I read this book because I was told it would change my life and how I looked the world around me. Pretty much exactly what the book said. However, I was not completely changed even though I thought some of the ideas of the book were on the right track. I didn't like the fact that this author made up an idea and started selling it as enlightenment. It felt forced and overplayed. I couldn't feel connected with the main character (he was a bit too full of himself) and about half way through the book I had to force myself to keep reading. The writing was not that good and the "coincidences" make the story feel almost incomplete, like written on a whim. I latched onto the energy of the universe concept and even that we all have that energy within us. The rest of the story needs some work to be a bit more believable.
The idea of just walking into enlightenment is not an easy one to grasp. So I just show up and take it? I don't think so. Real knowledge should take years, and the main character of this book can do it in days? Very Neo from the Matrix of you Redfield. And why is he come off a misogynistic and over-barring? Anyway, I can't really recommend this book because I don't think it will change your life. I think it might open you up for wanting to change, but when the book ends, it does not lead you on a greater path (there is a sequel and maybe you have to read them both to get the real effect). Somehow, it made me want to shy away from this idea, not embrace it. It is suppose to bring greater meaning to the lives we all lead, empowering all of us to make better decisions about the world around us. If you want enlightenment, take a yoga class. Leave this book on the shelf.
"The idea of just walking into enlightenment is not an easy one to grasp. So I just show up and take it?"
ReplyDeleteYes! The idea of just showing up and taking "it" is a common thread through a bunch of philosophies and religions. Example #1: Cosmic Jesus! Show up, believe, and you're saved. Amen.
Now, you do have to work to grow as a person and to grow in your enlightenment, but that first step is the most important one. You can't take a yoga class if you're not willing to go to the gym. You can't be saved if you don't open your body-mind.
But the opening was not enough. He was not open, it just happened. I wasn't buying it. Sorry.
ReplyDeleteLOL...You're sassy. "If you want enlightenment, take a yoga class. Leave this book on the shelf". Love it.
ReplyDelete"Real knowledge should take years". I don't know if it should, but it does. The dichotomy that you set up in this writing between those who accept knowledge as an inspiration and those who think knowledge is hard fought is a problem that is raging through America.
I keep marveling at how we can just feel a certain way and then make up our mind on something important. We are just like zombies: I like brains, I eat brains: I like socialism/conservatism/Jesus and so I absorb their doctrines. This book, the way you describe it, is the trash that makes people feel like they have knowledge when they just have a fleeting feeling out something.