Books matching: consciousness exploration
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:David Eagleman takes the readers on a remarkable journey through the human brain, exploring questions such as who we are, what is reality, and what the future may hold. The book delves into the functioning of the brain and its mysteries, discussing topics like memory formation, the tools of a neuroscientist, key components of the brain, and Syndrome E. Eagleman also touches on social neuroscience, consciousness, and the future of neuroscience, all presented in an engaging and informative style.
As an example, the language that you’re exposed to in infancy (say, English versus Japanese) refines your ability to hear the particular sounds of your language, and worsens your capacity to hear the ... 'Waking Up: A Guide to Spirituality Without Religion' by Sam Harris delves into the exploration of spirituality without the confines of traditional religious beliefs. Harris approaches the subject with a blend of scientific evidence, personal anecdotes, and critical analysis. discusses topics such as meditation, consciousness, self-transcendence, and the illusion of self, offering insights into how one can navigate spiritual experiences without the need for religious dogma. Harris' writing style is described as clear, engaging, and at times, sober and humble, making complex concepts accessible to readers.
I once participated in a twenty-three-day wilderness program in the mountains of Colorado. If the purpose of this course was to expose students to dangerous lightning and half the world’s mosquitoes, ...'The Book on the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are' by Alan W. Watts is a thought-provoking exploration of Eastern philosophies, particularly Vedantic philosophy, presented in a modern and accessible manner. The book challenges the notion of the separate ego and delves into the concept of oneness, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all beings. Through a series of essays, Watts encourages readers to question their understanding of self and reality, inviting them to contemplate fundamental philosophical questions about existence and identity. The writing style is described as witty, insightful, and engaging, with a blend of profound truths and social commentary characteristic of the 1960s hippie movement.
JUST WHAT should a young man or woman know in order to be "in the know"? Is there, in other words, some inside information, some special taboo, some real lowdown on life and existence that most parent...- #4
Save:'The Psychedelic Experience: A Manual Based on the Tibetan Book of the Dead' by Timothy Leary and Ralph Metzner is a guidebook that combines Tibetan Buddhism traditions with the psychedelic revolution of the 60s. It provides insights and instructions for individuals embarking on a psychedelic journey, emphasizing the importance of preparation, setting, and mindset. draws from ancient wisdom interpreted for contemporary seekers, guiding readers through altered states of consciousness and potential confrontations with reality.
A psychedelic experience is a journey to new realms of consciousness. The scope and content of the experience is limitless, but its characteristic features are the transcendence of verbal concepts, of... - #5
Save:'The Secret History of the World' by Jonathan Black is a controversial exploration of esoteric knowledge and ancient wisdom that challenges the mainstream scientific and religious beliefs. The author delves into hidden truths and mysteries of the world's history, inviting readers to perceive knowledge through their souls rather than simply believing in it. The writing style is described as enlightening, thought-provoking, and engaging, offering a unique perspective on historical figures, myths, and esoteric concepts.
- #6
Save:"The Mountain in the Sea" by Ray Nayler is a science fiction novel that follows the story of Dr. Ha Nguyen, a marine scientist investigating cephalopod intelligence on the Con Dao archipelago. The narrative also delves into the perspectives of other characters such as Eiko, a Japanese computer programmer enslaved on a robotic fishing boat called the Sea Wolf, and Evrim, the world's first conscious AI android. The book explores themes of transhuman consciousness, communication with non-human species, and the limitations of human perspective in understanding alien intelligence.
The writing style of the book is described as profound, challenging, and thought-provoking. The author, Ray Nayler, is commended for breaking new ground conceptually and literarily, reminiscent of renowned science fiction writers like Arkady Martine and Julie E. Czerneda. The narrative structure offers multiple perspectives, adding depth to the story and enhancing the reader's experience of exploring different characters' viewpoints.
'The Mind's I: Fantasies and Reflections on Self and Soul' by Douglas R. Hofstadter is a compilation of articles written by various authors who are at the forefront of thought on artificial intelligence (A.I.) and consciousness. delves into deep philosophical ideas about the mind, self, and consciousness, challenging readers to question their preconceptions and explore new perspectives. Through a mix of fiction, non-fiction, and commentary, the book aims to free the mind from traditional notions of what defines consciousness and the self.
The writing style of the book is described as thought-provoking, engaging, and entertaining, with co-editors Hofstadter and Dennett selecting and discussing each of the selections in a way that mirrors Plato's Dialogues. presents a variety of viewpoints, with the editors not always agreeing on interpretations, adding depth and complexity to the exploration of the main topics of A.I. and consciousness.
The best day of my life – my rebirthday, so the speak – was when I found I had no head. This is not a literary gambit, a witticism designed to arouse interest at any cost. I mean it in all seriousness...- #8
Save:The Philosopher's Stone by Colin Wilson is a Lovecraftian novel that combines elements of horror, time travel, and philosophical discussions. The story follows characters who engage in consciousness experiments, leading them to discover the existence of the Old Ones, adding a new level of dread to the narrative. The book delves into themes of humanity's evolutionary potential, exploring the limits of our worldview and consciousness, all while incorporating real-life events into the storyline.
I was reading a book on music by Ralph Vaughan Williams the other day, while listening to a gramophone record of his remarkable Fifth Symphony, when I came across the following remark: ‘I have struggl... - #9
Save:'Into the Gray Zone' by Adrian Owen is a captivating exploration of the border between life and death through the lens of neuroscience. The book delves into the author's research on individuals in comas and vegetative states, revealing that some of these patients are fully aware of their surroundings. Through a mix of autobiography and popular science, the author presents heartwarming stories that challenge traditional perceptions of consciousness and brain trauma. Adrian Owen's elegant and sensitive writing style makes this book a compelling and emotional read, shedding light on the ethical dimensions of his groundbreaking work.
As a young neuropsychologist at the University of Cambridge, studying the relationship between behavior and the brain, I fell in love with Maureen, a Scottish woman who was also a neuropsychologist. W... - #10
Save:"I Am a Strange Loop" by Douglas R. Hofstadter delves into the concept of consciousness and the mind through the lens of strange loops and paradoxes. The book explores the idea that complex patterns of symbols can give rise to consciousness, challenging traditional notions of self and identity. Through discussions on Godel's incompleteness theorem and analogies related to minds and mathematical proofs, Hofstadter navigates the reader through a journey of self-reflection and philosophical contemplation. The writing style incorporates humor, alliterative lists, and analogies to make complex concepts more accessible, while also questioning the nature of reality and consciousness.
ONE gloomy day in early 1991, a couple of months after my father died, I was standing in the kitchen of my parents’ house, and my mother, looking at a sweet and touching photograph of my father taken ...
