"People make mistakes in life through believing too much, but they have a damned dull time if they believe too little."-Rutherford, from the book "Lost Horizon" by James Hilton, 1933

Believe In Something

Flying out of India, a light aircraft is hi-jacked and flown into the high Tibetan Himalayas. The few passengers on board anxiously await their fate, among them Conway, a talented British consul. But on landing they are unexpectedly conducted to a remote valley, a legendary paradise of peace and beauty, known as Shangri-La. Have they been kidnapped? Can they escape? And do they even want to? From the author of Goodbye Mr Chips, this is the epic adventure story of literature's most entrancing utopia and one of our most enduring literary mysteries.

Inspiration

Lost Horizon

“the way he looks at me is the way of a man who is fully automated, the way his walk lacks the rhythm of a bear, I being to stare , and wonder of the energy source which moves it”

stasherslasher on Sep 20

Most of damage to our environment stems frome consumption : what we consume,how much we consume and how often

12 Ways You Can Protect The Environment 

Curbing consumption can have a huge impact on the environment. The three "R's"—reduce, reuse and recycle— get a lot of attention, but the planet could benefit from some focus on the most important and most underrepresented "R": refuse.When you refuse, you say "no," which is not always easy. Freebies at events, cheap goods on clearance, the hot new children's toys or the latest gadgets that promise to make your life better—none of these are essential. And they almost always end up either in the trash or forgotten in the back of a closet.

1.Consume Less

Next time you’re tempted to purchase or accept a non-essential item, think about whether it would truly improve your life. If not, it's ok to just say, "No, thanks!"Bonu: Refusing to allow unneeded items into your life can save you money and reduce the amount of clutter in your home.

Another“R”that doesn’t get much attention but has important environmental implications is rot. As in,let your food and yard waste rot naturally in the soil instead of sending it to the landfill. In other words: compost.Composting your food scraps and yard waste offers double rewards:it keeps an incredible amount of trash out of the waste stream, and it produces free,rich soil to use in your garden. Some cities now pick up organic waste alongside regular trash and recycling pick up. If your area doesn’t offer this service,no worries-you can set up a low-maintenance compost pile in your backyard

2.Compost

Think about how many people you see each day drinking beverages from disposable cups or disposable bottles, sipping from disposable straws, carrying disposable grocery bags, eating from disposable plates or containers and using disposable utensils. All that single-use plastic has to go somewhere, and it’s had a devastating effect on our soil, oceans and marine life.

3.Choose reusable over single-use

All of the above items (and more) have more environmentally responsible counterparts. Switch to reusable items and make a commitment to use them as often as possible. You’ll have less trash piling up at your curb, and you’ll be helping to protect the environment in a major way.

Get creative with your useless or unwanted items by upcycling—basically, turning trash into treasure. Creating something new such as artwork, toys or jewelry is both satisfying and one of the best ways to protect the environment. Not only does it keep items out of the trash, it can prevent having to purchase new items, which require lots of resources to produce. Children love making things; so instead of heading to the craft store, check out your recycle bin first and let their imaginations soar!

4.Upcycle more.

If you can’t refuse it…and you can’t rot it…and you can’t reduce it…and you can’t upcycle or reuse it…then it’s time to turn to the final “R”—recycling. Educate yourself on what can and cannot be recycled in your bins at home. Throwing the wrong items in the recycle bin can result in an entire load being rejected, which means … back to the landfill.You can also easily find out how to recycle special items such as electronics, batteries and appliances. Check with your local municipality for drop-off sites, and make an effort to get your items to the proper disposal sites.

5.Recycle properly.

Did you know it takes over 700 gallons of water to grow enough cotton to make just one plain t-shirt?Instead of heading to the mall to buy new clothes, consider looking first in a thrift store or vintage shop, or trading clothes with friends. You can breathe new life into your wardrobe without wasting the precious resources needed to produce new clothing.Shopping secondhand also applies for many other categories of consumer goods: children’s games and toys, shoes, appliances, furniture, cars and more.

6.Shop Secondhand.

While we’re on the topic of shopping, it’s important to think about the path your stuff takes just to get to you. All that packaging, combined with the fuel needed for delivery, really takes a toll on the environment. Instead, check out your local farmers market for fresh, package-free food; try eating at a farm-to-table restaurant; and buy from local artists, clothing makers, and retailers before you click for that two-day shipping.

7.Buy local

Want to protect the environment? Use fewer harmful chemicals and you’ll be on the right track. It’s hard to be sure about the long-term negative effects chemicals can have, both on our bodies and on the planet, so it’s best to avoid them if possible. Opt for chemical-free lawn and garden care; all-natural beauty and hygiene items; natural household cleaners; and organic food. The Earth will thank you!

8.Use fewer chemicals

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a typical passenger vehicle emits about 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year.1&nbsp;Any amount of that we can cut back on will help. For short trips, try walking or biking—you’ll also get a healthy dose of exercise in, without setting foot in a gym. If travelling on foot or two wheels isn’t feasible, try carpooling with a friend, neighbor or coworker to a mutual destination. And if all else fails and you need to drive your car, line up errands in the most efficient route to save time and miles driven.

9.Walk, bike or carpool

Conserving water at home is one of the easiest ways to protect the environment. Think of all the times you consume water, both inside and outside your home; then, make adjustments as you can. For example:*Turn off the tap while you brush your teeth.*Fix leaky faucets.*Make your water use more efficient by aerating faucets, using sprinklers that reduce runoff and installing low-flow toilets and efficient shower heads.

10.Use less water

*Collect and use rainwater for watering plants.*Shorten your shower by a few minutes—or skip it altogether if you don't really need one that day.*Only run your dishwasher or washing machine when it's fullUse less waterThese are just the basics—you can get really creative when it comes to conserving water.

The positive thing about being a consumer is that we have the power to choose where we spend our hard-earned dollars. Think of your money as your voice and your vote for a cleaner planet. Spend it wisely on goods, services and experiences that leave a smaller carbon footprint. Choose to do business with companies that support sustainability efforts, utilize&nbsp;renewable energy sources&nbsp;and walk the walk when it comes to protecting the environment.

11.Use your purchasing power for good

Money talks—if enough people use their purchasing power for the good of the Earth, it will create a demand for sustainable practices. Businesses will either have to comply … or be left behind.

As you can guess, we’re quite fond of this method of protecting the environment! Anytime you can use less electricity, it’s a win for the planet. Try some of these quick ways to conserve energy around your home:*Trade incandescent bulbs for more energy-efficient CFLs or LEDs.*Use smart power strips, which turn off the power to electronics when they’re not being used. (Or, simply unplug power cords from the wall when items aren’t in use.)*Use a programmable or smart thermostat.

12.Conserve electricity

*Maintain your heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system.*When it’s time to buy a new appliance, choose an Energy Star-certified model.*Seal air leaks around doors and windows.*Make sure your home is properly insulated to the recommended level of heat resistance (“R-value”) for where you live.*Use ceiling fans to circulate warm air in the winter and cold air in the summer.

Protect the environment with renewable energy & these other helpful tips to protect the planet and keep it green and healthy for years and generations to come.

Health 

12 Ways You Can Protect the Environment

<ul><li>From the book: The Fortunes and Misfortunes of Moll Flanders</li><li>Written by: William Defoe</li></ul>Moll Flanders is a beautiful woman who has the determination to succeed because of her greed and discontentment from being a servant. She went on to marry many men, some wealthy, some not, and she continued to live many lives -- as a thief, a wife, an escort, and so much more.

Moll Flanders

<ul><li>From the book: The Awakening</li><li>Written by: Kate Chopin</li></ul>Edna Pontellier is a respectable woman who knows herself. She knows what she wants and she acts upon them, however, due to the limitations placed by society on her, she struggles to find her independence.

Edna Pontellier

<ul><li>From the book: Madame Bovary</li><li>Written by: Gustave Flaubert</li></ul>Emma Bovary is stuck in a bleak marriage. She thought of marriage as an adventure however the outcome of her own caused her great discontentment and feelings of unfulfilment.&nbsp;

Emma Bovary

<ul><li>From the book: Anna Karenina</li><li>Written by: Leo Tolstoy</li></ul>Anna Karenina is one of the greatest tragedies of all time. It is a story about a young married woman who goes on to have an affair and then throws herself under a train to commit suicide.

Anna Karenina

<ul><li>From the book: Pride and Prejudice</li><li>Written by: Jane Austen</li></ul>The book explores human nature throught the Bennet Family, but mainly on Elizabeth Bennet's turbulent relationship with an aristocrat.

Elizabeth Bennet

<ul><li>From the book: Jane Eyre</li><li>Written by: Charlotte Bronte</li></ul>The novel ensues the story of a young and simple girl going through life's struggles. We follow her experiences from falling in love to becoming a governess, and more.

Jane Eyre

<ul><li>From the book: Little Women</li><li>Written by: Louisa May Alcott</li></ul>Jo March is one of the most memorable heroines in literary history because through this book we see the dreams and aspirations, and her antics.

Josephine (Jo) March

<ul><li>From the book: The Scarlet Letter</li><li>Written by: Nathaniel Hawthorne</li></ul>In this novel, Hester was forced to wear a scarlet letter to atone for her sin of adultery.&nbsp;

Hester Prynne

<ul><li>From the book: The House of Mirth</li><li>Written by: Edith Wharton</li></ul>This novel follows the story of a beautiful and charming young woman who is on the hunt for a husband.

Lily Bart

<ul><li>From the book: Daisy Miller</li><li>Written by: Henry James</li></ul>We unfold the story of a simple American girl who experiences an innocent flirtation towards a young Italian that causes unfortunate consequences.

Daisy Miller

The following list includes 10 famous fictional heroines to help you with your studies of classic novels or just to give you a better point of reference.

Stashed ideas

Top 10 Famous Fictional Heriones

Beyond the love and romance, the novels of Jane Austen has a layer of steel and resilience that may inspire us in uncertain times.
Jane Austen&#39;s own life was a lesson of perseverance: She published six novels in seven years and died at the age of 41. When she was 25, her rector father retired. Austen, her parents and her sister spent the next eight years travelling between small properties in Bath, relatives&#39; homes and seaside resorts. Much of this life is reflected in her heroines.

Jane Austen: a model of perseverance

Self Improvement

<ul>
<li>Displacement. In Sense and Sensibility, the Dashwood sisters and their mother are stripped of their inheritance and must leave their family home.</li>
<li>Feeling trapped by familial friction, and walking to feel liberated. In Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth Bennett strives for freedom by walking about the countryside to get peace away from her family life.</li>
<li>Imperfect families. Austen pioneered the way she showed families as flawed. Before that, parents were shown as perfect and harmonious.</li>
</ul>

Prevalent elements in Jane Austen's novels

Austen&#39;s heroines are often required to persevere. Elinor Dashwood wrongly believes Edward Ferrars has married another. &quot;I will be calm, I will be mistress of myself&quot; is inspiring a strength of character.
The emotional growth of Austen&#39;s characters is another facet that can inspire us at a time of uncertainty. Many of her characters acquire a growth mindset - thinking that life should be lived by adapting to challenges and learning from your mistakes.

Jane Austen: Her heroines' growth

<ul>
<li>Jane Austen&#39;s writing was prescribed to WWI soldiers suffering from severe shell shock. Rudyard Kipling&#39;s 1924 The Janeites celebrates this wartime association. It is about a group of soldiers who bond through their love of Austen.</li>
<li>Even the author of Winnie the Pooh, AA Milne, bonded with fellow soldiers over his love for Austen.</li>
<li>Winston Churchill was consoled during illness when his daughter read Pride and Prejudice to him.</li>
<li>During the present-day lockdown, many enjoyed the richness of Austen&#39;s novels.</li>
</ul>

Jane Austen's writing as a tonic

Her novels may be mischaracterised as romantic escapism, but at their core, they have a lot to say about perseverance – and it makes them perfect reading for now, writes Heloise Wood.