Waking Up

A Guide to Spirituality Without Religion

Sam Harris

Recommended By

Book Reviews

Naval Ravikant: "Loved 'Waking Up.'"

Book Synopsis

"Waking Up" by Sam Harris offers a compelling exploration of spirituality without the dogma of traditional religions. Harris, a neuroscientist and philosopher, presents a persuasive case for the benefits of cultivating mindfulness and the possibilities of experiencing profound states of consciousness outside the realm of religious belief.

In this thought-provoking book, Harris delves into the nature of consciousness and the illusory self, challenging long-held notions of who we are and how we perceive the world. Drawing on scientific research and personal anecdotes, he argues for the importance of understanding the mechanics of our minds and the potential for transcendent experiences that can lead to a deep sense of well-being and insight.

Harris also emphasizes the value of meditation and mindfulness practices in uncovering the true nature of reality and exploring the depths of human consciousness. With clarity and precision, he guides readers through various meditation techniques and offers practical advice on how to incorporate these practices into everyday life.

While questioning the validity of religious claims, Harris acknowledges the value of certain spiritual practices and experiences, offering a thoughtful and rational approach to the topic. He discusses the pitfalls of religious fundamentalism and the potential dangers of seeking transcendence through ungrounded beliefs.

In "Waking Up," Sam Harris proposes a modern and secular approach to spirituality that encourages readers to explore the possibilities of transformative experiences and a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. Through this engaging and enlightened exploration of consciousness, Harris invites us to question our assumptions and embark on a journey towards greater insight and fulfillment.

Explore More Books

See All
Of Wolves and Men
The Agile Gene
Leadership and Self-Deception
The Mythical Man-Month
Devouring Freedom
The War for Kindness
Changes in the Land
Childhood and Society
The Intel Trinity
What Do You Care What Other People Think?
Future Forward
Principles of Economics
Failure Is Not An Option
The Canceling of the American Mind
Richard Feynman
Consider Phlebas
Brave New Medicine
The Art of Manipulation
Diaspora
AI Superpowers
Keeping At It
Fooled By Randomness
Capitalism Without Capital
American Crusade
The Sixth Man
The Real Crash
The Billionaire Shell Game
On the Genealogy of Morals
The Fifth Season
Wanting
Kelly
Harry Potter
The Hunt for Red October
Now, Discover Your Strengths
The Evolution of Beauty
God's Debris
Maestro
The Story of Civilization
Bitcoin and Black America
The Promise of a Pencil
In Pursuit of Happiness and Good Government
Livewired
Beyond Entrepreneurship
Six Easy Pieces
The Minefield Girl
The Perfect Bet
To Kill a Mockingbird
Biography of the Dollar
The World Crisis
The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy
Factfulness
Indistractable
The German Generals Talk
The River of Doubt
Burn
Getting Things Done
More From Less
Rational Expectations
Living Within Limits
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
The Art of Travel
How Big Things Get Done
The Knowledge
Human Action
Complexity
The Path To Power
Drive
Elon Musk
Merchants of Doubt
Vitamania
Zurich International Chess Tournament, 1953
Mycelium Running
Restoring Our Republic
The Snow Leopard
Moab Is My Washpot
Dealers of Lightning
The Great Transformation
In Search of Lost Time
Liftoff
Obsession
The Golden Compass
Revolution from Within
Startups
Screw Business As Usual
The Story of Civilization: The Age of Napoleon
Creation
The Unwritten
Alchemy
The Feynman Lectures on Physics
Lean Solutions
Andy Grove
How Nature Works
Layered Money
Give and Take
Nuclear Terrorism
The Spy Who Came In From The Cold
Body by Science
Intellectuals and Society
The Rosie Effect
Polio