Summer Reading

I love books. When I was a child I used to pick up ants, spiders and other insects to study their anatomy. In my grandmothers basement was an old incomplete encyclopedia set. Whatever creature I caught would be researched in the encyclopedia's, then named and categorized. My insatiable curiosity was temporarily sedated after acquiring the desired knowledge from books. Those early days taught me that answers to all the mysteries of the world can be found between the pages of a book. (You only need to find the right book.) Below are a few summer reading books that helped expand my perception of reality. Perhaps they can do the same for you. They're in no particular order. 

The book that had the most impact on my self-esteem and ability to stay goal oriented is Psycho-Cybernetics by Maxwell Maltz. This book changed my life. Psycho-Cybernetics, teaches how the brain processes information on the conscious and sub-conscious levels. It does this by breaking down the "self image," in laymen terms so u the reader understand how the brain creates a goal. Then, the book provides the necessary steps required to achieve that goal. You learn various mental practices, visualization techniques, breathing, and relaxation methods that produce quantifiable results. What makes this books so great is that its easy to read and based on solid proven science. 

The 48 Laws Of Power by Roberte Greene taught me how power brokers do business. It's an instruction manual on how to gain and use power. There are ruthless, cutthroat techniques that breakdown every aspect of how power is cultivated and maintained. Even if you're not a power hungry individual thirsty for global domination this book can still be useful. It teaches u about the cunning techniques employed to manipulate the average mind so that u can protect yourself from them.  It's like an instruction manual on how a magician does his trick. 

A book that taught me insight into male and female dynamics is The Game by Neil Strauss. When I heard there was a secret underground society of pick-up artists (PUA) I had to check it out. The book turned out to be more than a made up tale crafted in some forty year old virgins basement. The Game is more than about pick-up. Although it does contain a vast collection of techniques and material used in the art of seduction. The writing style is like gonzo journalism where the author is also a character in the story. Its a book about guys who decided to take control of their love lives and make it change for the better. The steps they took and methods used is what makes this book a great read for anyone who wants to improve their game. 

A People's History Of The United States by Howard Zinn is not what you learn in history class. I read this book before I migrated to Europe. It contains the factual accounts of  American history from its creation in 1492 to present. It's a hard book to read. Not because of the size. All the mortifying things u learn will change your perception about how America was founded and developed. It would be an understatement to say that the book exposes the complete white washing of history excluding contributions from various minority cultures. It also details the merciless eradication of the indigenous populations. If you're a fan of traditional holidays this isn't literature for you. After reading this book I guarantee u will never want to celebrate Thanksgiving again. 

This last book truly made me ponder the nature of consciousness and what makes people so unique. No two minds are identical even if the bodies are. Although twins bodies may be the same, how they think and who they are is individual. The Art Of Dreaming by Carlos Casteneda, is a story that's reads like a work of fiction. The author is an anthropologist who gets tricked into becoming an apprentice for a Yaqui Indian sorcerer named Don Juan Matus. It explores different shamanistic techniques to reach higher levels of consciousness, astral projection and alternate realities. Whether u believe the authors first person account or not, its an incredible story to read. 

That's my summer reading list for those who like to spend time building brain muscles. Have u read any of the books in this list? If so drop your impression in the comments below. If u like the list, share the knowledge, and tell a friend to tell a friend. 

Until Next We Speak, Be Well 

Tha One an Only