Great introduction to Buddhism, both thorough and poetical. The last chapter with beautiful translations of key sutras by Thich Nhat Hanh brought tears to my eyes.
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Review of 'The Beginning of Infinity: Explanations That Transform the World' on 'Goodreads'
5 stars
One of the best books I've read. A significant part of it (that having to do with philosophy/epistemology) mapped well to my worldview as it was previous to reading it, but better reasoned and much better explained and sourced than my beliefs of course; the remainder was equally enjoyable and considerably mind-expanding.
I've told people close to me that they can read this book if they want to know what I think and believe. In that sense I consider David Deutsch a delegate of mine, in the liquid democracy sense: a better (smarter, more knowledgeable person) that I can trust to have opinions and beliefs compatible with mine.
Review of 'The Mind Illuminated: A Complete Meditation Guide Integrating Buddhist Wisdom and Brain Science' on 'Goodreads'
5 stars
Still haven't finished it; will update my review when I do. As it stands now, it's already one of the most influential and significant books I've read.
It pains me to know that John Yates was recently involved in a case of misconduct; I cannot help but fearing this somehow taints his work. But my rational mind tells me that the teacher is not the same as his teachings -- and, of course, of all these teachings only some are truly his.
If I may: the fact that someone could write this book and then also fall to ethical/moral misconduct also teaches the fact that attaining insight and calmness is not enough; one has to keep them, and use them with intention as tools to foster virtue.
flancian rated What the Buddha taught: 5 stars
flancian reviewed Waking Up by Sam Harris
Review of 'Waking Up' on 'Goodreads'
5 stars
There is significant overlap between Harris's talks and podcasts about meditation and consciousness and this book, so not all content was new to me.
My impression while reading it was of a four star book, but a lot of the impact was lost on me due to my previous exposure to his ideas. I think overall I'd pretty much recommend it to everyone I know (if that weren't very annoying and entitled, that is), so five stars seems justified.
flancian reviewed Deep Learning with Python by Francois Chollet
flancian rated Singularity Sky: 3 stars
Singularity Sky by Charles Stross
Singularity Sky is a science fiction novel by author Charles Stross, published in 2003. It was nominated for the Hugo …
flancian rated On Intelligence: 5 stars
flancian rated Slouching Towards Bethlehem: 4 stars
Slouching Towards Bethlehem by Joan Didion
Slouching Towards Bethlehem is a 1968 collection of essays by Joan Didion that mainly describes her experiences in California during …
flancian rated Travels With My Aunt: 4 stars
Travels With My Aunt by Graham Greene, Graham Greene
Travels with My Aunt (1969) is a novel written by English author Graham Greene. The novel follows the travels of …
flancian rated A Short Walk in the Hindu Kush: 4 stars
A Short Walk in the Hindu Kush by Eric Newby
It is an autobiographical travelogue of Eric Newby,describing,in a comic,understated style,his ascent to Mir Samir.
flancian rated Sapiens and Homo Deus : the e-Book Collection: 5 stars
flancian rated Last and first men: 2 stars
Last and first men by Olaf Stapledon
One of the most succinct and accurate renderings of mankind's present state of mind and future progression. It documents the …