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Four Points of the Compass
Four Points of the Compass
Apr 10, 2025 7:22 PM

Author:Jerry Brotton

North, south, east and west: almost all societies use the four cardinal directions to orientate themselves, to understand who they are by projecting where they are. For millennia, these four directions have been foundational to our travel, navigation and exploration and are central to the imaginative, moral and political geography of virtually every culture in the world. Yet they are far more subjective and various - sometimes contradictory - than we might realise.

The Four Points of the Compass takes the reader on a journey of directional discovery. Jerry Brotton reveals why Hebrew culture privileges east; why Renaissance Europeans began drawing north at the top of their maps; why the imperial Chinese revered the south; why the Aztecs used five colour-coded cardinal directions; and why no societies, primitive or modern, have ever orientated themselves westwards. He ends by reflecting on our digital age in which we, the little blue dot on the screen, have become the most important compass point. Throughout, Brotton shows that the directions reflect a human desire to create order and that they only have meaning, literally and metaphorically, depending on where you stand.

Reviews

The Conversation is an extraordinarily timely book. Just as companies and organizations in the U.S. and around the world are focusing anew on the entrenched bias in their culture, The Conversation comes along to offer a path forward. Livingston has digested his authoritative understanding of the science into a remarkably approachable volume, one that is animated by his storytelling and voice on the page. The Conversation is a major achievement, one that is poised to play a significant role in improving our understanding about bias and addressing systemic racism in the workplace

—— Robin J. Ely, Diane Doerge Wilson Professor of Business Administration, Harvard Business School

Social justice is a long game, and it has to start with awareness of the problem. Dr. Livingston's book, just like his live presentations, is one of the most compelling articulations of the problems of racism and discrimination that I have encountered. As I've seen in my work with organizations like Airbnb, when a company is prepared to do serious work, the results can be extraordinary. This wonderful book is the place to start. The Conversation manages to be both intellectually compelling and substantive while also being infused with warmth and humor, just like Robert. I highly recommend it

—— Laura W. Murphy, civil rights activist, consultant, and former director, ACLU Washington Legislative Office

As a product and business innovator, I like to think about how to design globally and execute locally. This maxim is just as true when it comes to a company's culture. Candid conversations are among the best ways to dispel myths and false narratives around diversity that hold us back, but we needfactual information and a framework. The Conversation offers exactly that. This book should be required reading for leaders and all those who share the goal of a more equitable future

—— William P. Gipson, retired Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, Procter & Gamble

I met Dr. Livingston in 2013 when he made the first of many trips to Asheville to educate our county and city leaders on how racism shows up in organizations. His presentation awakened us to what was possible if we had the courage and commitment to do the work. Fast forward to today and the progress that Asheville and Buncombe County have made toward reparations and greater racial equity, and you can see Robert's handprint in shaping this change. The Conversation is a testament to Dr. Livingston's storytelling skill as he deftly weaves research with vivid examples to make the case for how and why change is possible. This book is a must read

—— Lisa Eby, Former Human Resources and Community Engagement Director, Buncombe County Government

After devoting decades of his life working to end systemic racism, Livingston speaks not only with authority but with a refreshing optimism. The thousands of hours he has spent with community leaders across the country have shown that when conversations are candid and respectful, Americans can indeed come together

—— David Gergen, CNN Political Analyst, Adviser to Four US Presidents, and Professor of Public Service at the Harvard Kennedy School

Systematic racism is a part of our past, sadly part of our present and will be part of our future if we don't educate ourselves on its realities. We all need to seek the truth and be willing to have the uncomfortable conversations necessary to transform ourselves and our organizations. Livingston's thoughtful and instructive book will help us all start these important conversations

—— Mike Kaufman, CEO, Cardinal Health

Robert Livingston makes an absolutely critical contribution to the much needed efforts to understand and combat racism in the corporate realm. This is compulsory reading for all serious leaders and people who aspire to lead

—— Nels Abbey, author of Think Like A White Man

A one-stop resource for anyone wanting to understand the causes and manifestations of racism, to examine their own biases - and know what works to advance racial equity at work

—— Financial Times

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—— Rachel Cooke , Observer

Eye-opening... I would highly recommend the work to law students, the newly qualified and those with a sociolegal interest in the treatment of women within the law and the profession

—— Nick Clapham , Law Society's Gazette

A wonderful story... A wonderful read. A wonderful woman

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A fascinating memoir weaving together personal and professional reflections

—— Alex Dean , Prospect

Baroness Hale's autobiography, Spider Woman, is a reminder of the huge but incomplete progress made by women in public life over the past 60 years... The willingness to talk truth to power that she has shown is needed now more than ever

—— Rachel Reeves , New Statesman, *Books of the Year*

[A] compelling autobiography... Hale reveals more than one might expect

—— Frances Gibb , The Times, *Books of the Year*

Lady Hale... is a trailblazer for social reform. Her sharp intelligence and fierce work ethic are striking... Reading her autobiography makes one wish to know her as a person... She appears so very admirable for being oddly both self-effacing and feisty

—— Jenny Kingsley JP , Magistrate

Lie Beside Me is perfectly paced with plenty of twists and turns to keep readers hooked, from an opening that packs a real punch, all the way through to the satisfying ending. Beautifully written with a cast of characters who keep you questioning everything you think you've worked out. I loved it

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An absolute belter of a read. Thoroughly absorbing and impossible to put down. Highly recommended for crime fiction fans

—— Olivia Kiernan

An edgy multi-layered mystery with an unforgettable opening and one suspect after another. The goings on in the detectives' private lives were just as fascinating as the main story. The characters were so well-rounded they felt real. I didn't want this story to end.

—— Allie Reynolds, author of Shiver

The shocking opening hooked me in and the twists and turns kept me furiously turning the pages, desperate to know how the story would unfold. Lie Beside Me is a clever and compelling thriller, with a fantastic cast of characters you'll want to spend time with. I loved it

—— Lisa Gray, bestselling author of Thin Air

Superbly plotted and and relentlessly pacy, Lie Beside Me is hands-down her best yet. From its grab-you-by-the-throat opening to its truly shocking conclusion, Lie Beside Me will have you second-guessing everyone and everything. This really is a series going from strength to strength

—— Caz Frear, Richard and Judy bestselling author of Sweet Little Lies

Thrilling

—— My Weekly

Praise for Gytha Lodge

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A novel that literally makes you hold your breath then gasp out loud

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An excellent detective novel. The opening scene is superb, and sets up the story beautifully. Gripping, multi-layered and fresh. Terrific

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An absolute gem - I was hooked from the first page

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