Source
r/booksuggestions•
ucf

Looking for Books that Clarify Life and Reduce its Complexity

I am seeking suggestions for books that would help better understand life.

I am continuously splattered with information that varies in complexity and density, and I feel feel that there are broad strokes that I'm just not seeing. So, I'm looking for books that identify the underlying patterns, or create frameworks, to understand our reality.

I know that such a request may sound vague, and indeed the area is broad, so I've listed books that I've found to fall within the general area of what I'm seeking:

What have you read and helped you understand the world better? I would very much appreciate your suggestions ...

Posted Sep 16, 2012, 1:09 AM UTC

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kumabi•

The Alchemist - Paulo Coelho

The book's main theme is about finding one's self destiny. According to The New York Times, The Alchemist is "more self-help than literature" - Wiki

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ucfOP•

Thanks. I have already read it and I enjoyed it, but I really couldn't gain anything specific as how the world operates.

To me, the Alchemist operates on a deeper level (e.g., surrender to chance, never give up on your dreams, Believe, etc). I was hoping for books that offer something more concrete.

Although enjoyable and memorable, The Alchemist is a bit too much on the supernatural side for my purposes.

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[deleted]•

Alan Watts has a lot of books like this. Some to check out are: The Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are published in 1966

Death published in 1975

Nothingness published in 1974

Time published in 1975

The first one I put to my knowledge is the most popular.

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ucfOP•

I really like Watts. Listened to many of his lectures/talks while commuting, but never finished any of his books. Perhaps because I feel his message is best conveyed by his sound.

Will put him on the top of my list, especially The Book.

Thanks for the suggestions!

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ottermiss84•

The Four Agreements. Started me on a fabulous journey of self-discovery.

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ucfOP•

I'll check it out. Thanks!

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jonakajon•

Richard Bach...Jonathan Livingston Seagull and Illusions: The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah.

Also try Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig

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ucfOP•

Agreed. I read Jonathan Livingston Seagull and ZAMM about 10 years ago. Due to your suggestion, I will probably revisit them, and also checkout Illusions.

I recall that ZAMM's style was a bit hard to get through at times. I also read Lila about 5 years ago. Between the two, I enjoyed Lila more.

I appreciate the suggestions!

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aspartame_junky•

"Atlas Shrugged", by Ayn Rand.

Reduces the enormous complexities of real life into a caricature of simplicity that anyone of feeble intelligence can (and often does) follow.

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ucfOP•

Ha ha. I couldn't finish Atlas shrugged for that exact reason.

I even attended an Ayn Rand study group during college, and I just could not agree with her whole approach. That said, I can understand how her background may have lead to such a world view, although I disagree with it.

I agree with you, such books (i.e, those which propose frameworks) come with a risk of being overly ambitious in reducing reality.

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aspartame_junky•

I read it and The Fountainhead. I like the Fountainhead much better, although that's not saying much.

At the time (many years ago), I was interested in a girl who, after I lent her The Fountainhead, said she admired Dominque Francon.

Should have heard "Danger, Will Robinson," but hey, sociopaths often make the chase much more fun, right? or so I thought. yeah, never doing that again.

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ucfOP•

Well, after reading a summary of the character on Wikipedia, I must say that you too engaged in self-defeating behavior, just like Dominque Francon. Haha. But yeah, scary woman. At least you now know what to ask on the first date.

You know what, this Dominque Francon looks interesting (in an American Psycho kind of way). I think I just might give the Fountainhead a go. Thanks!

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aspartame_junky•

yup, true. was a very passionate relationship, but in the sense that passion = suffering. never again.

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[deleted]•

[deleted]

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[deleted]•

Just now reading Seeking Wisdom -- actually, found this post after searching for Charlie Munger. You might also consider reading Timothy Ferriss' books. Ferriss is the one who first turned me on to Munger. So far I have only read Four-Hour Body; but the book has greatly changed and improved my life, in ways that are about better understanding "broad strokes" to improve life at least as much as how to improve physical fitness. Ferriss' other books are less focused on fitness.

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