Im going on a 2-week holiday to introspect. Which book or books would you recommend as a supplement to this?

Answer 1

i wouldnt read any book, i wouldnt like to have ANY kind of influence to my thinking. i would try to find creative ways to spend my time and look deeper in what my real needs are :) it would also help me to talk to someone else too about what is bothering me, i find 2 whole weeks of withdrawal too long :)

Answer 2

While books can be great things, I believe that if you truly want to do some serious introspection during your holiday you shouldn't be doing any reading. The books will serve as a distraction from your goal.

Instead, get off by yourself and relax without any diversions such as radio, TV, the computer, etc. Try focusing on any questions or dilemmas you are facing, and then let your mind wander. Don't push it, but let your thoughts come naturally.

You might also try writing, such as in a journal, so you can get your thoughts organized. Be free with your writing, nobody else has to see it.

Otherwise, at the end of your holiday you might have a book or two read or seen some good movies (all of which you can do anytime), and you'll be no further along in your thinking than you are now.

Answer 3

I agree and disagree with the answers so far: Doing no reading whatsoever will dull your mind. On the other hand, you don't want to pick too much material or material that might be out of your intellectual reach; then your goal will seem tedious, overly-difficult, or boring, and eventually you'll just end up raiding the booze cabinet in your hotel room and decrying the burdensome nature of thinking-itself... This is not the way.

I have a special book for you. It's the second-most widely published/read book in the world, second only to the Bible, that is, so obviously it's pretty accessible. And, although it's 5,000 years old(!), modern-day philosophers, businessmen, spiritual advisers, even particle physicists are still in the midst of discovering and rediscovering it's mysteries. If you're looking for something that's simple yet utterly thought-provoking, something that will truly connect for you the universe-at-large to your concept(s) of self-hood, try the Tao Te Ching, by Lao-tzu. If you love the creative power of paradox like I do, you'll definitely dig this book!

Answer 4

I recommend Alain de Botton's "The Consolations of Philosophy" published by Penguin Books, it's readable and understandable with a lot of good points (and pictures) related to each chapter, there're 6. I'd like to cite only three for you:

1. Consolation for Unpopularity
2. Consolation for Not Having Enough Money
3. Consolation for Frustration

You may visit his website address at: www.alaindebotton.com

Enjoy.

Answer 5

Consciously review the pages of ones life in as much details as memory affords, repeating the exercise as many times as patience permits, taking care not to judge any of the past actions, either way. This is a time tested method evolved into a deep, sort of meditative practice !

Answer 6

The final new child by way of John Hart...( miraculous )..a gripping tale of Johnny Merrimon, a 13 year previous boy who lost his sister to an abduction. Alyssa Merrimon disappeared on her way homestead from the library in a rural North Carolina city..Johnny has on no account given up wish...this e book will keep you turning the pages until the final word has been study!

Answer 7

During introspection, one must not carry books. It is that time where one contemplates upon what one has read, one has been doing and what one has to do. It is a good time too, to know whether one is one with nature.

Answer 8

Holy Bible's a good one.
Another thought is "The Cost of Discipleship" by Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
To many, it's a hard read, but if you're into philosophy & theology, then you should be fine.
It's real deep, too.