W. Keith Campbell on narcissism, the ego & the psychology of personality | Living Mirrors #37

Written in the early 16th century, 'The Prince' is a realistic instruction guide for new rulers. Machiavelli argues that an effective leader must be skilled in the art of war, sometimes cruel, and willing to use deception and manipulation to achieve political goals. The book is divided into chapters that discuss various types of principalities, how to acquire and maintain power, and the qualities a prince should possess. Machiavelli uses historical examples, including the career of Cesare Borgia, to illustrate his points. The treatise emphasizes the importance of maintaining the goodwill of the people and the stability of the state, even if it means deviating from traditional virtues. 'The Prince' remains a controversial but influential work in modern political philosophy.

In this book, Robert Wright argues that Buddhism offers a secular, Westernized approach to mindfulness meditation that can help individuals and society by reducing suffering and increasing empathy. He draws on evolutionary biology, psychology, and neuroscience to support Buddhist teachings, such as the concept of 'no-self' and the nature of human suffering. The book is a personal journey that began with Wright's work on evolutionary psychology and deepened through his practice of meditation and conversations with skilled meditators. It aims to show how Buddhist principles can be applied in a secular age to improve individual and societal well-being.