The World's Best Book Summaries
Why is the cosmos fine-tuned for life? Where is the universe’s missing mass? Why is the expansion of the cosmos speeding up? In a discussion of the origin and history of the universe, Bill Bryson brings up several questions that scientists have yet to answer conclusively. He also shares what some of the answers might be. Keep reading to learn about three intriguing mysteries of the cosmos.
How is it that the universe’s parameters are “just right” to support life? Can science ever solve this mystery? In his book A Short History of Nearly Everything, Bill Bryson discusses a few of the unknowns and controversies that still exist in the sciences. One of those is the “fine-tuning problem.” Continue reading to learn about the fine-tuning of the universe and why it has many scientists scratching their heads.
Are your thoughts always racing out of control? Do you find it difficult to empty your mind so you can relax and be at peace? Many people struggle with incessant mental chatter, which drives anxiety and wastes a lot of cognitive energy. As a result, they can never find peace because their minds are always thinking—ruminating about the past or time-traveling into the future. Here are a few strategies for emptying your mind of unnecessary mental noise so you can focus and think straight.
What’s open awareness? What is it good for? Does it have a downside? When your brain isn’t using selective attention—choosing where you direct your attention—it’s using open awareness. This is a passive, rather than deliberate, state of attention. Continue reading to learn more about open awareness, including its benefits and drawbacks.
How do you still an agitated mind? What exactly is meant by quieting your mind? When your mind is quiet, you can process information faster, reason more rationally, and solve problems more effectively. In his book Stillness Is the Key, Ryan Holiday likens this state—which he calls “stillness” to the state of satori in Buddhism. Keep reading to learn about the power of a quiet mind, according to Ryan Holiday.
Are you looking for Stillness Is the Key quotes by Ryan Holiday? What are some of the most noteworthy passages worth revisiting? In his book Stillness Is the Key, Ryan Holiday explains how to cultivate stillness in your mind, body, and soul. Holiday assures that stillness is accessible to everyone at any time, but you must keep practicing to get to a point where it’s consistently maintained and readily accessible to you. Below is a selection of passages with explanations.
Are your thoughts always racing out of control? Do you find it difficult to calm your mind so you can focus and think straight? Many people are overwhelmed by mental noise such as racing thoughts and irrational worries. This wastes a lot of mental energy but adds no value to your life. To regain peace, you need to learn to direct your mental energy in a more intentional way. With this in mind, here are some tips on how to cultivate stillness of the mind so you can think clearly and rationally.
How did Darwinian theory come to the fore? How is Intelligent Design different from creationism? In A Short History of Nearly Everything, Bill Bryson offers up an accessible guide to our cosmological, geological, and biological history. He discusses the theory that Charles Darwin honed and popularized, which is best understood in the context of the competing hypothesis of Intelligent Design. Keep reading for a brief discussion of Darwinian evolution vs. Intelligent Design.
Do you believe in something bigger than yourself? How does belief in a higher power contribute to your psychological well-being? Studies have shown that those who believe in some kind of a higher power tend to be happier and less depressed and anxious than those who don’t. When you believe in a higher power—whether divine or secular—it gives you a feeling of control and a sense that life is inherently meaningful. Here’s why we need to believe in something greater than ourselves, according to Ryan Holiday.
Are you a practicing Buddhist? Do you want to learn more about Buddhism? What are the core values that Buddhists follow? Whether or not you follow Buddhist philosophy, its teachings can help you be a better person and reach peace of mind. And one of the best ways to start your Buddhism journey is to pick up a book on the subject. We’ve rounded up a list of the best books on Buddhism that showcase the true values of the religion.