the Dark Side.......2007-03-23
Wow, what a troubling book, wherein the principles of Social Darwinism are twisted with Buddhist philosophy. According to the author, not only does one attain wealth and success by being the smartest, strongest or "fittest"--but by being the most spiritual as well! If only that were true...unfortunately, my life experience in the world of film and business has led me to observe the exact opposite. Let's take this quote from the "Diamond Cutter":
"The greatest business people have a deep inner capacity - they hunger, as we all do, but perhaps more strongly - for a true spiritual life. They have seen more of the world than most of us; they know what it can give them, and what it cannot. They demand a logic in spiritual things; they demand that the method and the results be clear, as clear as the terms in any business deal. Often they have dropped out from an active spiritual life - not because they are greedy or lazy, but simply because no path has measured up to their demands. The Diamond Cutter was literally made for these people - talented, tough and savvy... The wisdom of The Diamond Cutter says that the very people who are attracted to business are exactly the ones who have the inner strength to grasp and carry out the deeper practices of the spirit."
By this rationale, Donald Trump should be one of the most profoundly spiritual human beings on the planet. And the impovershed Buddhist masters of old should be spiritually bankrupt. I am wondering how the author of "The Diamond Cutter" would reconcile his philosophy against the teachings of past Buddhist Masters, such as the following by Ehei Dogen:
"To study the Way, first of all, you learn poverty. After having learned poverty and becoming poor, you will be intimate with the Way. From the time of Shakyamuni, up to the present day, I have never seen or heard of a true student of the Way who possessed great wealth." --Shobogenzo-zuimonki
Or the following from 20th century zen master Kodo Sawaki:
"It's clear what you like: having sex, wining and dining, and making yourself a career without having to make an effort. Running after what you like and running away from what you don't like is what is meant by 'wandering around in the impermanent world'. Even a rat begins to run if you give him an electric shock."
Perhaps that doesn't quite gel with our modern consumerist, "success" oriented culture...and as such, "The Diamond Cutter" may sell more copies by offering needy folks a quick route to fame and fortune. Sad to say, "The Diamond Cutter" is the path to the Dark Side, and directly conflicts with the very foundations of Buddhism. Run a thousand miles from this stuff...
Hidden Potential - Am I willing to see more?.......2007-01-17
I found myself inspired as Roach spoke about hidden potential.
* There is hidden potential in every thing and like a diamond which "is perfectly clear, almost invisible and the hidden potential of every thing around us is just as hard to see... - and the hidden potential in things is their pure and absolute truth"
* There are two ways we "see" potential. One way is by sitting and thinking hard about it until you understand the explanation and it's potential and can use it. The second way is to go into a deep state of meditation and "see" the potential in your mind's eye. You may end up searching your mind for something to compare it. A point that really hit me is that our impression of every thing is simply our perception based upon our experience.
* How we perceive is a mirror of our self. When working with people on leadership or management- I often do an exercise where I ask the person to tell me about their favorite leaders or managers or most inspirational ones. I write down the list of qualities both good and bad and do some more digging. What I notice is that they are freed up to be fully present - because the person they are speaking about is not themselves. Later in the conversation I bring these qualities back to them and speak about the idea of personal perception is a mirror of who you are, who you want to be, and who you no longer want to be. This in itself opens an amazing conversation.
What really hit home...
Based upon how we perceive, which is our natural reactions to both positive experiences and problems - we may simply perpetuate an average solution or we may simply perpetuate the existing problem.
The lights went off and were blinking.
I thought wow - it's all about sitting inside that box and not seeing outside of it. Some us us may be sitting smugly knowing all is well, but we aren't seeing potential of what could be more. And some of us are sitting in that box burying yourself and your business because you are not able to see more - what you see in your own truth, but not a bigger possible truth.
Note to those that want to read more but possibly not the whole book: There is a great explanation of this in the chapter of "how to use the potential yourself."
I keep wondering...
Am I seeing the hidden potential to help my own business and life?
Am I doing and being status quo?
Am I thinking that an idea is huge potential when it is really some thing that fits nicely in my own box?
Am I willing to be vulnerable, to be pushed, to see more?
Am I willing to be more?
Am I willing to push through my own imposed glass ceiling?
Am I willing?
Yes that is what it comes down to...am I willing?
This is just a piece of what is available...enjoy discovering your own hidden potential within The Diamond Cutter.
Universal Truths.......2006-10-12
This is wonderful book that clearly shows how every situation in our life emanates from one's state of consciousness. Whatever religion you are, you can benefit from this book. eg.The law of gravity applies to us all!
Spiritual truths are universal even tho stated somewhat differently.
eg. Karma, you sow what you reap, etc.
I really loved the concrete examples Geshe Roach gives us that delineates very down to earth approaches to various business problems and their solutions. So many other books of this genre are so theoretical and abstract, that it is difficult to apply it to one's life life in any appreciable way.
This book also gives us hope that no matter where we are now in our lives, we can always begin to build anew.
I have recommended this book to all my friends!!
Amazon.com
Other Buddhist books offer you a path to happiness, Geshe Michael Roach offers a path to wealth. Roach, who while being a monk helped build a $100 million business, demonstrates how ancient notions in The Diamond Cutter sutra can help you succeed, and if you're in business that means to make money, a lot of it. Drawing on lessons he learned in the diamond business and years in Buddhist monasteries, Roach shows how taking care of others is the ultimate path to taking care of oneself, even--especially--in business. As he puts it, you have to engage in "mental gardening," which means doing certain practical things that will form new habits that will create an ideal reality for you. If this sounds a little outrageous, his very precise instructions are down to earth and address numerous specific issues common to the business/management world. Through this practice, you will become a considerate, generous, introspective, creative person of immense integrity, and that will be the key to your wealth. At first this book comes off like a gimmick and the writing isn't without rough patches, but page by page, as Roach introduces you to the practical details and real-life examples, his arguments become more convincing. A cross between the Dalai Lama's ethics and Stephen Covey's Seven Habits, The Diamond Cutter will have you gardening a path to the bank. --Brian Bruya
Book Description
With a unique combination of ancient and contemporary wisdom from the Tibetan Buddhist tradition,
The Diamond Cutter presents readers with empowering strategies for success in their work and personal lives.
Geshe Michael Roach, one of the great teachers today of Tibetan Buddhism, has richly woven
The Diamond Cutter in three layers. The first is a translation of selections from the Diamond Sutra itself, an ancient text comprised of conversations between the Buddha and his close disciple Subhuti. Considered a central work by Buddhists throughout the world, the Diamond Sutra has been the focus of much interpretation over the centuries. In the second layer, Geshe Michael quotes from some of the best commentaries of the Tibetan tradition. In the main text, the third layer, he uses both sutra and commentary as a jumping-off point for presenting his own teaching.
Geshe Michael gives fresh insight into ancient wisdom by using examples from his own experience as one of the founders of the Andin International Diamond Corporation, which was started with capital of fifty thousand dollars and which today has annual sales in excess of one hundred million dollars. Much of the success of Andin has come from applying the business strategies presented in
The Diamond Cutter. Geshe Michael's easy style and spiritual understanding make this work of timeless wisdom an invaluable source for those already familiar with, and those unfamiliar with, Tibetan Buddhism.
Customer Reviews:
The Path to the Dark Side.......2007-03-23
Wow, what a troubling book, wherein the principles of Social Darwinism are twisted with Buddhist philosophy. According to the author, not only does one attain wealth and success by being the smartest, strongest or "fittest"--but by being the most spiritual as well! If only that were true...unfortunately, my life experience in the world of film and business has led me to observe the exact opposite. Let's take this quote from the "Diamond Cutter":
"The greatest business people have a deep inner capacity - they hunger, as we all do, but perhaps more strongly - for a true spiritual life. They have seen more of the world than most of us; they know what it can give them, and what it cannot. They demand a logic in spiritual things; they demand that the method and the results be clear, as clear as the terms in any business deal. Often they have dropped out from an active spiritual life - not because they are greedy or lazy, but simply because no path has measured up to their demands. The Diamond Cutter was literally made for these people - talented, tough and savvy... The wisdom of The Diamond Cutter says that the very people who are attracted to business are exactly the ones who have the inner strength to grasp and carry out the deeper practices of the spirit."
By this rationale, Donald Trump should be one of the most profoundly spiritual human beings on the planet. And the impovershed Buddhist masters of old should be spiritually bankrupt. I am wondering how the author of "The Diamond Cutter" would reconcile his philosophy against the teachings of past Buddhist Masters, such as the following by Ehei Dogen:
"To study the Way, first of all, you learn poverty. After having learned poverty and becoming poor, you will be intimate with the Way. From the time of Shakyamuni, up to the present day, I have never seen or heard of a true student of the Way who possessed great wealth." --Shobogenzo-zuimonki
Or the following from 20th century zen master Kodo Sawaki:
"It's clear what you like: having sex, wining and dining, and making yourself a career without having to make an effort. Running after what you like and running away from what you don't like is what is meant by 'wandering around in the impermanent world'. Even a rat begins to run if you give him an electric shock."
Perhaps that doesn't quite gel with our modern consumerist, "success" oriented culture...and as such, "The Diamond Cutter" may sell more copies by offering needy folks a quick route to fame and fortune. Sad to say, "The Diamond Cutter" is the path to the Dark Side, and directly conflicts with the very foundations of Buddhism. Run a thousand miles from this stuff...
Incredible Book........2007-02-24
Are wealth and Buddhism antithetical? I don't think so. The more money you have, the more able you are to help people. When did involuntary, abject poverty ever serve anyone? Roach gives not 50%, not 60%, not 70%, not 80% but 100% of any profit that comes his way AWAY. The book could have been reduced to one simple, karmic maxim: To make money, give it away. It might be more useful for the people who are criticizing him to first put the principles he outlines into practice for 6 months or so. Then, when you have made yourself a bundle, see how Buddhist you really are by seeing where your so-called 'renunciation' is then. Will you give it all away or will you keep it...........for your hermetic self?
Roach off track yet again.......2006-05-24
That this book claims to use Buddhist tenets to help in daily life is nothing short of laughable. One of the principle teachings of Buddhism is renunciation, and the Diamond Cutter is a book that explains how to become wealthy (and not very clearly at that). In fact, an action aimed at gaining a result in this life is not, by definition, even considered a Buddhist action. This book is squarely aimed at this life's benefits. Geshe Michael Roach has long had a love affair with diamonds. In fact he spent 17 years working in New York City's diamond trade (the same time period that he claims to have been studying for his Geshe Degree in South India).
Call this a "Get Rich Quick" book, but don't call it anything spiritual. It is the antithesis of Buddhist Philosophy, which is based on renunciation and compassion.
Geshe Michael Roach constantly claims that diamonds are the closest thing in our conventional reality to emptiness (the ultimate Buddhist viewpoint on the manner in which all phenomena exist), however the real meaning of emptiness is explained as a mere absence, therefore equating it to diamonds, a positive phenomena, would seem incorrect. Traditionally, if it is likened to anything from conventional reality, it is likened to unobstructed space -- a mere absence.
Geshe Michael Roach states, in his book the Diamond Cutter, which deals with using Buddhist principles to create wealth: "Pure diamond is the closest thing to an absolutely clear physical substance. With no light reflecting off of its surface you cannot see the pure diamond at all. Diamond gives a perfect reflection of light. Diamond is the hardest thing in the universe. A diamond is 3 times as hard as the next hardest mineral. It is a metaphor for that which is absolute. Diamonds represent, in the ancient Tibetan way, a hidden potential in all things: This is usually referred to as 'emptiness".
The title of this book is gleaned from an ancient Buddhist text, whose name is often translated as, "The Diamond Cutter Sutra", however it is also known as the "The Vajra Cutter Sutra" which deals with the subject of emptiness (Vajra is a Sanskrit term having a mean similar to adamantine).
Often translated as Diamond Sutra or Diamond Cutter Sutra. However, the word "vajra" used in the title is not explained as meaning 'diamond' in either the sutra itself or the Indian commentaries we have access to (those of Asabga, Vasubandhu, and Kamalashila).
In fact, the Buddha does not even mention the word 'vajra' in the discourse itself (at least not in the Tibetan or Sanskrit editions), naming it merely "Prajnaparamita": "Subhuti, the name of this Dharma discourse is 'the wisdom gone beyond'; it should be remembered like that."
In his introduction to his edition and translation, the Buddhist scholar Edward Conze said (p. 7): 'It is usual, following Max Mueller, to render Vajracchedika Sutra as 'Diamond sutra'. There is no reason to discontinue this popular usage, but strictly speaking, it is more than unlikely that the Buddhists here understand vajra as the material substance which we call 'diamond.'
Kamalashila's commentary (p. 204a) takes 'vajra' to mean the adamantine implement: 'Like this, it is the 'vajra cutter' in two ways. Because it cuts off the afflicted obstructions and the subtle obstructions to omniscience, which are as difficult to destroy as the vajra -- this indicates its necessity to abandon the two obstructions. Alternatively, the cutting is 'vajra-like' since it is similar to the shape of the vajra: the vajra is made bulbous on the ends and thin in the center. Similarly, this wisdom gone beyond is also taught as extensive in the beginning and the end -- the ground of aspirations activity and the buddha ground. The thin middle indicates the pure grounds of superior intention. Hence, it is like the aspect of a vajra, and this indicates three grounds as its subject matter.'
Buddhapalita states... In order to well establish the meaning of the unknown by the meaning of the known; worldly people normally say space does not exist in any way. Thus partisans claim "All of those proliferations are space" intending "all of those do not exist in any way". Therefore, because of demonstrating the example "The remaining five elements [dhaatu] should be stated to be equivalent with space", space established as emptiness is demonstrated first.
Nagarjuna writes in the Acintyastava... Not arising, unceasing, not annihilated, and not permanent, that is like space, not within the range of words or knowledge.
And in the Bodhicittavivarana... Without characteristics and non-arising, no coming to be, without description, space, awakened mind and awakening posess the characeristic of non-duality. The Buddha of the great nature, who resides in the essence of awakening and all those bearing love, at all times know that emptiness is equivalent with space.
Smirtijnana's commentary on Bodhicittavivarana... "Space and..." is peace; awakened mind [bodhicitta] is non-conceptual wisdom; awakening is the undeceived actual realization of all phenomena. The charactersitic of non-duality is that there is no difference between space and awakened mind. Thus, for example, just as space exists conventionally, not ultimately, likewise awakened mind exists as a correct relative, but not ultimately. The meaning of that is, that "the wisdom of emptiness is like space". Since although it is empty it is also wisdom,therefore, the wisdom of emptiness is natureless. That exists conventionally like space, yet does not exist when investigated.
A deceptively simple and brilliant book.......2005-10-14
if you can suspend your disbelief and try this new (old)way of looking at life and business, you will be astounded at the results. Infinite potential exists every minute. Your preconceptions ("imprints") will determine whether you see good or bad around you.
This book will change your assumptions about why things are as they are on their ear, and has the courage to risk alienating both devout Capitalists and devout Buddhists alike for trying to show how compatible the two really are.
My booming business is living proof he is right. What can you lose by trying it?
Ask not what the Kosmos can do for you... Ask what you can.........2005-04-28
For Westerners, Eastern wisdom can seem so impenetrable. Buddhism can appear to lack application. Zen can seem like maddness. As soon as you even try to talk about the Tao you've already missed the point. How profoundly powerful it is then, for an interested Westerner to find Geshe Michael Roach's astoundingly pragmatic "The Diamond Cutter : The Buddha on Strategies for Managing Your Business and Your Life".
Not only is this a clear and concise summary of a vast and potentially baffling spiritual tradition, it clearly delineates training, practice and even potential results.
On orders from his spiritual order, Michael Roach used these principles to guide him in the development of a diamond business worth many millions of dollars. This is not, however, a book on how to get rich. This is a book about transforming perceptions.
One primary idea from this book is that GENEROCITY IS THE TRUE SOURCE OF WEALTH. Much of the saddness and poverty of this world comes from the misperception that we must take in order to have. In understanding the precepts of this book, we are guided to the opposite conclusion: as we give, so grows our wealth (financially and spiritually).
Far from etherial, this is a practical guide to understanding the effect that choices have on our lives, with applications transceding business in to every aspect of human endeavor.
The more you give, the more you have - FOR REAL.
Book Description
A complete guide to day trading stocks, options, or futures, plus companion workbook
This valuable guide is a complete day trading course (with a companion workbook) that walks novice traders through all the day trading opportunities. The Day Trader's Course is packed with basic technical skill, proven winning strategies, and essential background. Lewis Borsellino reveals when to buy and when to sell, and shows readers how to identify when "it's over" for a particular stock, option, or future. Drawing from his considerable experience, he identifies the rules that every trader should follow.
Download Description
This valuable guide is a complete day trading course (with a companion workbook) that walks novice traders through all the day trading opportunities. "The Day Trader's Course" is packed with basic technical skill, proven winning strategies, and essential background.
Customer Reviews:
Useless for all but beginners.......2004-07-06
Another mediocre, general-fare, trading 101 (in fact a chapter IS named Technical Analysis 101) book that is pretty much worthless drivel except for all but the most beginning traders. WHY OH WHY can't someone write a book that takes traders, step-by-step through actual, real time trades, comprehensively and methodically via a chrnological type format?? Not this one, for sure. The author is simply filling reams of paper with such general ideas as 'don't trade with your emotions,' 'you can't trade if you're upset,' 'psychology can't be underestimated' 'trade with the trend,' ad nauseum. It is clear, Mr. Borsellino is simply trying to improve HIS bottom line with this book. Don't waste your money. One of the more generous and concise books that has lots in it for all levels of traders is Marcel Linc's book. Also, steer clear of Toni Turner's pablum.
Happy trading
Introduction to trading.......2003-11-03
This is exactly as described a how-to book for daytraders. There is a perfunctory rehash of the basics of technical analysis and execution systems. The material here is helpful as a stepping stone if the reader has never been exposed to the material but there is nothing groundbreaking presented. That alone is of interest to me. Here is a trader that has been successful on the floor with little more that a few support and resistance numbers in his head. It is clear from his book that you will make bigger profits if you understand the market, even if you invest little time reading the latest book from newest technical analyst.
There are sections about how to prepare for the trading day, the dynamics during the trading day and how to use time effectively after trading is done. Again, the material presented is basic in nature. Perhaps when a book is written with such a large scope, it would be impossible to add much depth to the various topics. Borsellino is a legend of trading. But I would recommend Schwartz's Pit Bull over this effort.
Beginners Only.......2003-06-22
One of the trading legends of this generation , I'd imagine it might have been painful for Lewis to "talk down" and write the book in this total trading newbie tone. Experienced traders will find little information here of any use. Just very basic TA, bit of overworked trading principles and the customary psychology chapter. I did find one page discussing fair value and premiums to be interesting and there are a few pages going over the economic indicators at the end of the book that might be worth taking notes on. Overall, a decent pick up for a total beginner though useless for any seasoned trader.
A Complete Insight Into The Day Trader's Course.......2002-06-22
Lewis Borsellino has earned a reputation as one of the greatest for his 20 years of pit trading at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Now that computers have brought trading to offices and homes around the world, Lewis is able to teach people lessons he has learned the hard way and that are as applicable now as they ever were. This book offers the essential ingredients that have given the author what it takes to become one of the best. Through Lewis' real-world experiences, the virtues of mental preparation, technical analysis, devising a trading plan, execution and discipline, should hit home with clarity.
The first chapter of the book is dedicated to mental preparation, and the importance of fully understanding the basic truths about trading. Lewis has seen people from all types of professions think they can take what they have learned in their fields and apply it to trading. This is not the case. When Lewis shares his experiences, it is clear that the market requires a certain "frame of mind" that is like nothing else.
At one point in Lewis' career, he had gained $4.5 million in profits, but saw it evaporate to only $100,000. From this loss, he learned that certain errors in his thinking were the culprits. For example, trading in big size may be good for the ego, but it can get you into situations that a poor market won't accommodate for. As Lewis said:
"I couldn't fling around hundreds of contracts to satisfy my ego or because people in the pit expected that of me. I had to trade what suited both my own plan and the market conditions. After that my trading was noticeably on track."
With a proper mindset in place, a good trader needs a good plan to execute. Essential to Lewis' plan is technical analysis. According to Mr. Borsellino, technical analysis, as far as drawing up the images, is the easy part; interpreting them is where the real expertise comes in. With this book as your guide, insight into what Lewis looks for in a chart will be made clear. The goal here is to identify the trend at an early stage and stay with the trend until it has ceased. Just learning the patterns will only get you so far, it takes the advice of a real pro to gain a superior edge in the markets.
The most important aspect of trading for Lewis is discipline. This means adhering to a plan, focusing on the trade, not the money, and goal setting. Without discipline, the best strategies in the world will fall apart. Knowing when, and when not to trade, as well as not letting matters outside of trading interfere with your decisions, are the results of practicing good discipline. This challenge is something even Lewis deals with now in his career. Through sharing personal experiences, the author gives tips and advice on how to incorporate good discipline, and to avoid common pitfalls that will wreak havoc on your account. Again, just being familiar with the importance of discipline is one thing, but having Lewis as your guide is a real treat.
I will admit that I am a trading book junky and find something to learn from just about everything I pick up. But this one comes from the perspective of one of the world's greatest, and with co-author Patricia Crisafulli, this well-written read will help solidify what's really important when it comes to obtaining success. As Larry Connors, CEO of TradingMarkets.com, puts it, "If you're looking for theory, this is not the book for you. But if you want to learn how to trade in the real world, Lewis is your greatest teacher."
Part-time traders look here........2002-01-05
Hey, if you are like me and have a full-time job while you trade, then I think that you will find this book valuable. This is real world stuff from a real trader. I mean, if failure is the best teacher then this guy can has learned alot. In the book, Borsellino talks about how he worked over $4 million down to $100K and what he learned from it. That's the best part about this book, lessons like that broken down into a simple set of rules to trade by. Another plus, Borsellino gives you his support and resistance levels every day on the S&Ps free on TradingMarkets.com!
Average customer rating:
|
Legal Writing: Principles of Juriography
Myra A. Harris
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 Business Law
| Reference
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Law
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Law Practice
| Law
| Subjects
| Books
Writing
| Law Practice
| Law
| Subjects
| Books
Legal Profession
| One-L
| Law
| Subjects
| Books
Legal Writing
| One-L
| Law
| Subjects
| Books
Writing
| Reference
| Subjects
| Books
| Academic & Commercial
| Business
| Children's Literature
| Editing
| Fiction
| General
| Genre Fiction
| Journalism
| Newspapers & Magazines
| Nonfiction
| Play & Scriptwriting
| Poetry
| Technical
| Travel
| Writing Skills
General
| Reference
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Business
| Law
| Professional & Technical
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Law
| Professional & Technical
| Subjects
| Books
Legal Profession
| One-L
| Law
| Professional & Technical
| Subjects
| Books
Legal Writing
| One-L
| Law
| Professional & Technical
| Subjects
| Books
All Titles
| Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007
| Stores
| Books
Similar Items:
-
Criminal Law
-
The Law of Business Organizations (West Legal Studies Series)
-
Litigation and Trial Practice
ASIN: 0132386275 |
Book Description
Using a practical, hands-on approach, this introduction to the fundamentals of legal writing presents the rules for legal writing. The book shows how to draft various legal documents, presents specific examples, and provides extensive practice in drafting such documents. For anyone interested in Legal Writing.
Average customer rating:
|
Master Farmer: Teaching Small Farmers Management
Bruce M. Landsdale
Manufacturer: Westview Pr (Short Disc)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
General
| Agricultural Sciences
| Professional Science
| Professional & Technical
| Subjects
| Books
Agricultural
| Economics
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0813302773 |
Customer Reviews:
Good for all nonprofits.......2003-10-17
Please don't be mislead by the title "Master Farmer" because this book is about management and will be helpful to all nonprofits. It is addressed to development workers, those who train them and to those concerned with supporting rural community development efforts. On one of his sabbaticals, the author visited Ireland where he discovered the saying "Management is doing what you want with what you've got". As Director of the American Farm School in Thessaloniki, Greece, the author never had the resources he wanted but he did a superb job with what he had. He would stand up in front of a group of farmers and jokingly tell them "I am going to teach your cows to polka" and then teach the basics of management - Planning, Organization, Leadership, K(c)ontrol, and Adjustment. Hundreds can still remember him emphasizing the philosophy of the school - the head, the hands and the heart - by drawing a spidery man showing the over-evolvement of man from one with a big pair of hands, big heart and a modest sized head into one with a big head, but virtually no hands and little heart. While these lessons are invaluable for those working the land, the same lessons benefit the rural worker in other occupations.
Lansdale also believes that "The story of postwar Greece holds invaluable lessons for many developing countries today. In 1947 Greece had just emerged from a decade of war and strife; its villagers were demoralized and fleeing rural life for the cities; and its farms were unable to produce adequate crops to feed its people. In less than forty years Greece has become a major exporter of foodstuffs, most villages have made the transition from underdeveloped to developing, and rural people no longer yearn to move to the cities." As I view the development efforts since the book was written in 1986, I cry at the money wasted because the decision-makers did not learn from Greece as a development model nor did they take to heart the wisdom in this book.
Lansdale became famous for his Hodja stories and if he failed to include one in his frequent talks the audience would not let him leave the room. But for Lansdale Nazredin Hodja was not just a wise legend and a good laugh, he was the tool to bring home his message of training master farmers. Rural life in developing areas is centered on the peasant, a word used by Lansdale with affection, admiration and profound gratitude for their wisdom and what they taught him. That a peasant has something to teach a person with a university degree may seem strange, but Lansdale took to heart Deeming's adage "get close to the customer", listening rather than preaching, gaining insights and a depth of understanding which most of us would fail to appreciate. The author points out "Many Greek and foreign development workers came to the villages with the idealistic conviction that they understood the peasant's problems and could solve them. However, they soon realized how important it was for the peasants to learn to identify and solve their own problems. Others could introduce modern techniques to the peasants and share new ideas with them, but until the peasants assimilated the ideas, they would have little meaning. The word economics is derived from the Greek word oikos (home). Although any rural development program must rely on effective planning at the national level, development workers must recognize that ultimately success depends on basic economics in the peasant home." Lansdale then goes on to say "But much of the credit must go to the villagers themselves, particularly to the women, whose role in many cases has been even greater than that of their husbands. These master farmers and their wives are the sergeants of agriculture: the select group of peasants who have acquired the managerial skills to lead the country to its present high level of agricultural production. It is essential that developing nations of the world discover innovative approaches to creating such master farmers and the technicians who support them, by providing adequate management and technical training for subsistence peasants." And this is what this book is all about - providing adequate management and technical training for progressively more sophisticated and educated peasants.
Lansdale starts out the book by helping us to understand the problem. How many of us have got sufficiently close to the peasant to be really sure that we understand all dimensions of the problem, and thus build in failure to the best-laid plans? In this respect the author says "The peasants generally accepted their feelings of helplessness in the face of constant misfortune as inevitable and played a primary role in initiating it. Their misfortune was something neither they nor those who wanted to help them could do much about. In Greece today, progressive farmers have grown to accept change as inevitable. If development workers in Greece and else where are to utilize the peasants' potential for change, they must first understand the characteristics of the villagers that once hindered progress in the Greek countryside." It is in understanding the characteristics of the villagers that Lansdale found his magic touch. This allowed him to correctly define the problem and then his university training could be used to help. It is because Lansdale was able to climb into the peasant's skin and look out on the world with the peasants eyes and then return home and meld that world view with that of the developed world that he has been able to make such a valuable contribution.
If you do a quiet self-evaluation and suspect that you have not really and truly got close to your rural customer then I recommend that you absorb the wisdom contained in this book.
dwillis@afs.edu.gr
Average customer rating:
- How close are you to your rural customer?
|
Master farmer: Teaching small farmers management
Bruce M Lansdale
Manufacturer: Westview Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
Agricultural Sciences
| Science
| Subjects
| Books
| Agronomy
| Animal Husbandry
| Aquaculture
| Bacteriology
| Biochemistry
| Biotechnology
| Chemistry
| Crop Science
| Economics
| Education
| Entomology
| Food Science
| Forestry
| General
| History
| Horticulture
| Insecticides & Pesticides
| Irrigation
| Marketing
| Soil Science
| Sustainable Agriculture
| Tropical Agriculture
General
| Agricultural Sciences
| Professional Science
| Professional & Technical
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: B0006EL7GQ |
Customer Reviews:
How close are you to your rural customer?.......2004-01-16
Please don't be mislead by the title "Master Farmer" because this book is about management and will be helpful to all nonprofits. It is addressed to development workers, those who train them and to those concerned with supporting rural community development efforts. On one of his sabbaticals, the author visited Ireland where he discovered the saying "Management is doing what you want with what you've got". As Director of the American Farm School in Thessaloniki, Greece, the author never had the resources he wanted but he did a superb job with what he had. He would stand up in front of a group of farmers and jokingly tell them "I am going to teach your cows to polka" and then teach the basics of management - Planning, Organization, Leadership, K(c)ontrol, and Adjustment. Hundreds can still remember him emphasizing the philosophy of the school - the head, the hands and the heart - by drawing a spidery man showing the over-evolvement of man from one with a big pair of hands, big heart and a modest sized head into one with a big head, but virtually no hands and little heart. While these lessons are invaluable for those working the land, the same lessons benefit the rural worker in other occupations.
Lansdale also believes that "The story of postwar Greece holds invaluable lessons for many developing countries today. In 1947 Greece had just emerged from a decade of war and strife; its villagers were demoralized and fleeing rural life for the cities; and its farms were unable to produce adequate crops to feed its people. In less than forty years Greece has become a major exporter of foodstuffs, most villages have made the transition from underdeveloped to developing, and rural people no longer yearn to move to the cities." As I view the development efforts since the book was written in 1986, I cry at the money wasted because the decision-makers did not learn from Greece as a development model nor did they take to heart the wisdom in this book.
Lansdale became famous for his Hodja stories and if he failed to include one in his frequent talks the audience would not let him leave the room. But for Lansdale Nazredin Hodja was not just a wise legend and a good laugh, he was the tool to bring home his message of training master farmers. Rural life in developing areas is centered on the peasant, a word used by Lansdale with affection, admiration and profound gratitude for their wisdom and what they taught him. That a peasant has something to teach a person with a university degree may seem strange, but Lansdale took to heart Deeming's adage "get close to the customer", listening rather than preaching, gaining insights and a depth of understanding which most of us would fail to appreciate. The author points out "Many Greek and foreign development workers came to the villages with the idealistic conviction that they understood the peasant's problems and could solve them. However, they soon realized how important it was for the peasants to learn to identify and solve their own problems. Others could introduce modern techniques to the peasants and share new ideas with them, but until the peasants assimilated the ideas, they would have little meaning. The word economics is derived from the Greek word oikos (home). Although any rural development program must rely on effective planning at the national level, development workers must recognize that ultimately success depends on basic economics in the peasant home." Lansdale then goes on to say "But much of the credit must go to the villagers themselves, particularly to the women, whose role in many cases has been even greater than that of their husbands. These master farmers and their wives are the sergeants of agriculture: the select group of peasants who have acquired the managerial skills to lead the country to its present high level of agricultural production. It is essential that developing nations of the world discover innovative approaches to creating such master farmers and the technicians who support them, by providing adequate management and technical training for subsistence peasants." And this is what this book is all about - providing adequate management and technical training for progressively more sophisticated and educated peasants.
Lansdale starts out the book by helping us to understand the problem. How many of us have got sufficiently close to the peasant to be really sure that we understand all dimensions of the problem, and thus build in failure to the best-laid plans? In this respect the author says "The peasants generally accepted their feelings of helplessness in the face of constant misfortune as inevitable and played a primary role in initiating it. Their misfortune was something neither they nor those who wanted to help them could do much about. In Greece today, progressive farmers have grown to accept change as inevitable. If development workers in Greece and else where are to utilize the peasants' potential for change, they must first understand the characteristics of the villagers that once hindered progress in the Greek countryside." It is in understanding the characteristics of the villagers that Lansdale found his magic touch. This allowed him to correctly define the problem and then his university training could be used to help. It is because Lansdale was able to climb into the peasant's skin and look out on the world with the peasants eyes and then return home and meld that world view with that of the developed world that he has been able to make such a valuable contribution.
If you do a quiet self-evaluation and suspect that you have not really and truly got close to your rural customer then I recommend that you absorb the wisdom contained in this book.
Books:
- The Economics of Aging: Papers Presented in a Seminar Series
- The Flash of Brilliance Workbook: The Eight Keys to Discover, Unlock, & Fulfill Your Creative Potential at Work
- The Games Companies Play: An Insider's Guide to Surviving and Winning in Office Politics
- The Happy Lawyer: How to Gain More Satisfaction, Suffer Less Stress, and Enjoy Higher Earnings in Your Law Practice
- The High-Tech Personal Efficiency Program: Organizing Your Electronic Resources to Maximize Your Time and Efficiency
- The Impact of Office Automation on Clerical Employment, 1985-2000: Forecasting Techniques and Plausible Futures in Banking and Insurance
- The JobBank Guide To Computer & High-Tech Companies
- The Magical State: Nature, Money, and Modernity in Venezuela
- The Nutrition Transition: Diet and Disease in the Developing World (Food Science and Technology International) (Food Science and Technology)
- The Owner's Manual for Personality at Work: How the Big Five Personality Traits Affect Your Performance, Communication, Teamwork, Leadership, and Sales
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- American Beach: A Saga of Race, Wealth, and Memory
- Succulents: The Illustrated Dictionary
- Marilyn Monroe: The Complete Last Sitting
- Mount St. Helens: The Eruption and Recovery of a Volcano
- Mastering the Chess Openings: Unlocking the Mysteries of the Modern Chess Openings, Volume 1
- The Cartoon Guide to Chemistry
- Oscar Otter
- Operational Performance Measurement: Increasing Total Productivity
- Five Monographs on Business Income
- Someone Not Really Her Mother: A Novel
The Garden: A Parable
How Yoga Works: Healing Yourself and Others With The Yoga Sutra
The Essential Yoga Sutra: Ancient Wisdom for Your Yoga
The Tibetan Book of Yoga: Ancient Buddhist Teachings on the Philosophy and Practice of Yoga
Work as a Spiritual Practice: A Practical Buddhist Approach to Inner Growth and Satisfaction on the Job
