{"product_id":"an-afternoon-with-me-thoughts-and-reflections","title":"An Afternoon with Me: Thoughts and Reflections","description":"A personal collection of essays, reflections, and philosophical musings exploring themes of life, relationships, personal responsibility, success, freedom, and the structure of modern day society.\n\nServing as a foundation for his reflections on identity, personal growth, and the impact of choices the author contemplates his personal journey, identifying himself as “Yesterday’s Man,” who has seen the evolution of his roles in family, work, and society. He discusses how success is influenced by our ability to build relationships and make people feel valued. While emphasizing empathy, comfort, and appreciation as vital to both personal and professional success.\n\nThe author critiques societal and cultural norms, including affirmative action, government and political systems, and employment practices. He advocates for merit-based advancement, transparency, and the importance of empathy in societal interactions. Reflecting on concepts of freedom, he argues rights are earned and tied to personal responsibility and examines how individuals contribute to, or hinder their own freedom, particularly through passive acceptance of authority or societal norms.\n\nCritical of political systems that prioritize international image over citizens’ welfare. The author suggests true freedom involves responsibility and that political actions should focus on transparency and accountability. The author promotes empathy as a cornerstone for societal improvement, arguing that understanding others’ struggles is essential for building a compassionate community.\n\nWritten in an easy to read format, the author leads the reader to consider and be aware of the obvious but not so obvious sides of modern day society, humanity and relationships. A one time read may definitely change how the reader personally sees the world around them. This book encourages self-awareness, challenges social constructs, and promotes the development of personal and societal relationships based on empathy, understanding, and integrity.\u003cbr\u003eASIN: B0DTZNTCMF\u003cbr\u003eVSKU: BVV.B0DTZNTCMF.G\u003cbr\u003eCondition: Good\u003cbr\u003eAuthor\/Artist:Ing, Robert\u003cbr\u003eBinding: Paperback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eNote:\u003c\/b\u003e Any images shown are stock photographs and product may differ from what is shown.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eCondition Notes\u003c\/b\u003e: The item shows wear from consistent use, but it remains in good condition and works perfectly. All pages and cover are intact  including the dust cover, if applicable . Spine may show signs of wear. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting. May NOT include discs, access code or other supplemental materials.  \u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Blue Vase Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42795883429949,"sku":"BVV.B0DTZNTCMF.G","price":18.09,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0589\/4225\/9261\/files\/B0DTZNTCMF-0.jpg?v=1765487702","url":"https:\/\/www.bluevasebooks.com\/products\/an-afternoon-with-me-thoughts-and-reflections","provider":"Blue Vase Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}