“Nerdection Worth Reading”
Curiosity about the inner workings of everything strikes us all, sooner or later. Solutions to questions asked for millennia are not so easy for everyone to find on their own. Questions about the order of the universe and our own purpose within it, the connection between the physical and the immaterial or abstract parts of our condition—the human condition, speculations over the ultimate truths of existence and whether the pathways leading us towards them follow the laws of science or the musings of philosophy are all covered comprehensively in this book. Expect to gain knowledge of the aforementioned topics and more from a student turned teacher whose words inspire great change within all who explore the pages of this informational guide.
Spoiler-Free Plot
Sandwiched between the foreword and appendices are five distinct parts of this book, each one as engaging as the next, with a generous helping of spirituality served in each of them. We are first introduced to consciousness through the use of a straightforward definition, which then expands into an explainer of its importance and its centrality in our lives. Attention is given to the dichotomous concepts of physicalism and idealism, with more of an emphasis placed on physicalism above the rest.
The Consciousness Paradigm is presented to us on the basis of its four pillars. Manifestation and Time are two themes that dominate the content within the second part.
All humans are aware of the three “normal” states of consciousness from an early age—the waking consciousness, the dreaming mind and the state of deep sleep. Part four delves into the four “higher” states of consciousness, one by one.
Parts four and five focus on the practical methods of applying all of the previously disseminated knowledge in the most effective way. Techniques, tools, and ideas are shared on how to implement the lessons learned to change one’s life for the better, if they so wish it.
Further reading material which adds additional context to some of the topics mentioned in previous chapters and a personal address from the author found in the appendices conclude this very compelling read.
My Take on Consciousness Is All There Is
Full disclosure: I am not one to willingly pick up and read a philosophy-centered book, especially not if I’ve got a fictional option on hand. My preconceived notions on the types of people who are likely to choose a book of this genre (pretentious and a patronizing attitude towards those who may not lean into deep rumination) have never aligned with my own self-characterization, therefore dissuading me from taking on the challenge of attempting to explore certain topics. The phrase “Imposter Syndrome” would be an apt label to illustrate the emotions I would feel surrounding themes such as consciousness, neurology, or even the mere mention of anything relating to the field of quantum physics. From memory, I can only recall a handful of books from these categories that I have felt confident enough to read to completion and have felt all the better for it. This here adds to my tally. The element of intimidation is immediately expelled at the very beginning of this book. The title hints at this important message and the opening chapters confirm it to be true: consciousness truly is for everyone, as it exists pervasively, and the methods and tools required to experience it in its purest form lie within the pages of this book for anyone willing to pursue them at their own pace. The holistic approach taken by the author means that there is a little bit for everyone in this book, satisfying the interests of the philosophically, scientifically, and spiritually inclined alike.
Besides the messages conveyed by the author’s words, the formatting further highlights the sentiment of inclusivity. From the illustrations to the pull quotes, one’s attention is captured and refocused in the short break-like moments it takes to look over these elements. This isn’t to say that the writing itself is monotonous, not at all, but breaking up continuous paragraphs of writing helps readers process the information better when provided with short gaps to briefly rest and internalize the information presented to them, especially when the subject matter can be taxing on the mind as a few of the explanations proved themselves to be for me. The personal anecdotes attached to some of the lessons transformed their conceptual nature into something tangible; sometimes subjectivity inspires action from those who might remain otherwise unconvinced by theoretical concepts.
Age Rating
15 years and above
Content Warning
Spirituality
About The Author Of Consciousness Is All There Is: How Understanding and Experiencing Consciousness Will Transform Your Life
Tony Nader, M.D, Ph.D., is a medical doctor trained at Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (PhD in neuroscience) and globally recognized expert in the science of consciousness and human development. His training includes internal medicine, psychiatry, and neurology. He’s the successor to Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and the head of the Transcendental Meditation organizations globally. He was assistant director of clinical research at MIT, and a clinical and research fellow at Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School. He conducted research in neurochemistry and neuroendocrinology; the relationship between diet, age, behavior, mood, seasonal influences, and hormonal activity; and the role of neurotransmitter precursors in medicine. Dr. Nader has discussed his expertise at academic and governmental institutions such as Stanford University, where he taught a course entitled “Hacking Consciousness”, at Harvard Business School on The Neuroscience of Transcendence, and asthe keynote speaker for a conference at the House of Commons, British Parliament where the unique expertise in the knowledge of East and West has been recognized by the National Health Service. His research has been
published in Neurology, Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, Journal of Gerontology, Progress in Brain Research, the International Journal of Mathematics and Consciousness, and other journals. In his recent book, One Unbounded Ocean of Consciousness Dr. Nader comprehensively examines the nature of relative and ultimate reality and what scientists call the “hard” problem of what is consciousness? He unpacks these abstract topics for both a general audience and experts addressing life’s big questions and offering practical solutions from the field of consciousness to the challenges facing the world. He investigates consciousness in terms of human physiology, quantum mechanics in physics, and the more ancient Vedic science, uncovering the unity underlying ontology, epistemology, and ethics. With his work, his highly acclaimed podcast, “Consciousness Is All There Is”, his books, and discussions with a broad array of top leaders and thinkers in nearly every field, Dr.Nader is bringing the science of consciousness to new audiences and expanding the understanding of the relationship between mind and body, consciousness and physiology, and the possibility to development full human potential.
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