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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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No Self, No Problem summary
Chris Niebauer
How Neuropsychology is Catching Up to Buddhism
27 mins
Brief summary
'No Self, No Problem' by Chris Niebauer is a thought-provoking book that challenges our conventional views about the nature of self and consciousness. It explores the implications of scientific discoveries on our perception of reality and the sense of self.
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No Self, No Problem
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Key idea 1 of 8
Contemporary neuroscience and Buddhist teachings agree: the self is an illusion.
When you use the word “I,” to what, exactly, are you referring?
If you’re like most Westerners, this question probably seems bizarre in the extreme; when you say “I,” you mean you – the thinking consciousness that controls your body and seems to be located in your head, just behind your eyes. This conscious “pilot” is the implied referent of the word “I.” It’s the thing we’re talking about when we talk about our “self.”
If you live in the West, you probably take this self for granted, vaguely imagining it to be physically situated somewhere in your brain, like a pilot in a plane. But here’s the thing: when you look for the self in the brain, it’s simply not there.
Neuroscience has succeeded in mapping almost every function of the mind onto the brain. It’s located the physical centers for language, for compassion, for face processing, and for many other mental processes, and yet it hasn’t found a center for the self.
A Buddhist wouldn’t be surprised to hear this. For millennia, Buddhism and Taoism alike have taught that there isn’t a cohesive, continuous self. In fact, both teach that selfhood is an illusion.
That’s not to say that this illusion isn’t very convincing. You’re surely experiencing it right now, thinking thoughts such as “interesting” or “I’m not fully convinced yet,” and feeling confident that these thoughts are being generated by you, by that piloting “I” inside your head.
So what’s the big deal? What’s the practical harm in believing in your extremely convincing, but probably illusory, self?
Well, the short answer is that believing in the self causes us mental suffering. Before we get into that, however, and before we take a close look at exactly how this illusion of selfhood is created, let’s take a moment to review how the brain works.
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What is No Self, No Problem about?
No Self, No Problem (2019) offers an array of neuroscientific evidence that supports an age-old Buddhist thesis: that there’s no such thing as a stable, continuous self. Recent research indicates that the self is an illusion, a nonexistent pattern created by the language center of the human brain.
No Self, No Problem Review
No Self, No Problem (2020) explores the concept of no-self and its impact on our perception of reality. This book is definitely worth reading because:
- It offers a fascinating exploration of the self and its relationship to our thoughts, emotions, and beliefs.
- With its scientific research and philosophical insights, the book provides a thought-provoking perspective on the nature of consciousness.
- Combining personal anecdotes with in-depth analysis, it presents complex concepts in a clear and accessible way, keeping readers engaged throughout.
Best quote from No Self, No Problem
To think is to think categorically, and there is no way around this.
—Chris Niebauer
Who should read No Self, No Problem?
- Scientifically minded spiritual seekers
- Skeptics of meditation, yoga and tai chi
- People who’ve been called “left-brained”
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No Self, No Problem FAQs
What is the main message of No Self, No Problem?
The main message of No Self, No Problem is an exploration of how the concept of self is an illusion and how understanding this can lead to greater peace and freedom.
How long does it take to read No Self, No Problem?
The estimated reading time for No Self, No Problem is several hours. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is No Self, No Problem a good book? Is it worth reading?
No Self, No Problem is definitely worth reading. It provides valuable insights about the nature of self and offers a fresh perspective on how we perceive our reality.
Who is the author of No Self, No Problem?
Chris Niebauer is the author of No Self, No Problem.
What to read after No Self, No Problem?
If you're wondering what to read next after No Self, No Problem, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Thoughts Without a Thinker by Mark Epstein
- Neurodharma by Rick Hanson
- Buddha’s Brain by Rick Hanson
- Buddhism – Plain and Simple by Steve Hagen
- Radical Acceptance by Tara Brach
- Don't Believe Everything You Think by Joseph Nguyen
- The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching by Thich Nhat Hanh
- Hardcore Self Help by Robert Duff
- Search Inside Yourself by Chade-Meng Tan
- Super Brain by Deepak Chopra and Rudolph E. Tanzi