Waking Up by Sam Harris

Waking Up is a guide to spirituality without religion, written by philosopher and author Sam Harris. The book explores the nature of consciousness, meditation, and the role of spirituality in our lives. Harris rejects the idea that spirituality and rationality are mutually exclusive, and instead offers a rational approach to spirituality that does not involve religion.

The book is divided into five chapters, covering topics such as spirituality, consciousness, the self, meditation, and other puzzles. Harris argues that our conventional sense of self is an illusion, and that positive emotions like compassion and patience can be taught as skills. He also emphasizes the importance of mindfulness and meditation in achieving spiritual growth.

Some of the main themes of the book include the relationship between spirituality and science, the nature of consciousness, and the importance of mindfulness and meditation. Harris also discusses the role of psychedelics, gurus, and death in spiritual experiences.

Useful takeaways from the book include the importance of finding a teacher or spiritual community to guide you on your journey, the need to overcome your conventional self to grow spiritually, and the value of acknowledging pain and negative events while actively seeking solutions. Additionally, Harris emphasizes the importance of training your mind and paying attention to the present moment to improve the quality of your life.

Overall, Waking Up is a thought-provoking and insightful exploration of spirituality and consciousness, offering a unique perspective on these topics from a rational and secular point of view.

What I Liked

The book was alright.

What I Did Not Like

It’s a bit repetitive.