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4.02 AVERAGE
4.02 AVERAGE
Really good stuff. I picked up this book after receiving a request for it at work and was intrigued based on my skeptical reactions to the cropping-up of more and more positive-thinking seekers in my life. Its just not my thing. Granted, I think a lot of people get a lot out of "positive thinking" but I have problems with a mode of being/thinking that denies/tries to cover up the yin of the yin and yang. This book delves into the psychology of this thinking and why the opposite approach - accepting negativity and learning to be content with it - is the stronger study. I love history and philosophy and cultural studies so I appreciated that, in much of the book, Burkeman discusses varying philosophical and religious movements such as Stoicism, Buddhism, meditation, the study of "death-worshipping" culture, and my personal favorite motto/reminder: "memento mori" and the important lessons we could learn from each. (He also speaks on the common misconceptions of how some of these movements are attributed to what Burkeman calls "the cult of optimism" when they are, in fact, not about positivity, but accepting negativity in your life.) For anyone sick of people's positive affirmations just not cutting it when you're going through bad shit, this is the book for you. And if not, at least you'll end the book understanding this key point - YES, life sucks sometimes... but it could always be worse. And then you die. :)
Series of blog posts about this one: http://www.robotnic.co/tag/nudgeyourworld/
& more to come!
& more to come!
Listened on audible: Yes. This. 100%. I thought I was a cynic before reading this: turns out I'm more of a stoic.
I can’t stand positive thinking, and I very much enjoyed this book. Memento mori.
Seriously thought-provoking and reassuring for me...someone that doesn't dive too deeply into "the power of positive thinking".
Loved the first half or two thirds even, will definitely be revisiting some of the chapters once I've had some time to think on it...
challenging
informative
slow-paced
Entertaining - and in audiobook well read by the author - and informative survey of where the pursuit of happiness, rather than space and engagement and awe, may be leading individuals away from satisfaction.
Another one where I dogeared enough library book pages that I bought a copy to keep. Basic thesis: running away from fear of death, failure, and other existential negatives is counterproductive, increases anxiety, leaves you unprepared to cope with actual setbacks, & you're better off staring it all in the face/starting to embrace and explore your worst-case scenarios.
Buddhists, Stoics, Mexicans as reference.
Really good & just enough snark to make it doable.
Buddhists, Stoics, Mexicans as reference.
Really good & just enough snark to make it doable.
As a card-carrying curmudgeonly nattering nabob of negativism, I quite enjoyed this one.