‘Becoming Wise’ With Tools for the Art of Living

The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything offers a comprehensive introduction to Jesuit spirituality, emphasizing core values like finding God in all things, discernment, and service. James Martin provides practical advice on integrating spirituality into daily life, including practices such as the Examen and Ignatian meditation. The book is accessible to a wide audience, encouraging readers to cultivate a sense of joy and balance in their lives.

This book provides an in-depth analysis of Lee Kuan Yew's life and his role in shaping modern Singapore. Based on interviews with over seventy politicians and activists, it offers a nuanced view of Lee's successes and failures, including his abuses of power and personal struggles. The author's unique perspective, gained from his years living in Singapore and his involvement in the community, makes this book a valuable resource for understanding the complex figure of Lee Kuan Yew and the development of Singapore.

In 'Love Your Enemies,' Arthur C. Brooks argues that the current culture of contempt in America, fueled by divisive politics and social media, is not a path to lasting success. Instead, he proposes a strategy based on bridging divides and mending relationships. Brooks combines behavioral research, ancient wisdom, and his experience leading a top policy think tank to offer unconventional prescriptions for bringing America together. He emphasizes that disagreement is essential for excellence and that civility and tolerance are insufficient goals; what matters most is how we choose to act towards those we disagree with.

In 'A New Earth,' Eckhart Tolle expands on the ideas presented in his previous book, 'The Power of Now.' He argues that our attachment to the ego is the root of suffering, anger, jealousy, and unhappiness. Tolle provides insights and practical advice on how to awaken to a new state of consciousness, letting go of ego-based thinking and embracing the present moment. The book emphasizes the importance of living in the now, recognizing the interconnectedness of all beings, and finding true fulfillment by aligning with one's inner purpose rather than external roles or material possessions.

In 'Real Love: The Art of Mindful Connection,' Sharon Salzberg uses ancient Buddhist wisdom to help readers redefine and experience love in a more profound way. The book provides a creative toolkit of mindfulness exercises, meditation techniques, and interactive applications to strip away layers of negative habits and find a truer meaning of love. It is divided into sections addressing love for the self, love for another individual, love for all beings, and love for life itself, guiding readers to cultivate real love by being more present and engaged with their current experiences.

In this book, the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu reflect on their long lives and share their insights on finding joy despite hardships. During a week-long visit in April 2015, they discussed the nature of true joy, confronted obstacles such as fear, stress, and grief, and outlined the Eight Pillars of Joy. The book includes stories, wisdom, and science, as well as their daily joy practices that anchor their emotional and spiritual lives.

In 'The Power of Now', Eckhart Tolle discusses the importance of living in the present moment to achieve spiritual enlightenment. The book draws from various spiritual traditions, including Buddhism and mysticism, to explain how people's emotional problems are rooted in their identification with their minds. Tolle argues that the present moment is the only truly real time and that past and future are mere mental constructs. He provides methods for relaxation and meditation to help readers anchor themselves in the present, such as avoiding multitasking, spending time in nature, and letting go of worries about the future. The book also introduces concepts like the 'pain-body' and the distinction between one's thoughts and true self, emphasizing the need to recognize and separate from the destructive influence of the mind.