In Waking Up, Sam Harris argues that there is a spiritual dimension to the human experience and sketches out an approach to spirituality without religion. Drawing on his own experiences with meditation and psychedelics, as well as insights from neuroscience and philosophy, he explores topics such as the nature of consciousness, morality, death, addiction, and how we create our sense of self. Ultimately he concludes that true happiness can only be found by understanding who we are at our deepest level.
For who is this book for ?
This book is for somebody looking to explore the spiritual side of life without having to subscribe to any specific religious dogma or doctrine. Harris provides a variety of different viewpoints and experiences from which the reader can draw their own conclusions about what spirituality means to them.
Pros :
- Sam Harris is a highly intelligent and articulate author who brings together neuroscience, philosophy, and his own personal experiences in order to explore the spiritual dimension of human experience.
- Waking Up provides readers with an approach to spirituality that is free from religion, dogma, and superstition.
- This book offers readers a fresh perspective on topics such as consciousness, morality, death, addiction, and self-identity.
Cons :
- The author spends too much time talking about his personal experiences
- The book could have been shorter
- There is a lot of scientific and philosophical information that might be difficult for some readers to follow
Learn more about the author
Sam Harris is the author of the New York Times bestsellers The End of Faith, Letter to a Christian Nation, and The Moral Landscape. He is also co-founder of Project Reason, a nonprofit foundation devoted to spreading scientific knowledge and secular values in society.
Reader Reviews
“If you’re looking for a clear, concise explanation of just what the heck spirituality might be all about, look no further. Harris takes us on a highly intelligent and insightful journey into this misunderstood realm, demolishing misconceptions along the way.”
“Harris has written a compelling and courageous book that will be of interest not only to those who are seeking spiritual understanding, but also to anyone interested in the human mind.”
“In an age where books on spirituality seem to be everywhere, Sam Harris’s Waking Up is a rare gem. With intelligence and humility, Harris explores the nature of consciousness and how it gives rise to our sense of self. He offers readers a clear path toward awakening that is grounded in science and free from religious dogma.”
“The clearest and most cogent exposition of the Buddhist without Buddhism that I have ever read.”
