The World's Best Book Summaries
Are the people who are abandoning religion also leaving something crucial behind? Are they throwing the baby out with the bathwater? The answer is yes, according to Waking Up: A Guide to Spirituality Without Religion by Sam Harris. He believes that spiritual experiences, particularly higher states of consciousness, are important for people who are seeking happiness and peace. Continue reading for an overview of this thought-provoking book.
How can public speaking help you tackle other fears you have in life? What should you do on the day of your speech? What should you keep in mind when you open and close a talk? In Public Speaking for Success, Dale Carnegie says that public speaking is the one skill that can bring you more success, opportunity, and fulfillment than any other. You can change people’s hearts and minds, inspire action, improve your relationships, and succeed in life and work. Continue reading for an overview of this classic book on public speaking, and find out why it endures.
What are the principles of Zen Buddhism? How is Zen Buddhism expressed and experienced? Is this philosophy for you? Many people have a passing familiarity with the concept of Zen. But, few really know what “Zen” means or could articulate how Zen Buddhism describes reality and human life. In The Way of Zen, Alan Watts explains the major principles and the history of Zen Buddhism. Continue reading for an overview of the book that’s likely to answer many of your questions.
When you’re in a social situation, do you typically wait for people to come and talk to you? Do you let opportunities pass by because you’re uncomfortable initiating a conversation? Approaching others can be intimidating. You might prefer to keep to yourself or talk to people you already know rather than risk rejection or awkwardness. But, in reality, rejection isn’t a likely outcome. You’ll probably end up being glad that you walked across the room. Continue reading to learn how to approach someone with confidence.
What careers entail communicating to an audience, either in a conference room or an auditorium? In your personal life, when could you be called upon to speak in front of others? Legendary author and lecturer Dale Carnegie believes that the most important skill in life is public speaking. It provides fulfillment, and it opens countless doors of opportunity. In Public Speaking for Success, he discusses the benefits of public speaking, including influence and confidence-building. Read more to discover why Carnegie says that public speaking is such a valuable skill.
Is it possible to know something without describing it with words? What’s the difference between acting impulsively and acting spontaneously? Two Taoist philosophies helped give Zen Buddhism its form: There are two ways of knowing, and we can act spontaneously and naturally. Alan Watts discusses the influence of Taoism on Zen in his classic work The Way of Zen. Read more to learn about the connection between Taoism and Zen Buddhism.
Is it possible to have spirituality without religion? If so, how? Why would you want to pursue this? Sam Harris is known for encouraging skeptics to confront religion. In 2017’s Waking Up, he lays out a reason-based approach to spirituality that’s rooted in what science and meditation teach about the workings of the human mind. Read more to learn what secular spirituality means and why Harris recommends it.
Do you feel uneasy about attending social events? Do you lack confidence when talking to people outside of your social circle? It’s easy to think that you need to change something about yourself before you can boldly meet new people. But, communication experts say that the solution entails looking outward at others rather than inward at yourself. Also, some strategic preparation can go a long way. Continue reading to learn how to overcome social anxiety and shyness by focusing on others and coming prepared.
How is Zen Buddhism different from traditional Buddhism? How does it view awakening and meditation? What are wu-hsin and dhyana? Zen borrowed several concepts from earlier traditions, and it developed some of its own philosophies. That makes it a unique offering in Eastern thought. Alan Watts explores the ideas that differentiate Zen from other schools of Buddhism. Continue reading to learn about the three primary distinctions of Zen Buddhism.
What’s consciousness? What do we understand about it? What implications does it have for spirituality and our sense of self? According to Sam Harris, consciousness is worth studying despite its elusiveness. Harris, who has a Ph.D. in neuroscience, explores what neuroscience and psychology have to say about the nature of consciousness and the mind in his book Waking Up. Keep reading to understand what Harris believes consciousness tells us about ourselves and the world around us.