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Audiobooks Narrated by Liam Johnson
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"'Abaft the Funnel is a collection of early short stories by the master storyteller Rudyard Kipling. These tales offer a glimpse into the intriguing and often humorous world of maritime adventures, ship life, and the characters who inhabit it. Kipling's vivid storytelling and keen observations make these stories a delightful read for anyone interested in nautical themes and human nature. The collection includes a variety of tales, such as: 'Erastasius of the Whanghoa': A captivating story set in the Far East. 'Her Little Responsibility': An exploration of duty and honor aboard a ship. 'A Menagerie Aboard': A humorous account of exotic animals on a voyage. 'The Red Lamp': A mysterious tale involving a ship's lantern. 'The Shadow of His Hand': A gripping story of intrigue and betrayal. These stories take readers on a journey across the seas, revealing the complexities of human relationships and the challenges faced by those who sail the world's oceans. Whether you're a maritime enthusiast or simply enjoy well-crafted storytelling, Abaft the Funnel offers a delightful escape into the maritime world of Kipling's imagination'"
"'Benjamin Britten: Source Stories of Twelve Operas' is a collection that delves into the origins of Benjamin Britten's operas. These captivating works are firmly entrenched in the international repertoire, with performances spanning the globe. According to Operabase, Britten's operas are more frequently staged than those of any other composer born in the 20th century, surpassed only by Puccini and Richard Strauss."
"Andersonville Diary, Escape, and List of the Dead' is a poignant account written by John L. Ransom, a Union soldier during the American Civil War. John L. Ransom was the quartermaster of Company A, 9th Michigan Volunteer Cavalry during the American Civil War and a Union prisoner in the infamous Confederate prison at Andersonville, Georgia. This is his diary which he published some few years after the end of the Civil War."
"Leviathan is a book written by Thomas Hobbes and published in 1651. It is one of the most important works in political philosophy and is considered a cornerstone of modern political thought.
The main argument of Leviathan is that humans are fundamentally selfish and violent, and that without a strong government to control them, they would inevitably descend into a state of chaos and conflict. Hobbes famously characterized this state as 'the war of all against all.'
In order to avoid this scenario, Hobbes argued that individuals must surrender their natural rights to a sovereign authority. This sovereign, which Hobbes called the Leviathan, would have absolute power to enforce its will upon the people, and in exchange would provide them with security and protection.
Hobbes believed that the ideal form of government was an absolute monarchy, where the sovereign's power was not limited by any laws or institutions. He argued that any attempt to limit the power of the sovereign would be doomed to failure, as it would only lead to the re-emergence of the state of nature and the breakdown of society.
Leviathan is also notable for its contributions to social contract theory, which argues that individuals enter into a contract with their government in order to protect their rights and maintain order in society. Hobbes' social contract theory was influential in the development of political thought and continues to be studied and debated today."
"'Common Sense' is a political pamphlet written by Thomas Paine in 1776. It played a crucial role in inspiring American colonists to take up arms against the British and fight for independence.
In the pamphlet, Paine argues that it is only common sense for the American colonies to break away from Britain and become an independent nation. He criticizes the British monarchy and the idea of hereditary succession, arguing that power should be based on merit and ability, not birthright.
Paine also argues that the British government has failed to protect the interests of the American colonists and that they should be free to govern themselves. He appeals to the sense of patriotism and self-interest of his readers, arguing that American independence would lead to greater prosperity and a better way of life.
Overall, 'Common Sense' is a passionate and persuasive argument for American independence, written in clear and accessible language that appealed to a wide audience. It remains one of the most influential political writings in American history."
"Discourse on Method is a philosophical and autobiographical work by the French philosopher René Descartes. It was published in 1637 and is considered one of the most influential works in the history of modern Western philosophy.
The main purpose of Discourse on Method is to outline Descartes' method of systematic doubt and his search for certain knowledge. Descartes was skeptical of traditional sources of knowledge, such as authority, tradition, and sensory experience, and believed that true knowledge could only be obtained through reason and intuition.
In the work, Descartes also presents his famous dictum 'Cogito, ergo sum' ('I think, therefore I am'), which he uses as the starting point for his philosophy. He argues that the very act of thinking proves one's existence, and that this provides a firm foundation for all knowledge.
Discourse on Method is also notable for its contributions to the development of analytical geometry, as Descartes uses his method to develop a new system of algebraic notation and a way to graph equations.
Overall, Discourse on Method is an important work in the history of philosophy and science, and its influence can still be seen in contemporary debates about the nature of knowledge and the role of reason in human understanding."
"A Treatise of Human Nature is a philosophical work written by the Scottish philosopher David Hume and published in three volumes between 1739 and 1740. The book explores a wide range of philosophical topics, including metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, and aesthetics, and it is considered one of the most influential works in the history of philosophy.
Hume's central thesis is that all human knowledge is ultimately derived from sensory experience, and that there is no inherent connection between cause and effect. He argues that our beliefs about cause and effect are based on custom and habit, rather than any rational or logical foundation. This leads him to challenge many traditional metaphysical and religious beliefs, including the existence of God and the immortality of the soul.
Hume's skeptical approach to knowledge and causality is also applied to ethics and aesthetics. He argues that moral judgments and aesthetic preferences are not based on reason, but rather on subjective feelings and emotions. This leads him to reject the idea of objective moral and aesthetic standards, and to propose a theory of moral and aesthetic relativism.
Despite its controversial and radical views, A Treatise of Human Nature is widely regarded as a masterpiece of philosophical writing, and has had a profound influence on subsequent philosophical thought."
"'A Discourse Upon the Origin and the Foundation of the Inequality Among Mankind' is a philosophical treatise by Jean-Jacques Rousseau, written in the mid-18th century. The book is a critique of social inequality and a proposal for a more just and equitable society.
In the book, Rousseau argues that the concept of inequality is not natural, but rather a product of social and political institutions. He proposes that in a hypothetical state of nature, before the development of civilization and society, humans were equal and free. However, with the emergence of societal structures such as property, laws, and government, inequality arose.
Rousseau proposes a social contract theory, where individuals voluntarily give up some of their natural freedom in exchange for protection and benefits provided by society. He argues that this social contract is the foundation of all legitimate political authority, and that the interests of the collective community (the general will) should take precedence over individual interests.
Rousseau also critiques the concept of private property, which he sees as a source of inequality and conflict, and proposes an educational system that emphasizes natural development and moral values, rather than formal education and social status.
Throughout the book, Rousseau emphasizes the importance of individual liberty and autonomy, and sees social inequality as a threat to these values. He proposes that justice requires the elimination of inequality and the establishment of a fair and equal society.
'A Discourse Upon the Origin and the Foundation of the Inequality Among Mankind' is considered one of the foundational texts of modern political philosophy and has had a significant influence on the development of political thought and social theory."
"'An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding' is a philosophical work written by David Hume in the 18th century. It is one of the most influential works in Western philosophy and is considered a cornerstone of modern empiricism and skepticism.
In this book, Hume investigates the nature and limits of human knowledge, arguing that all knowledge is based on our experiences and observations of the world. He asserts that we cannot know anything beyond what we have observed or experienced, and that there is no rational basis for many of the beliefs that we hold.
Hume's philosophy is deeply skeptical, and he questions many of the traditional ideas of Western philosophy, including causation, induction, and the existence of God. He argues that our beliefs in these concepts are not based on reason, but rather on habit or custom, and that they cannot be rationally justified.
Hume also explores the nature of morality and human nature, arguing that moral judgments are based on sentiment rather than reason, and that human beings are fundamentally motivated by self-interest rather than by any innate moral principles.
Overall, 'An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding' is a profound and influential work that challenges many of the fundamental assumptions of Western philosophy. It is notable for its skepticism and empiricism, and for its rejection of many traditional metaphysical and theological concepts."
"'Superstition in All Ages' is a book written by French priest and philosopher Jean Meslier in the early 18th century. The book is a critique of religion and an argument for atheism. Meslier argues that religion, particularly Christianity, is based on superstition and that its claims cannot be proven.
Meslier's book is divided into two parts. The first part examines the origins of superstition and religion, arguing that they are based on fear, ignorance, and the desire for power. Meslier claims that the belief in supernatural beings and forces is a result of humanity's inability to explain natural phenomena, and that religion is a way for those in power to control and manipulate the masses.
The second part of the book is a direct attack on Christianity. Meslier argues that the Bible is a collection of myths and legends, and that its moral teachings are inconsistent and often immoral. He also critiques the Christian concept of God, arguing that it is illogical and contradictory.
Meslier's arguments were highly controversial in his time, and he was forced to keep his atheism a secret to avoid persecution. After his death, his manuscript was discovered and published, making him one of the earliest and most influential atheist thinkers in history."
"'An Essay Concerning Human Understanding' is a philosophical work written by John Locke in the late 17th century. It is one of the most influential works in the history of Western philosophy and is considered a cornerstone of modern empiricism.
In this book, Locke sets out to explore the nature and limits of human knowledge, arguing that all knowledge is derived from experience, either through our senses or through reflection on our own mental processes. He rejects the idea of innate ideas or knowledge that we are born with, instead proposing that the mind at birth is like a blank slate or 'tabula rasa' that is gradually filled with knowledge through experience.
Locke also examines the nature of language and how it relates to our ability to reason and understand the world. He argues that language is essential for human thought and that it shapes the way we perceive and understand the world around us.
Another important aspect of Locke's philosophy is his theory of personal identity. He argues that our sense of self is not based on any underlying substance or soul, but rather on a continuity of consciousness and memory.
Overall, 'An Essay Concerning Human Understanding' is a profound and influential work that continues to shape modern philosophical thought. It explores many of the fundamental questions about human knowledge and perception that still occupy philosophers today."
"'On Liberty' is a political philosophy book written by British philosopher John Stuart Mill, first published in 1859. The book is one of the most influential works in the history of liberalism, and argues for the importance of individual liberty and freedom of thought and expression.
Mill argues that individuals should be free to think, speak, and act as they wish, as long as their actions do not harm others. He believes that free speech and the exchange of ideas are essential for the progress of society, and that government interference in these matters is harmful and unnecessary.
In 'On Liberty', Mill also discusses the limits of individual freedom, arguing that individuals should be prevented from harming others or infringing upon their rights. He also recognizes the importance of social cohesion and collective action in certain situations, but maintains that these should be voluntary and not imposed by the government.
Overall, 'On Liberty' is a powerful defense of individual liberty and a critique of the tendency of governments to interfere in the lives of their citizens. The book continues to be widely read and studied, and remains an important work in the field of political philosophy."
