Book SummaryA New Earth, by Eckhart Tolle

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of A New Earth

In A New Earth, Eckhart Tolle asserts that human consciousness is trapped in a state of dysfunction because we’re controlled by our ego, which drives us to seek fulfillment by owning things and feeling superior to others. This has led to the destruction of the planet and harm to our species because of consumerism, ideological wars, pollution, and more. Tolle argues that we must undergo an evolution of consciousness if humanity and the earth are to survive. A New Earth aims to teach people how to do this: how to elevate their consciousness by becoming aware of their ego-driven thought and behavior patterns, and how to overcome those patterns.

In this guide, we’ll examine Tolle’s ideas and compare them to similar ideas from psychologists, anthropologists, and...

A New Earth Summary The Root of Human Dysfunction

Tolle asserts that humans are dysfunctional because our ego has an underlying fear of never being enough. To counter that fear, our ego drives us to inflate our self-image.

In this section, we’ll explore how our ego does this and how it leads to the social, environmental, and economic crises we’re currently facing.

(Shortform note: Psychologists define the ego as a kind of “mental organ” or “defense system” whose role is to create and maintain a satisfying self-image and social role in the world. In other words, we want to be seen as a “good” person and important in at least some contexts, and the ego helps us do this. Expert opinions seem to support Tolle’s assertion that the ego has a fear of being nothing—this would explain why they call the ego a “defense system” that helps us maintain our identity and social roles.)

The Egoic Goal: Gaining Elements and Superiority

The ego attempts to eliminate its fear of being nothing by collecting and identifying with material, thought,...

A New Earth Summary Mindfulness

When we’re unable to be mentally present because we’re consumed with wanting, our ego can control our thinking and behavior, trapping us in a dysfunctional state of mindlessness. Tolle argues that the only way to escape this state is to evolve our consciousness to a higher level—one where we are present in each moment rather than constantly wanting.He calls this state being or presence, but we’ll refer to it as...

A New Earth Summary The Inner Self

Tolle asserts that the key to achieving a state of perpetual mindfulness is to connect with our inner self, rather than the false self-image created by our ego. When we’re connected with our inner self, we’re always in a state of mindfulness.

Tolle explains that our inner self is pure conscious energy, the same sophisticated energy that created the functional universe we live in. It’s the force that directs planets to rotate around stars and galaxies to rotate around a center mass—an order that allows for life to exist.

This energy lives inside all things and guides their survival—plants that photosynthesize to live; animals that survive by their instincts; and humans, who are conscious of their...

A New Earth Summary The Consciousness Evolution

Tolle explains that when we connect with our inner self and live in a state of mindfulness, we will live in a state of non-attachment, nonjudgment, and nonresistance, which will allow us to break free from the ego’s control.

When we no longer form attachments to material, thought, and emotional elements, we’ll no longer generate greed, consumerism, and pollution caused by the endless cycle of wanting.

When we no longer judge things as “right and wrong” or “good and bad,” we’ll no longer have unrealistic expectations that cause disappointment, anger, resentment, and other forms of suffering.

Consequently, we’ll cease resisting what simply is and cannot be changed. Tolle notes that nothing in the world is inherently good or bad, it’s only our judgments of them that make them so. We’ll no longer feel the stress, greed, envy, and negativity supplied by the ego because we no longer crave external validation. We will only feel peace.

If the bulk of humanity dedicates itself to achieving this state of mindfulness, Tolle asserts that the violence and destruction caused by the collective human ego will cease.

**Presence: Cure for World Problems or...

A New Earth Summary A New Earth: Achieving the Evolved State of Consciousness

Tolle explains that when humanity collectively reaches a perpetual state of mindfulness and breaks free from the ego’s control, enjoyment will become the motivating force behind people's actions rather than wanting. And if we don't particularly enjoy what’s happening, we can at least accept it without resistance and negative thoughts. Consequently, human dysfunction will end.

How to Attain a State of Mindfulness

Tolle offers five suggestions for how to live with non-attachment, nonjudgment, and nonresistance and ultimately achieve a state of mindfulness.

1. Recognize and ignore the compulsions of the ego that strengthen it: The ego compels us to strengthen our identity and reach for superiority. So, resist the urge to do things like express your opinion when it’s not asked for or needed; demand recognition; make unnecessary requests; have strong expectations of people; or try to make an impression through your beliefs, knowledge, or looks. These are the compulsions of your ego.
2. Detach from the thoughts and emotions of your pain-body: When we get upset over things like disrespect, lack of attention, or other people’s behavior, we cause...

Shortform Exercise: Recognize Your Pain-Body

Our pain-bodies feed on negativity and trap us in a cycle of suffering. However, if we identify the negative thoughts and emotions of our pain-body, we can recognize when the pain-body is being activated and detach from its compulsions.

Identify a painful experience from your past that has lodged itself in your pain-body. For example, were you bullied when you were younger, left out of activities with your friends, belittled by teachers, or something similarly traumatic?

Shortform Exercise: Practice Acceptance, Enjoyment, and Enthusiasm

Our ego prevents us from being mindful by making us see the present moment as a bridge, barrier, or antagonist. However, if we’re able to simply accept the things we don’t enjoy without resistance and do more of the things we do enjoy, we can experience peace and enthusiasm in our lives.

What is something you do in your day-to-day life that you find boring or dreadful? For example, do you hate going to work or doing the laundry?