The World's Best Book Summaries
What’s present-moment awareness? Is it the same as mindfulness? How can you practice it? Mo Gawdat suggests that, for happiness to endure, we must embrace five pillars, which he calls “ultimate truths.” These five pillars lead to joy—an unwavering state of happiness. The first of these pillars is present-moment awareness. Read more to learn about this practice and the difference it can make in your life.
What are the qualities of a good mentor? Should you look for someone who helps you know how or what to think? Martha Beck contends that we fall out of alignment with our true selves by internalizing false beliefs from our culture. She argues that the path to realignment begins with discovering and recognizing these false beliefs. She advises you to find an integrity mentor to help you on this journey. Keep reading to discover what Beck thinks you should look for when selecting an integrity mentor.
How do astronomers see exploding stars and black holes? How do they observe pulsars and the birth of stars? Astronomers figured out over time that various frequencies of light make it possible to observe space. The full spectrum of light allows them to study the universe in more and more ways. Keep reading for an explanation by astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson.
Would you like to be happier, calmer, and more fulfilled? What if you lived life as a Stoic? A good life could be yours. In A Guide to the Good Life, philosophy professor William B. Irvine walks you through a set of Stoic techniques that promise happiness through counterintuitive methods such as imagining losing everything you love or deliberately exposing yourself to discomfort. Read more to learn how to practice Stoicism by following six basic techniques Irvine derives from ancient philosophy. We’ve also included an exercise to help you design your own Stoic practice.
How can exaggerations keep you from being happy? How can you bring your perceptions into better alignment with reality? An exaggeration is a distorted perception of reality. This distortion causes you to have unrealistic expectations. When those expectations aren’t met, you suffer. Keep reading to discover how exaggerating interferes with your happiness.
What does it mean to be in alignment with yourself? How can you tell if you’re misaligned? How does misalignment impact your happiness? Martha Beck argues that misalignment with your true self is the source of most—if not all—chronic psychological misery in our lives. It’s very hard to find happiness if you’re not connecting and listening to your personal nature—the part of yourself that knows what would make you happy. Keep reading to understand Beck’s theory about happiness and see whether you might find joy by following her advice.
What are the basic assumptions of science? What has been confirmed through experiments and observations? Neil deGrasse Tyson explains that science is universal: we can depend on the laws of nature. Science relies on certain assumptions that we’ve made after sufficient experimentation and observation. Still, there’s room for mystery and discovery. Read more to learn the basic assumptions of science that undergird our understanding of the universe.
What do you want out of life? What should you pursue—and how should you pursue it? These days, many people chase after fame or fortune in an effort to find joy and peace. Philosophy professor William B. Irvine issues a warning for this way of thinking and recommends that Stoicism is a better path to true happiness. Read more to learn about the benefits of Stoicism and see how this ancient philosophy can help you successfully navigate life.
How do memories impact the here and now? How can you minimize the distortions? Humans don’t remember everything exactly the way it happened. While the past is the past, your perception of it is now—and it’s affecting the present. Your distorted memories can cause you to see the present inaccurately. Continue reading to understand how this works and learn what you can do about it.
What role should emotions play in decision-making? How can you mitigate their influence? In Solve for Happy, Mo Gawdat argues that emotional decision-making is dangerous. He recommends that you put your reason in the driver’s seat, and he shares advice on how you can keep your emotions from getting in the way of your decisions. Continue reading to learn Gawdat’s argument and recommendations.