Sam Harris, Enlightenment, Real Meditation, and Consciousness Explained (#32)

In 'Free Will,' Sam Harris argues that the concept of free will is inherently flawed and incoherent. He contends that our thoughts, intentions, and actions are determined by prior causes outside our conscious control, whether these causes are deterministic or the result of chance. Harris uses examples such as the Cheshire murders to illustrate how even heinous crimes can be seen as the product of uncontrollable experiences and neurological mechanisms, rather than free will. The book challenges readers to reconsider their views on morality, law, and personal responsibility in light of this understanding.

In this book, Sam Harris delivers a critical analysis of the clash between reason and religious faith in the modern world. He argues that religious beliefs, even moderate ones, can lead to dangerous consequences, such as terrorism, and that these beliefs are not grounded in empirical evidence. Harris draws on insights from neuroscience, philosophy, and Eastern mysticism to propose a secular and humanistic foundation for ethics and spirituality. The book is a call to action against the encroachment of organized religion into world politics and advocates for a rational approach to ethics based on human happiness and suffering.

In 'Lying', Sam Harris explores the consequences of dishonesty, from small 'white lies' to large-scale deceptions. He argues that lying, even with benevolent intentions, damages personal relationships and public trust. Harris advocates for honesty in all interactions, suggesting that it simplifies life and improves society. He also discusses the psychological and social impacts of lying, emphasizing that maintaining lies can be stressful and ultimately harmful. The book promotes 'skillful truth-telling' as a better alternative to lying, even in situations where tact is required to avoid harm.

Douglas Harding's "On Having No Head" is a seminal work exploring the nature of self-perception and consciousness. Harding's unique approach challenges the reader to question their ingrained assumptions about the self and the nature of experience. The book uses simple yet profound exercises to guide the reader towards a direct experience of reality, free from the limitations of conceptual thought. Through these exercises, Harding aims to reveal the inherent freedom and spaciousness of consciousness. The book's impact lies in its ability to facilitate a shift in perspective, leading to a deeper understanding of one's own being.

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly is a poignant and inspiring memoir written by Jean-Dominique Bauby, who was the editor-in-chief of French Elle magazine. After a massive stroke in December 1995, Bauby was diagnosed with locked-in syndrome, leaving him completely paralyzed except for his ability to blink his left eye. Using this limited means of communication, he dictated the entire book over several months. The memoir chronicles his life before and after the stroke, his experiences in the hospital, and his vivid imagination and memories that allowed him to 'fly' in his mind despite his physical confinement. The book is a testament to the human spirit's ability to overcome even the most dire circumstances and is filled with Bauby's wit, sarcasm, and deep insights into life and human connection.