Pathless: Reviews and Reflections (Excerpts)
Pathless: Reviews and Reflections is a collection of essays about Zen Buddhism, Taoism, mythology, existentialism, mysticism, skepticism, stoicism, and psychology.
EXCERPTS:
“People have evolved to find patterns, even when there are none, and to look for threats, even when they don’t exist.”
“To be duped into joining cults and stupid fads, to be manipulated into voting for politicians who promote disastrous policies, to be fooled into ordering sham products, to be tricked into donating vast sums of money to charlatans, to waste decades trying out false solutions to medical ailments, to unwittingly spread misinformation to close friends, is not only unwise. It may ultimately be deadly for the ignorant. It may destroy the minds of the most vulnerable.”
“You are all the lives you have influenced. You are all your distant ancestors who survived for you to be born. You are all your descendants who will grow after your decomposition.”
“A mountain shrouded in mist is not hiding anything profound. There is no more wisdom on top of that mountain than there is anywhere else. It is just as sacred as a nap below the bough of a tree, washing the dishes, the sun fading over a meadow, belly laughter, a walk down a narrow path.”
“Humans (domesticated primates) use symbols and are used by symbols. Those who control the symbols have the power to control the people.”
“While the human brain seems physically small compared to the universe, inside the brain, the entire universe operates.”
“How many mistakes have we made, how many of our choices have led to unnecessary suffering, so that we could earn our wisdom?”
“Rumors are often more attractive than complex facts. Gossip spreads faster than sober analysis.”
“When we aren’t aware of our biases, we can easily be fooled. Sometimes even when we are aware, we can be fooled. While our ignorance works against us, it can be profitable for those who wish to take advantage of us.”
REVIEWS:
The Power of Myth (Joseph Campbell, Bill Moyers)
Skepticism 101: How to Think Like a Scientist (Michael Shermer)
Beyond Success and Failure: Ways to Self-Reliance and Maturity (Willard Beecher, Marguerite Beecher)
The Art of Living: Peace and Freedom in the Here and Now (Thich Nhat Hanh)
Taking The Path of Zen (Robert Aitken)
Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind: Informal Talks on Zen Meditation and Practice (Shunryu Suzuki)
The Way of Zen (Alan Watts)
Man’s Search for Meaning (Viktor Frankl)
Prometheus Rising (Robert Anton Wilson)
On The Shortness of Life (Lucius Annaeus Seneca)
COMMENTARY:
Parable of The Chinese Farmer
ESSAYS:
Understanding Our Biases
Here’s to The Helpers
Paperback Here
