The World's Best Book Summaries
What is the philosophy of suffering? Why do even good people suffer? If you’re having a bad day, you might be wondering what you did to deserve it. The truth is, suffering is completely normal and doesn’t reflect on you as a person. Though, there are ways you can cope with this revelation to make it easier. Below we’ll explore the philosophy of suffering by discussing why we experience it and how to combat it.
Do you have a distorted view of reality? How would you think, behave, and make decisions if knew what was real? To live a happier and more fulfilling life, you must anchor yourself in the real world in the long term by developing your rationality—the ability to think clearly, see things as they are, and make decisions based on reality rather than emotions. Robert Greene explains how your perspective can link up with reality. Read more for Greene’s advice on how to change your perspective and see things as they truly are.
Are you an individualist or a relationalist? What commitments have you made in life? What approach do you take to each one? David Brooks contends that the Western individualist worldview breeds selfishness and deprives your life of greater meaning. Consequently, he argues that you should embrace relationalism—the worldview that prioritizes selflessness and service to others—to lead a deeply fulfilling life. Continue reading for a comprehensive overview of David Brooks’s The Second Mountain: The Quest for a Moral Life.
What’s Mark Manson’s philosophy of life? How does he say we can live a more meaningful existence? Mark Manson is an accomplished author of self-help books that delve into personal development and philosophy. In his book Everything Is F*cked, he explores his own life philosophy, arguing that it’s better to live for the present moment and to help yourself and others to feel fulfilled. Keep reading to learn about Mark Manson’s life philosophy, according to his book Everything Is F*cked.
What are the two mountains that David Brooks discusses? Why does he choose one over the other? In The Second Mountain, David Brooks talks about two approaches to life. The first approach is characteristic of individualism, which prioritizes personal liberty and spurns commitment. The second approach is characteristic of relationalism, which celebrates community and prizes commitment. Read more to learn about these two worldviews and to understand why Brooks chooses the second mountain in his own life.
What’s Mark Manson’s view on happiness? What’s the relationship between happiness and hope? According to Mark Manson, happiness is becoming less meaningful and more elusive. He blames it on an epidemic of hopelessness. However, he argues that hope can lead to harm, so it’s essential to learn how to live a fulfilling life without hope for the future. Read on to learn more about Mark Manson’s views on happiness and living a life without hope.
What are Mark Manson’s views on religion? Why does he claim that religion, hope, and suffering are inseparable? According to Mark Manson, religion can be problematic. He contends that believing in a religion that provides hope for the future paradoxically leads to suffering. Manson argues that no ideology can deliver on its promise of a pain-free future and will often cause conflict with those who hold different beliefs. Read on to learn about Mark Manson’s views on religion, according to his book Everything Is F*cked.
Would you like to be more open-minded and objective? Do you value truth above all? In The Second Mountain, David Brooks argues that the relationalist approach (the “second mountain” he endorses) requires a commitment to the intellectual life. It’s the pathway, he says, to our highest desires. Continue reading to learn how intellectual pursuits lead you upward and onward.
How is personal character formed? Why should we look back into history? What are the pros and cons of intellectual pursuits? In his book The Second Mountain, cultural commentator David Brooks contrasts the individualist approach to life with the relationalist approach. He argues that you should embrace relationalism—the worldview that prioritizes selflessness and service to others—to lead a deeply fulfilling life. Keep reading for The Second Mountain quotes that provide insight into the book’s themes.
What’s the Western concept of self? Was Plato right about the soul? Are some of us just fooling ourselves about our true nature as humans? Many people in the West internalize the idea that each of us is an individual—an entity separate from others and our surroundings. This basic understanding of identity is so foundational to Western society that most people never question it. But, British philosopher Alan Watts questions it in The Book. Keep reading to learn why Watts thinks the idea is misguided and what he believes our true nature is instead.