Log In   or  Sign Up for Free

Philosophy Discussion Forums | A Humans-Only Club for Open-Minded Discussion & Debate

Humans-Only Club for Discussion & Debate

A one-of-a-kind oasis of intelligent, in-depth, productive, civil debate.

Topics are uncensored, meaning even extremely controversial viewpoints can be presented and argued for, but our Forum Rules strictly require all posters to stay on-topic and never engage in ad hominems or personal attacks.


Use this forum to discuss the May 2023 Philosophy Book of the MonthThe Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are by Alan Watts
#441236
This topic is about the May 2023 Philosophy Book of the Month, The Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are by Alan Watts



The philosophical notion of the ego as an illusory construct is explored by Alan Watts in this book. He argues that the ego creates a false sense of separation between individuals and the universe.
For though we cultivate the ego with one hand, we knock it down with the other. From generation to generation we kick the stuffing out of our children to teach them to “know their place” and to behave, think, and feel with proper modesty as befits one little ego among many.
(Location 223 - Kindle Version)

From a philosophical perspective, how does the depiction of the ego by Watts differ from or align with other philosophical and psychological understandings of the concept?

Considering the implications of the illusory ego, how might this understanding influence human behavior, interpersonal relationships, and societal structures if it were to be widely adopted, and is it possible that embracing Watts' perspective on the ego could foster a more harmonious and cooperative society?
#441594
Sushan wrote: May 5th, 2023, 10:43 pm The philosophical notion of the ego as an illusory construct is explored by Alan Watts in this book. He argues that the ego creates a false sense of separation between individuals and the universe.
For though we cultivate the ego with one hand, we knock it down with the other. From generation to generation we kick the stuffing out of our children to teach them to “know their place” and to behave, think, and feel with proper modesty as befits one little ego among many.
(Location 223 - Kindle Version)

From a philosophical perspective, how does the depiction of the ego by Watts differ from or align with other philosophical and psychological understandings of the concept?

Considering the implications of the illusory ego, how might this understanding influence human behavior, interpersonal relationships, and societal structures if it were to be widely adopted, and is it possible that embracing Watts' perspective on the ego could foster a more harmonious and cooperative society?
prior to the words you have quoted, he says:
“The Ultimate Ground of Being” is Paul Tillich’s decontaminated term for “God” and would also do for “the Self of the world” as I put it in my story for children. But the secret which my story slips over to the child is that the Ultimate Ground of Being is you. Not, of course, the everyday you which the Ground is assuming, or “pretending” to be, but that inmost Self which escapes inspection because it’s always the inspector. This, then, is the taboo of taboos: you’re IT!

Yet in our culture this is the touchstone of insanity, the blackest of blasphemies, and the wildest of delusions. This, we believe, is the ultimate in megalomania—an inflation of the ego to complete absurdity.
Watts, Alan. The Book on the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are (p. 18). Profile. Kindle Edition.
Of course, there are certainly philosophical and religious traditions that would disagree with the idea that the ultimate ground of being is the individual self. Many Eastern religious and philosophical systems, such as Buddhism, Hinduism, and Taoism, emphasize the interconnectedness of all things and the importance of transcending the ego in order to achieve enlightenment or liberation. Similarly, many Western philosophical and religious traditions, such as Christianity and Platonism, see the ultimate reality as something beyond the individual self, and stress the importance of humility and surrender to this higher reality.

However, there are also philosophical and spiritual traditions that share the view that the ultimate reality is intimately connected with the individual self. Advaita Vedanta, a school of Hindu philosophy, teaches that the individual self (atman) is identical with the ultimate reality (Brahman). Similarly, some forms of mystical Judaism and Sufism emphasize the idea of the individual soul merging with the divine. There is also a school of non-dual Christianity that teaches that Jesus' teaching was essentially the application of principles of Advaita Vedanta to Jewish tradition, and not surprisingly, Swami Prabhavananda wrote a book in 1963 called Sermon on the Mount According to Vedanta, and wrote that his master, Swami Brahmananda, although he was not a student of the Bible, taught from his own spiritual experience in much the same way as Christ did, and often used almost the same words.

There have been Western philosophers who have been deeply influenced by Advaita Vedanta. One notable example is the German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer, who was introduced to Indian thought in the early 19th century and wrote extensively about it in his work "The World as Will and Representation." Schopenhauer was particularly drawn to the idea of the unity of all things, which he saw as a key insight of Advaita Vedanta.

Another philosopher who was influenced by Advaita Vedanta was the French philosopher and mystic Simone Weil. Weil was deeply interested in mysticism and saw parallels between the insights of Advaita Vedanta and the Christian mystics. She wrote extensively about the need to transcend the ego and merge with a higher reality, and saw this as a path to liberation from suffering.
Favorite Philosopher: Alan Watts Location: Germany
#441605
Stoppelmann wrote: May 12th, 2023, 6:51 am
Sushan wrote: May 5th, 2023, 10:43 pm The philosophical notion of the ego as an illusory construct is explored by Alan Watts in this book. He argues that the ego creates a false sense of separation between individuals and the universe.
For though we cultivate the ego with one hand, we knock it down with the other. From generation to generation we kick the stuffing out of our children to teach them to “know their place” and to behave, think, and feel with proper modesty as befits one little ego among many.
(Location 223 - Kindle Version)

From a philosophical perspective, how does the depiction of the ego by Watts differ from or align with other philosophical and psychological understandings of the concept?

Considering the implications of the illusory ego, how might this understanding influence human behavior, interpersonal relationships, and societal structures if it were to be widely adopted, and is it possible that embracing Watts' perspective on the ego could foster a more harmonious and cooperative society?
prior to the words you have quoted, he says:
“The Ultimate Ground of Being” is Paul Tillich’s decontaminated term for “God” and would also do for “the Self of the world” as I put it in my story for children. But the secret which my story slips over to the child is that the Ultimate Ground of Being is you. Not, of course, the everyday you which the Ground is assuming, or “pretending” to be, but that inmost Self which escapes inspection because it’s always the inspector. This, then, is the taboo of taboos: you’re IT!

Yet in our culture this is the touchstone of insanity, the blackest of blasphemies, and the wildest of delusions. This, we believe, is the ultimate in megalomania—an inflation of the ego to complete absurdity.
Watts, Alan. The Book on the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are (p. 18). Profile. Kindle Edition.
Of course, there are certainly philosophical and religious traditions that would disagree with the idea that the ultimate ground of being is the individual self. Many Eastern religious and philosophical systems, such as Buddhism, Hinduism, and Taoism, emphasize the interconnectedness of all things and the importance of transcending the ego in order to achieve enlightenment or liberation. Similarly, many Western philosophical and religious traditions, such as Christianity and Platonism, see the ultimate reality as something beyond the individual self, and stress the importance of humility and surrender to this higher reality.

However, there are also philosophical and spiritual traditions that share the view that the ultimate reality is intimately connected with the individual self. Advaita Vedanta, a school of Hindu philosophy, teaches that the individual self (atman) is identical with the ultimate reality (Brahman). Similarly, some forms of mystical Judaism and Sufism emphasize the idea of the individual soul merging with the divine. There is also a school of non-dual Christianity that teaches that Jesus' teaching was essentially the application of principles of Advaita Vedanta to Jewish tradition, and not surprisingly, Swami Prabhavananda wrote a book in 1963 called Sermon on the Mount According to Vedanta, and wrote that his master, Swami Brahmananda, although he was not a student of the Bible, taught from his own spiritual experience in much the same way as Christ did, and often used almost the same words.

There have been Western philosophers who have been deeply influenced by Advaita Vedanta. One notable example is the German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer, who was introduced to Indian thought in the early 19th century and wrote extensively about it in his work "The World as Will and Representation." Schopenhauer was particularly drawn to the idea of the unity of all things, which he saw as a key insight of Advaita Vedanta.

Another philosopher who was influenced by Advaita Vedanta was the French philosopher and mystic Simone Weil. Weil was deeply interested in mysticism and saw parallels between the insights of Advaita Vedanta and the Christian mystics. She wrote extensively about the need to transcend the ego and merge with a higher reality, and saw this as a path to liberation from suffering.
Your thoughtful analysis underscores the myriad philosophical and religious traditions that grapple with the concept of the ego and the ultimate nature of the self. It is indeed a subject of deep contemplation across diverse schools of thought. You rightly highlight the profound influence of Advaita Vedanta on Western philosophy, emphasizing the idea of ultimate reality being intimately connected with the individual self.

Expanding on this, Alan Watts' perspective on the ego, as outlined in his book, resonates with the Advaita Vedanta perspective on non-duality - the idea that the individual self (atman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman) are one and the same. This understanding of the ego as an illusory construct aligns with the Vedantic philosophy of transcending the ego to recognize the inherent oneness of existence.

Simone Weil and Arthur Schopenhauer, as you've mentioned, also resonated with these ideas, suggesting that there's a common thread running through these different philosophical systems despite their varied cultural and historical contexts. They've all grappled with the ego's nature, its illusion, and the ultimate reality of interconnectedness.

As for the implications, should this understanding of the ego as an illusory construct be widely adopted, it could indeed foster a more harmonious and cooperative society. Recognizing our inherent interconnectedness and oneness could engender a deep sense of empathy, compassion, and mutual respect. It could also shift our approach to conflict resolution, environmental sustainability, and societal equity, among other things.

However, it's important to note that while this perspective can offer profound insights, it also requires a deep level of self-awareness and personal transformation, which may not be easily accessible or appealing to all. It might also be challenging to implement on a large scale given the diversity of human experiences, beliefs, and cultural contexts.

As philosophical explorations continue, it's critical to appreciate the variety of perspectives and the richness they bring to our understanding of the self and reality. The goal is not necessarily to find one "correct" view but to continually deepen our understanding and empathy towards ourselves, others, and the world around us.
#441613
Sushan wrote: May 12th, 2023, 8:21 am Your thoughtful analysis underscores the myriad philosophical and religious traditions that grapple with the concept of the ego and the ultimate nature of the self. It is indeed a subject of deep contemplation across diverse schools of thought. You rightly highlight the profound influence of Advaita Vedanta on Western philosophy, emphasizing the idea of ultimate reality being intimately connected with the individual self.

Expanding on this, Alan Watts' perspective on the ego, as outlined in his book, resonates with the Advaita Vedanta perspective on non-duality - the idea that the individual self (atman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman) are one and the same. This understanding of the ego as an illusory construct aligns with the Vedantic philosophy of transcending the ego to recognize the inherent oneness of existence.

Simone Weil and Arthur Schopenhauer, as you've mentioned, also resonated with these ideas, suggesting that there's a common thread running through these different philosophical systems despite their varied cultural and historical contexts. They've all grappled with the ego's nature, its illusion, and the ultimate reality of interconnectedness.
Our big problem and the reason for our non-acceptance, the taboo of knowing who we are, as Watts says, is the influence of Roman Catholic and subsequently Protestant religion with its puritanism, and as I have said in this forum, the separation of the sacred from the profane to such a degree that Christianity is reduced to posturing, which is one of the things Jesus criticised amongst the pious of his day. The reaction to the awareness of being an expression of God should cause humility rather than the arrogance and self-importance that is often associated with the statement, and threatened to get Jesus stoned and finally he was crucified. Watts says, “no Hindu can realize that he is God in disguise without seeing at the same time that this is true of everyone and everything else (p. 19).”

I had a long conversation with a friend of mind in America about Schopenhauer, who was particularly drawn to the idea of the unity of all things, which he saw as a central insight of Advaita Vedanta. This was a big revelation for my friend who said he sang “Hallelujah” for a day on realising it. The realisation that this insight was also present in the mystical traditions of other cultures, including Christianity, gave him great joy and he started re-reading Schopenhauer, and saw it as a key to unlocking the deepest truths about reality. In particular, Schopenhauer saw Advaita Vedanta as offering a solution to the problem of suffering, and believed that the ego, with its desires and attachments, was the source of suffering, and that the only way to overcome suffering was to transcend the ego and realize the unity of all things. In this sense, he saw Advaita Vedanta as a practical philosophy that offered a way to attain inner peace and liberation from the cycle of birth and death. My friend and I returned to Watts books, as well as the books Schopenhauer referenced in "The World as Will and Representation," and had several insightful conversations via video.
Sushan wrote: May 12th, 2023, 8:21 am As for the implications, should this understanding of the ego as an illusory construct be widely adopted, it could indeed foster a more harmonious and cooperative society. Recognizing our inherent interconnectedness and oneness could engender a deep sense of empathy, compassion, and mutual respect. It could also shift our approach to conflict resolution, environmental sustainability, and societal equity, among other things.
Absolutely, and it has taken me down many other paths, including reading about Husserl, the father of phenomenology, which was suggested to me by Thrasymachus in the thread Any Buddhists out there? Of course, Watts says that “Irrevocable commitment to any religion is not only intellectual suicide; it is positive unfaith because it closes the mind to any new vision of the world. Faith is, above all, open-ness—an act of trust in the unknown (p. 11).” This has made me use the label “universalist” rather than Christian, because, although I initially come from Christianity, the recognition of the truth of this teaching made me realise how warped Christianity had become, and how much conflict and suffering it had caused in its ignorance. But the same can be said of the irrevocable commitment to any religion, and even Buddhism, generally regarded as a religion of peace, and like Advaita Vedanta, sees the realization of the unity of all things as a path to liberation from suffering, there have also been instances in history where Buddhist monks have been involved in political and military conflicts. One example, in ancient Japan, reveals that some Buddhist monasteries had their own armies and engaged in battles with rival sects. The unity of all things as a path to liberation from suffering seems to need to be free from such final commitment.
Sushan wrote: May 12th, 2023, 8:21 am However, it's important to note that while this perspective can offer profound insights, it also requires a deep level of self-awareness and personal transformation, which may not be easily accessible or appealing to all. It might also be challenging to implement on a large scale given the diversity of human experiences, beliefs, and cultural contexts.

As philosophical explorations continue, it's critical to appreciate the variety of perspectives and the richness they bring to our understanding of the self and reality. The goal is not necessarily to find one "correct" view but to continually deepen our understanding and empathy towards ourselves, others, and the world around us.
“Whatever seems advantageous or disadvantageous for our survival, our social status, and the security of our egos governs what we choose to notice” says Watts (p. 33). He points out that the dichotomy of life is more a dance of interdependence, a giving and taking, with each side at one time up or another time down. But our modern world cannot accept that. “There are many other ways in which the game of Black-and-White is switched into the game of “White must win,” and, like the battle for survival, they depend upon ignoring, or screening out of consciousness, the interdependence of the two sides (p. 41).”

If we don’t realise how interdependence works, we may just make the world into an even worse hell than we have already managed to do.
Favorite Philosopher: Alan Watts Location: Germany
#441614
Stoppelmann wrote: May 12th, 2023, 12:07 pm
Sushan wrote: May 12th, 2023, 8:21 am Your thoughtful analysis underscores the myriad philosophical and religious traditions that grapple with the concept of the ego and the ultimate nature of the self. It is indeed a subject of deep contemplation across diverse schools of thought. You rightly highlight the profound influence of Advaita Vedanta on Western philosophy, emphasizing the idea of ultimate reality being intimately connected with the individual self.

Expanding on this, Alan Watts' perspective on the ego, as outlined in his book, resonates with the Advaita Vedanta perspective on non-duality - the idea that the individual self (atman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman) are one and the same. This understanding of the ego as an illusory construct aligns with the Vedantic philosophy of transcending the ego to recognize the inherent oneness of existence.

Simone Weil and Arthur Schopenhauer, as you've mentioned, also resonated with these ideas, suggesting that there's a common thread running through these different philosophical systems despite their varied cultural and historical contexts. They've all grappled with the ego's nature, its illusion, and the ultimate reality of interconnectedness.
Our big problem and the reason for our non-acceptance, the taboo of knowing who we are, as Watts says, is the influence of Roman Catholic and subsequently Protestant religion with its puritanism, and as I have said in this forum, the separation of the sacred from the profane to such a degree that Christianity is reduced to posturing, which is one of the things Jesus criticised amongst the pious of his day. The reaction to the awareness of being an expression of God should cause humility rather than the arrogance and self-importance that is often associated with the statement, and threatened to get Jesus stoned and finally he was crucified. Watts says, “no Hindu can realize that he is God in disguise without seeing at the same time that this is true of everyone and everything else (p. 19).”

I had a long conversation with a friend of mind in America about Schopenhauer, who was particularly drawn to the idea of the unity of all things, which he saw as a central insight of Advaita Vedanta. This was a big revelation for my friend who said he sang “Hallelujah” for a day on realising it. The realisation that this insight was also present in the mystical traditions of other cultures, including Christianity, gave him great joy and he started re-reading Schopenhauer, and saw it as a key to unlocking the deepest truths about reality. In particular, Schopenhauer saw Advaita Vedanta as offering a solution to the problem of suffering, and believed that the ego, with its desires and attachments, was the source of suffering, and that the only way to overcome suffering was to transcend the ego and realize the unity of all things. In this sense, he saw Advaita Vedanta as a practical philosophy that offered a way to attain inner peace and liberation from the cycle of birth and death. My friend and I returned to Watts books, as well as the books Schopenhauer referenced in "The World as Will and Representation," and had several insightful conversations via video.
Sushan wrote: May 12th, 2023, 8:21 am As for the implications, should this understanding of the ego as an illusory construct be widely adopted, it could indeed foster a more harmonious and cooperative society. Recognizing our inherent interconnectedness and oneness could engender a deep sense of empathy, compassion, and mutual respect. It could also shift our approach to conflict resolution, environmental sustainability, and societal equity, among other things.
Absolutely, and it has taken me down many other paths, including reading about Husserl, the father of phenomenology, which was suggested to me by Thrasymachus in the thread Any Buddhists out there? Of course, Watts says that “Irrevocable commitment to any religion is not only intellectual suicide; it is positive unfaith because it closes the mind to any new vision of the world. Faith is, above all, open-ness—an act of trust in the unknown (p. 11).” This has made me use the label “universalist” rather than Christian, because, although I initially come from Christianity, the recognition of the truth of this teaching made me realise how warped Christianity had become, and how much conflict and suffering it had caused in its ignorance. But the same can be said of the irrevocable commitment to any religion, and even Buddhism, generally regarded as a religion of peace, and like Advaita Vedanta, sees the realization of the unity of all things as a path to liberation from suffering, there have also been instances in history where Buddhist monks have been involved in political and military conflicts. One example, in ancient Japan, reveals that some Buddhist monasteries had their own armies and engaged in battles with rival sects. The unity of all things as a path to liberation from suffering seems to need to be free from such final commitment.
Sushan wrote: May 12th, 2023, 8:21 am However, it's important to note that while this perspective can offer profound insights, it also requires a deep level of self-awareness and personal transformation, which may not be easily accessible or appealing to all. It might also be challenging to implement on a large scale given the diversity of human experiences, beliefs, and cultural contexts.

As philosophical explorations continue, it's critical to appreciate the variety of perspectives and the richness they bring to our understanding of the self and reality. The goal is not necessarily to find one "correct" view but to continually deepen our understanding and empathy towards ourselves, others, and the world around us.
“Whatever seems advantageous or disadvantageous for our survival, our social status, and the security of our egos governs what we choose to notice” says Watts (p. 33). He points out that the dichotomy of life is more a dance of interdependence, a giving and taking, with each side at one time up or another time down. But our modern world cannot accept that. “There are many other ways in which the game of Black-and-White is switched into the game of “White must win,” and, like the battle for survival, they depend upon ignoring, or screening out of consciousness, the interdependence of the two sides (p. 41).”

If we don’t realise how interdependence works, we may just make the world into an even worse hell than we have already managed to do.
Your reflections offer a well-rounded exploration of the intricate interplay between various philosophical traditions and religious teachings. Your commentary on the influence of Advaita Vedanta on Western philosophy, as well as the insights of thinkers like Alan Watts and Schopenhauer, provides a rich tapestry of ideas for further exploration.

The notion of unyielding commitment to a single religious or philosophical perspective, as you noted, may stifle intellectual growth and spiritual exploration. It raises an intriguing question: How do we maintain the spirit of exploration and openness, while also respecting and valuing the wisdom of particular traditions? This tension seems inherent in any deep exploration of self and reality.

Your anecdote about your friend's profound realization upon understanding the unity of all things beautifully illustrates the transformative power of such philosophical insights. It also opens the door for further discussion: How do these insights translate into daily life? How do they influence our relationships, our choices, and our sense of purpose?

Your reference to militarized Buddhist monasteries in ancient Japan provides a sobering example of how even philosophies centered on peace and interconnectedness can be distorted by political and societal forces. This raises another interesting point for discussion: How can we guard against such distortions in our own interpretations and applications of philosophical ideas?

Finally, your focus on Watts' concept of life as a dance of interdependence is thought-provoking. It challenges the conventional dichotomies and invites us to reconsider our relationship with the world around us. This could be a springboard for further discussion about how this understanding might influence societal structures, environmental stewardship, and our approach to conflict resolution.

In essence, your reflections provide a fertile ground for further philosophical exploration. They invite us to delve deeper into the tension between openness and tradition, the practical application of philosophical insights, and the understanding of life as a dance of interdependence.

Current Philosophy Book of the Month

The Riddle of Alchemy

The Riddle of Alchemy
by Paul Kiritsis
January 2025

2025 Philosophy Books of the Month

On Spirits: The World Hidden Volume II

On Spirits: The World Hidden Volume II
by Dr. Joseph M. Feagan
April 2025

Escape to Paradise and Beyond (Tentative)

Escape to Paradise and Beyond (Tentative)
by Maitreya Dasa
March 2025

They Love You Until You Start Thinking for Yourself

They Love You Until You Start Thinking for Yourself
by Monica Omorodion Swaida
February 2025

The Riddle of Alchemy

The Riddle of Alchemy
by Paul Kiritsis
January 2025

2024 Philosophy Books of the Month

Connecting the Dots: Ancient Wisdom, Modern Science

Connecting the Dots: Ancient Wisdom, Modern Science
by Lia Russ
December 2024

The Advent of Time: A Solution to the Problem of Evil...

The Advent of Time: A Solution to the Problem of Evil...
by Indignus Servus
November 2024

Reconceptualizing Mental Illness in the Digital Age

Reconceptualizing Mental Illness in the Digital Age
by Elliott B. Martin, Jr.
October 2024

Zen and the Art of Writing

Zen and the Art of Writing
by Ray Hodgson
September 2024

How is God Involved in Evolution?

How is God Involved in Evolution?
by Joe P. Provenzano, Ron D. Morgan, and Dan R. Provenzano
August 2024

Launchpad Republic: America's Entrepreneurial Edge and Why It Matters

Launchpad Republic: America's Entrepreneurial Edge and Why It Matters
by Howard Wolk
July 2024

Quest: Finding Freddie: Reflections from the Other Side

Quest: Finding Freddie: Reflections from the Other Side
by Thomas Richard Spradlin
June 2024

Neither Safe Nor Effective

Neither Safe Nor Effective
by Dr. Colleen Huber
May 2024

Now or Never

Now or Never
by Mary Wasche
April 2024

Meditations

Meditations
by Marcus Aurelius
March 2024

Beyond the Golden Door: Seeing the American Dream Through an Immigrant's Eyes

Beyond the Golden Door: Seeing the American Dream Through an Immigrant's Eyes
by Ali Master
February 2024

The In-Between: Life in the Micro

The In-Between: Life in the Micro
by Christian Espinosa
January 2024

2023 Philosophy Books of the Month

Entanglement - Quantum and Otherwise

Entanglement - Quantum and Otherwise
by John K Danenbarger
January 2023

Mark Victor Hansen, Relentless: Wisdom Behind the Incomparable Chicken Soup for the Soul

Mark Victor Hansen, Relentless: Wisdom Behind the Incomparable Chicken Soup for the Soul
by Mitzi Perdue
February 2023

Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature: How Civilization Destroys Happiness

Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature: How Civilization Destroys Happiness
by Chet Shupe
March 2023

The Unfakeable Code®

The Unfakeable Code®
by Tony Jeton Selimi
April 2023

The Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are

The Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are
by Alan Watts
May 2023

Killing Abel

Killing Abel
by Michael Tieman
June 2023

Reconfigurement: Reconfiguring Your Life at Any Stage and Planning Ahead

Reconfigurement: Reconfiguring Your Life at Any Stage and Planning Ahead
by E. Alan Fleischauer
July 2023

First Survivor: The Impossible Childhood Cancer Breakthrough

First Survivor: The Impossible Childhood Cancer Breakthrough
by Mark Unger
August 2023

Predictably Irrational

Predictably Irrational
by Dan Ariely
September 2023

Artwords

Artwords
by Beatriz M. Robles
November 2023

Fireproof Happiness: Extinguishing Anxiety & Igniting Hope

Fireproof Happiness: Extinguishing Anxiety & Igniting Hope
by Dr. Randy Ross
December 2023

2022 Philosophy Books of the Month

Emotional Intelligence At Work

Emotional Intelligence At Work
by Richard M Contino & Penelope J Holt
January 2022

Free Will, Do You Have It?

Free Will, Do You Have It?
by Albertus Kral
February 2022

My Enemy in Vietnam

My Enemy in Vietnam
by Billy Springer
March 2022

2X2 on the Ark

2X2 on the Ark
by Mary J Giuffra, PhD
April 2022

The Maestro Monologue

The Maestro Monologue
by Rob White
May 2022

What Makes America Great

What Makes America Great
by Bob Dowell
June 2022

The Truth Is Beyond Belief!

The Truth Is Beyond Belief!
by Jerry Durr
July 2022

Living in Color

Living in Color
by Mike Murphy
August 2022 (tentative)

The Not So Great American Novel

The Not So Great American Novel
by James E Doucette
September 2022

Mary Jane Whiteley Coggeshall, Hicksite Quaker, Iowa/National Suffragette And Her Speeches

Mary Jane Whiteley Coggeshall, Hicksite Quaker, Iowa/National Suffragette And Her Speeches
by John N. (Jake) Ferris
October 2022

In It Together: The Beautiful Struggle Uniting Us All

In It Together: The Beautiful Struggle Uniting Us All
by Eckhart Aurelius Hughes
November 2022

The Smartest Person in the Room: The Root Cause and New Solution for Cybersecurity

The Smartest Person in the Room
by Christian Espinosa
December 2022

2021 Philosophy Books of the Month

The Biblical Clock: The Untold Secrets Linking the Universe and Humanity with God's Plan

The Biblical Clock
by Daniel Friedmann
March 2021

Wilderness Cry: A Scientific and Philosophical Approach to Understanding God and the Universe

Wilderness Cry
by Dr. Hilary L Hunt M.D.
April 2021

Fear Not, Dream Big, & Execute: Tools To Spark Your Dream And Ignite Your Follow-Through

Fear Not, Dream Big, & Execute
by Jeff Meyer
May 2021

Surviving the Business of Healthcare: Knowledge is Power

Surviving the Business of Healthcare
by Barbara Galutia Regis M.S. PA-C
June 2021

Winning the War on Cancer: The Epic Journey Towards a Natural Cure

Winning the War on Cancer
by Sylvie Beljanski
July 2021

Defining Moments of a Free Man from a Black Stream

Defining Moments of a Free Man from a Black Stream
by Dr Frank L Douglas
August 2021

If Life Stinks, Get Your Head Outta Your Buts

If Life Stinks, Get Your Head Outta Your Buts
by Mark L. Wdowiak
September 2021

The Preppers Medical Handbook

The Preppers Medical Handbook
by Dr. William W Forgey M.D.
October 2021

Natural Relief for Anxiety and Stress: A Practical Guide

Natural Relief for Anxiety and Stress
by Dr. Gustavo Kinrys, MD
November 2021

Dream For Peace: An Ambassador Memoir

Dream For Peace
by Dr. Ghoulem Berrah
December 2021


It is unfair for a national broadcaster to favour […]

The trouble with astrology is that constellati[…]

A particular religious group were ejected from[…]

A naturalist's epistemology??

Gertie wrote ........ I was going through all […]