The greatest achievements of man’s capacity for thought lies in books. Carrying a glimpse into both new and historic perspectives they let the imagination run wild, and unlike videos/films do not force the visual imagery that co-insides with the stories and information. For me there are occasions where animated content assists in the learning of new material but my general preference is to set the scenes through the imagination.
Here are five books that we’ve chosen specifically for the genuine life changing perspectives they offer in no particular order:
1. THE CHIMP PARADOX by Dr Steve Peters
“The mind programme that helped me win my Olympic Golds” ~ Sir Chris Hoy
The Chimp Paradox is an incredible insight into understanding the way the mind works. Dr Steve Peters goes in depth into irrational thinking and the negative impacts they cause before moving onto integrating this understanding in order to build confidence, success and happiness. It’s a real art to make complex concepts accessible and simple to the layman, this book does that extremely well. The author offers methods to understand, manage and essentially tame the ‘inner chimp’ we all have, and this has already made the book an invaluable read both personally and professionally.
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2. THE POWER OF NOW by Eckart Tolle
“The primary cause of unhappiness is never the situation but your thoughts about it.” ~ Eckhart Tolle
The great accomplishment of this book is that it really is able to bring spirituality into the realm of every single person, especially in the western world. Eckhart Tolle uses very simple common language which nevertheless expresses a deep meaning and seems to promote a new and very thought provoking perspective on so many daily life experiences with every turn of the page. Power of Now provides the reader with a memorable experience, if you are open enough to let it happen. As a result this book inspired very noticeable changes in my life and promoted a state of mind for which I’m forever grateful for.
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3. PROMETHEUS RISING by Robert Anton Wilson
“Belief is the death of intelligence.” ~ Robert Anton Wilson
Prometheus Rising is a documentary of the masterpiece of human evolution, and a striking look into the structure of our own minds. Robert Anton Wilson repeatedly provokes the reader into mind-blowing realisations about how we perceive our surroundings and how this effects our actions, by constantly playing with your thinking and fooling you into thought traps to prove his points. He combines theories from Sigmund Freud, Carl Jung, ancient Sanskrit texts and many other philosophers and scientists from all around the globe. He breaks them down into easy to understand and often humorous manners whilst summarising their differences to each other and their striking similarities to Dr Timothy Leary’s analysis of the eight circuits of the brain. Often relating to historical anecdotes of mental epiphanies and enlightenment (Buddha, Jesus, Einstein, Mozart, etc.) and explaining how these are all examples of the individual’s transition to a higher brain circuit, which can be realised through societal conditioning, hypnosis, intense forms of yoga, hallucinogens, and brainwashing.
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4. THE WAY OF ZEN by Alan Watts
“To have faith is to trust yourself to the water. When you swim you don’t grab hold of the water, because if you do you will sink and drown. Instead you relax, and float.” ~ Alan Watts
Written in Alan Watts’ eminently readable and attractive prose style, being both concise and provocative, this is a wonderful book on the philosophy of the Tao, of Buddhism and the rise and development of Zen. Watts has an incredible way of explaining things (often with skilful use of metaphors) such that the mind is frequently stunned into both awe and laughter. I am especially fond of where he discusses the concept of spontaneity and freedom of choice, however I’ll leave my opinions out and hope you have the pleasure of reading this book in future.
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5. 1984 by George Orwell
“In a time of deceit telling the truth is a revolutionary act.” ~ George Orwell
A powerful, compelling, and slightly disturbing cautionary tale about a world where we give up our freedom to feel “free”, Orwell’s novel is a masterpiece ahead of its time. A definite classic, it shows the many sides of human nature and how we rationalize our beliefs to ourselves. An original concept which not only entertains, but forces one to think about the danger associated with giving any one person or entity too much power or control over our lives. Issues well worth consideration in post-9/11 governing.
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Which books noticeably adjusted your world view? Check out our bookshelf, and if you’d like to contribute, comment below with your recommendations.
