A list of all the books I’ve reviewed
The book, The Philosophical Practitioner, is a surprisingly interesting novel about a man who makes a living by talking to people about their moral dilemmas, and struggles of navigating life. His somewhat mundane life is interrupted when a femme fatale enters his office. He is left trying to figure out what sort of quandary he … Continue reading The Philosophical Practitioner
We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak. - Epictetus I just listened to the book, I Hear You: The Surprisingly Simple Skill Behind Extraordinary Relationships. The book is a good reminder about what it takes to be a good listener. So often we are … Continue reading I Hear You: The Surprisingly Simple Skill Behind Extraordinary Relationships
Existentialism (as I see it) is the idea that we can explain human behavior according to reasons (choices), not causes. To this end, I have been interested to read how existentialism is used as a practical tool to help people understand themselves and their lives. I picked up the book, Existential Perspectives On Coaching, edited … Continue reading Existential Perspectives On Coaching
The book, Stepping out of Plato's Cave: Philosophical Counseling, Philosophical Practice, and Self-Transformation, was an interesting read about how one philosophical counselor who uses philosophy to help his clients understand and improve their lives. The author Ran Lahav, uses Plato’s Cave allegory to try to help people understand how they may be enslaving themselves inside … Continue reading Stepping out of Plato’s Cave: Philosophical Counseling, Philosophical Practice, and Self-Transformation
The book, Plato, Not Prozac!: Applying Eternal Wisdom to Everyday Problems, by Lou Marinoff, is one part sales pitch, and one part advice about how to live a life in accordance with the author’s personal values. Marinoff begins the book by arguing that problems in living are better solved by thinking philosophically rather than thinking … Continue reading Plato, Not Prozac!: Applying Eternal Wisdom to Everyday Problems
In his book, The Meaning of Mind: Language, Morality and Neuroscience, Thomas Szasz explains his concept of the mind. Szasz's writes: "My aim of this book is to present a systematic exploration and exposition of the thesis that minding is the ability to pay attention and adapt to one's environment by using language to communicate … Continue reading The Meaning of Mind: Language, Morality, and Neuroscience
Can a person live a flourishing, purpose-filled life in spite of chronic illness and near constant pain? According to author Suzy Szasz, the answer is a resounding, "yes". Szasz's book, Lupus. Living With It: Why You Don't Have To Be Healthy to Be Happy, is written with an enthusiasm for life. Despite her constant battle … Continue reading You Don’t Have to be Healthy to be Happy
Aaron Olson 