4 Practical Ways To Think Like A Monk & How This Powerful Mindset Will Reset A Difficult Year For You

This book surveys the history of humankind from the Stone Age to the 21st century, focusing on Homo sapiens. It divides human history into four major parts: the Cognitive Revolution, the Agricultural Revolution, the Unification of Humankind, and the Scientific Revolution. Harari argues that Homo sapiens dominate the world due to their unique ability to cooperate in large numbers through beliefs in imagined realities such as gods, nations, money, and human rights. The book also examines the impact of human activities on the global ecosystem and speculates on the future of humanity, including the potential for genetic engineering and non-organic life.

The Bhagavad Gita is a central text in Hinduism, embedded within the epic Mahabharata. It recounts a dialogue between the warrior-prince Arjuna and his charioteer, Krishna, who is an avatar of the god Vishnu. The text explores themes of dharma (duty), karma (action), and the path to spiritual enlightenment. Krishna advises Arjuna on the importance of performing his duties without attachment to the outcomes, emphasizing the concept of nishkama karma (nonattached action). The Gita synthesizes various strands of Indian religious thought, including Vedic concepts, samkhya yoga, and bhakti (devotion), providing a coherent vision of Hindu philosophy and spiritual practice.

In 'Think Like a Monk', Jay Shetty shares his experiences as a monk and provides practical advice on how to overcome negative thoughts, stop overthinking, and find purpose. The book is divided into three stages: Let Go, Grow, and Serve. It emphasizes the importance of letting go of distractions and fears, growing through self-reflection and mindfulness, and serving others to find true fulfillment. Shetty draws on ancient wisdom and his own experiences to offer exercises and advice on reducing stress, improving relationships, and cultivating kindness and compassion.

This book summarizes Claude M. Steele's groundbreaking research on stereotype threat, which occurs when individuals are aware of negative stereotypes about their group and fear confirming them. Steele illustrates this concept through various studies and personal stories, including the story of Brent Staples, who whistled Vivaldi to counteract the stereotype of African-American males as violent. The book delves into how stereotype threat affects performance, particularly in academic and professional contexts, and suggests small interventions that can reduce these threats and narrow achievement gaps.