"The only thing we have to fear is the fear itself" - Franklin D. Roosevelt.
This book explores the life of Franklin D. Roosevelt, a president who embod"The only thing we have to fear is the fear itself" - Franklin D. Roosevelt.
This book explores the life of Franklin D. Roosevelt, a president who embodied resilience in the face of adversity. Born into privilege in 1882, he took the helm of a nation crippled by the Great Depression. Though never personally experiencing poverty, his empathy for the suffering fueled policies that empowered the disadvantaged.
During the Atomic era, on the brink of World War II, Einstein, along with Hungarian physicist Leó Szilard, drafted a letter to President Roosevelt. A letter that is considered a key trigger for the Manhattan Project, ultimately leading to the development of the atomic bomb. While Roosevelt supported the development of the atomic bomb as a war measure, he also expressed concerns about its potential for destructive purposes. His commitment to peace is evident in his enduring quotes:
"More than an end to war, we want an end to the beginnings of all wars."
"War is young men dying and old men talking."
"The motto of war is: 'Let the strong survive; let the weak die.' The motto of peace is: 'Let the strong help the weak to survive.'"
Despite battling Polio, Roosevelt's leadership transcended physical limitations. He rarely used a wheelchair in public, believing Americans saw strength in his unwavering spirit. This exemplifies his message: fearlessness paves the way for progress and hope. ...more
Let me tell you, lads and lasses, reading "Mastaan: The Fallen Patriot of Delhi" was like riding a runaway camel through Chandni Chowk! It was a whirlLet me tell you, lads and lasses, reading "Mastaan: The Fallen Patriot of Delhi" was like riding a runaway camel through Chandni Chowk! It was a whirlwind of history, romance, and bloodshed. Now, I'm not one for dry history books. I need my facts spiced up with some masala, and that's exactly what this book delivers. Vineet Bajpai, the author, weaves a tale of the 1857 rebellion .
The story centers around Mastaan, a skilled warrior, who played a significant role in the rebellion.
Mastaan is a complex and well-developed character who grapples with loyalty, duty, love, and betrayal. The supporting characters also added depth and dimension to the story.
The book moves at a brisk pace, kept me engaged throughout. What I loved the most was how amazingly the author has written the battle scenes....more
"Clothing is a language, a way of communicating who we are and what we believe. It can be a tool of self-expression, a way to connect with others, or "Clothing is a language, a way of communicating who we are and what we believe. It can be a tool of self-expression, a way to connect with others, or a way to assert power. It can also be a source of comfort, security, and identity."
Being an advocate for ethical and sustainable living, this book was a perfect read for me. This well-researched book took me on a fascinating journey through the annals of fashion history, from ancient times to our contemporary attire. What I truly liked about this book was its profound exploration of not just clothing's evolution but its profound impact on our society, ethics, and the environment.
The Tale of Fabrics: I couldn't help but marvel at the tales of five key fabrics—linen, cotton, silk, synthetics, and wool. These fibers have not only shaped our wardrobes but also left an indelible mark on our world.
- Linen: The venerable linen, originating in Egypt, Greece, and Rome, tugs at my heartstrings. It's one of the oldest fabrics, spun from the resilient flax plant, native to the Middle East.
- Cotton: A beloved natural fabric, cotton's roots reach back to India and Pakistan, dating as far as 5000 BC. Its journey to Europe in the 12th century is a testament to the fabric's global impact. As an Indian, I would say 60% of my clothes are mostly cotton or cotton-blend.
- Silk: A luxurious fabric that is made from cocoons of silkworms, native to china and was used there for thousands of years.
- Wool: This natural fiber, extracted from the fleece of sheep and other animals.
- Synthetic Fabrics: The book's recount of Sir William Henry Perkin's accidental creation of "aniline purple" in 1856 and the subsequent emergence of synthetic fabrics like rayon, nylon, and polyester makes me appreciate the marvels of human innovation, even as it raises questions about sustainability.
Here is a brief timeline of the development of synthetic fabrics:
1856: Sir William Henry Perkin creates the first synthetic dye, aniline purple. 1894: The first synthetic fiber, rayon, is created by Hilaire de Chardonnet. 1935: Nylon is invented by Wallace Carothers at DuPont. 1941: Polyester is invented by Joseph Shivers at DuPont. 1958: Acrylic is invented by DuPont. 1965: Spandex is invented by DuPont.
Fashion and Society: The Impact on Our Lives:
This book adeptly explores how clothing transcends mere fashion, delving into its profound role in shaping societal classes and reinforcing gender norms. It reminds us that clothing choices not only express our identity but also reflect our values.
The Dark Side of Fashion: (My Favorite section of the book)
My heart sank as I read about the human cost of the textile industry, particularly the use of carbon disulfide (CS2). This toxic substance, employed in the production of rayon and synthetic fibers, carries health risks that should not be taken lightly. The book's stark portrayal of the health issues textile workers face due to CS2 exposure, alongside the psychological toll it exacts, is a chilling reminder of the human price we pay for our clothes. It makes me feel like we humans end up digging up our own grave.
The Rise of Ethical Fashion:
As a passionate advocate for ethical fashion, I was heartened by the book's discussion of the growing movement toward sustainable and socially responsible fashion. The call for transparency in the supply chain, fair wages, safe working conditions, and the use of sustainable materials resonated deeply with my values. The book's guidance on becoming a more mindful consumer—researching brands, questioning materials and practices, and supporting certified ethical organizations—reflects my own commitment to making responsible choices. This is something we as a consumer could do to promote more and more ethical fashion.
Insights from Philosophers:
Beyond its profound exploration of textiles and sustainability, "Worn" also offers a glimpse into the philosophies of great thinkers like Dutch Philosopher Erasmus, who declared that clothing was "the body's body." Additionally, it delves into the contrasting views on clothing between Enlightenment philosophers Voltaire and Jean-Jacques Rousseau. These sections without diverting away from the main topic, added a little more depth to the content of the book.
This book reaffirms my commitment to ethical and sustainable living, something I would love to re-read. It challenges me to be a more conscious consumer in a world where fashion often overshadows the pressing needs of our planet and its people. This book fuels my passion for sustainability and inspires me to tread lightly on this Earth while expressing my unique style and values through my clothing choices, echoing Freud's wisdom that clothing can indeed be a powerful channel for expressing our deepest convictions and desires, including our dedication to protecting the environment....more
Loading...
