Not quite sure how to communicate it, but..?

Question

I'm looking for books on a subject which I'm unable to fully explain. Are there any books you could recommend that deal with any of the following thought processes?

I often wonder if there's a reality that's more real than the one I've been fed. Is society this thing which I can label and hide away in my closet to pull out later and destroy? Or have I made it (society) also? Have I not built my own prison, and am now begging myself for the key? Futhermore, am I denying myself an exit? What about my childhood memories? Were they really so sweet, or did I add a touch of sugar when I wasn't looking? If I can only observe via my senses, then what is reality? Is it possible to know anything, really? Are our daily activities mere distraction? Does true mass awareness go hand in hand with destruction?

Answer 1

Check out Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig. It is a classic dealing with these exact issues. His late book, Lila, is good as well.

If you want a more scholarly look at these issues try some books on philosophy. Maybe Will Durant's History of Philosophy.

Answer 2

I'm not sure I follow you exactly. You might want to read some existentialist philosophy but I find it more trouble than it is worth to try to follow someone else's line of thought through the morass.

Importantly, I should say that there is no way to "know" anything without some doubt. Not even Descartes' "Cogito ergo sum" (i think, therefore i am) is reliable.

Even simple mathematics such as arithmetic is based on assumptions. Obviously it seems to relate to the "real world" perfectly well, but then again the real world may be a dream. (solipsism)

I would suggest that instead of delving into philosophy you take advantage of the wealth of information we have at our fingers regarding the hard sciences - mathematical physics, mathematics, game theory, cosmology, evolution... that sort of thing. When you are fairly confident that you understand current theory, then decide if you still need to read the uneducated ramblings of the great philosophers. Even when I read from the greats, I notice that they are at a disadvantage because of the lack of scientific understanding they had (in comparison with today's lexicon)

oh and read this for starters maybe:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Postmodernism

Answer 3

Grasshopper... you, like the millions before you, are seeking enlightment! There are many paths you may choose, yet once chosen, easy to lose your way. Only a master guide will be able to assist you in avoiding the many pitfalls you may encounter. These questions you ask, they roll off the tongue easily, yet take a lifetime to fully understand the answer. The sacrafices are great, yet the rewards are greater!
Seek, and you shall find!

Answer 4

interesting question

yes, mostly we build our own prisons

Reality is different for each of us and at different times, its kind of what we already have in there and how it interacts with what gets in through our senses. Thats how i see it anyway. Yes, we color our memories.

"I think , therefore I am" I think DeCartes before the horse

maybe try Huxleys "Doors of Perception" it is a drug book though

Answer 5

The later novels of Philip K. Dick deal with much the same questions.

Answer 6

omg i feel the exact same way, i feel im living in world that is watched or some how choreographed for my own sense of reality,

Answer 7

Try "Anthem" by Ayn Rand. It fits along those same thought processes.

Answer 8

i did a search on amazon.com for "what is reality"... i think you could be interested in some of those books...

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw/102-2235040-6077706?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=what+is+reality

Answer 9

you should look up some philosphy books. thats all they deal with.

Answer 10

You should read the BIBLE, there is answers to all those questions.
Smiley, Bronx