Waking Up: A Guide to Spirituality Without Religion by Sam Harris
The readers can download Waking Up: A Guide to Spirituality Without Religion Audiobook for free via Audible Free Trial.
Summary
Thirty percent of the American public – a growing number – describe themselves as "spiritual, but not religious." Skeptical of religious dogmas and unwilling to believe anything without sufficient evidence, they nevertheless are searching for sacred truth: insights that not only alter their understanding of the world but transform and improve their experience of it. Embarrassed by the hucksterism of the "New Age," they still believe there must be some truth at the heart of the world's spiritual traditions.
It's pretty clear that the author of this book is one smart cookie and has definitely dabbled in various spiritual realms. The book covers a wide range of topics, from spirituality and religion to meditation and even acid trips. While the subject matter is undeniably important, some readers might find themselves wishing for a more straightforward roadmap to a specific teaching objective. However, fear not, because the final chapter brings it all together and is definitely the highlight of the book.
You can't really argue with Sam Harris, not because he's some kind of cult leader for atheists, but because he has a certain charm that can only be appreciated if you approach his ideas with an open mind and a dedication to logic and evidence. Both this book and his previous work, The Moral Landscape, provide a clear, rational, and hopeful perspective on a world that's free from the negative consequences of traditional organized religion. Instead of using spirituality to explain the unknown, it emphasizes its role in exploring consciousness. By combining it with science and reexamining our sense of self, we can gain a deeper understanding of the brain and improve our lives in this world, with the goal of maximizing well-being for everyone. Outdated moral frameworks and self-centered views of consciousness only hold us back from creating the best possible life in the only world we know exists - this one. The first step towards a promising and progressive future for all living beings is raising our children with minds unburdened by myths and open to the truth.
Honestly, I found the book to be quite dull. The narration was subpar and it lacked a clear focus or purpose. The author seems to be advocating for atheism, claiming that religion is irrational. However, they also assert that spirituality is a positive thing and can be experienced without religion. While this idea piqued my interest, I was left wondering how exactly to achieve a spiritual life without religious practices. The suggestion to meditate was given, but unfortunately, no guidance was provided on how to actually do it. Furthermore, the author seemed to have a negative view of religion overall, which left me feeling a bit skeptical. The book did have a few redeeming qualities, namely two analogies that touched on the topics of meditation and letting go of the ego. However, aside from those fleeting moments, I didn't find much value in its contents. Consider this review as a way to save your time and money. You're welcome.
I had high hopes for 'Waking Up: A Guide to Spirituality Without Religion', but unfortunately, it falls short of being the guide I was looking for. Sam Harris fans may find enjoyment in the book due to its criticism of religion and related topics. Although there are thought-provoking experiments, the lack of organization leaves much to be desired, especially considering the title implies a guide to spirituality. Regarding the audiobook, it lacks engagement and feels more like someone simply reading the book aloud, without much finesse.
Loading...
7 comments
Or use one of these social networks