The World's Best Book Summaries
What does the human condition mean? Why does Buddhism believe that humans are unsatisfied in life? In Why Buddhism Is True, Robert Wright asserts that the Buddhist concepts of dukkha (suffering) and tanha (craving) offer an accurate view of the human condition. According to Wright, modern science supports these ideas. Keep reading to learn what the Buddhist interpretation of the human condition is.
What did Adam Kay leave medicine? How does someone transition from saving lives to pursuing a completely different career path? In This Is Going to Hurt, Adam Kay explains why he walked away from his calling, detailing the emotional toll of working in Britain’s healthcare system. His journey from obstetrics and gynecology to comedy writing reveals the hidden struggles many medical professionals face. Discover the story of Kay’s difficult decision to prioritize his mental health over a demanding medical career.
How are candidates expected to act during an interview? Do you want to transform your interview performance from mediocre to memorable? Learning how to conduct yourself in an interview requires mastering essential techniques, as outlined in Russell Tuckerton’s book, 15 Minutes to a Better Interview. The book covers everything from professional appearance and authentic enthusiasm to maintaining proper boundaries during your interview interactions. Read on to discover how to stand out from other candidates and significantly boost your chances of landing your dream job.
What does “anatta” mean in Buddhism? Does the idea of your “self” even exist? In Why Buddhism Is True, Robert Wright explains how we view ourselves with the idea of “no-self.” In Buddhism, “anatta” is the claim that what you conventionally think of as your “self” doesn’t have inherent existence. Let’s dive deeper into this concept to better understand how we perceive ourselves.
Why do Buddhists encourage the practice of mindfulness? How can mindfulness change society? Buddhism and modern science agree that we’re caught in a cycle of dissatisfaction, and it’s largely because we don’t see reality. Robert Wright says that although science validates this belief, Buddhism offers a solution: mindfulness meditation. Let’s look at the benefits of Buddhist mindfulness meditation below.
Why is mindfulness important for individual lives? How does mindfulness help you behave more morally? In Why Buddhism Is True, Robert Wright explains that mindfulness meditation is a practice from the Vipassana tradition of Theravada Buddhism. It involves observing your inner experience with greater objectivity. Continue reading to learn how mindfulness benefits you as an individual.
Do you want to learn how to change your bad habits? How can mindfulness help you overcome self-destructive practices? According to Robert Wright, mindfulness is an effective way to change your habits. He says that mental modules are like muscles—they strengthen in response to repetition or weaken in response to disuse. Keep reading to learn why mindfulness is the key to self-improvement.
What’s the concept of social mindfulness? How can mindfulness improve society and fix global problems? In Why Buddhism Is True, Robert Wright contends that mindfulness meditation could help bring about a “metacognitive revolution.” He believes this is necessary for humanity to overcome major global challenges, like war and climate change. If you want to make the world a better place, read below to learn how to help with mindfulness.
What does true success look like when serving others? How can meaningful impact be measured beyond traditional metrics? Homeboy Industries’s Father Greg Boyle, author of Tattoos on the Heart, demonstrates a revolutionary approach to ministry that prioritizes presence over performance. His work with former gang members reveals that authentic transformation happens through consistent care, unwavering support, and a deep recognition of human dignity. Continue reading to learn how faithful service and human connection can create lasting change.
Are we consciously in charge of our thoughts and actions? What’s the modular theory of mind? According to Robert Wright’s book Why Buddhism Is True, the principle of no-self dovetails neatly with the modular theory of mind. This is an idea in cognitive science that says our thoughts and behaviors arise from the activity of various mental “modules,” or interconnected groups of brain areas that work together. Read below to learn about the modular theory of mind.