Why Buddhism is True

The Science and Philosophy of Meditation and Enlightenment

De: Robert Wright

Narrado por: Fred Sanders

From one of America’s most brilliant writers, a New York Times bestselling journey through psychology, philosophy, and lots of meditation to show how Buddhism holds the key to moral clarity and enduring happiness.

At the heart of Buddhism is a simple claim: The reason we suffer—and the reason we make other people suffer—is that we don’t see the world clearly. At the heart of Buddhist meditative practice is a radical promise: We can learn to see the world, including ourselves, more clearly and so gain a deep and morally valid happiness.

In this “sublime” (The New Yorker), pathbreaking book, Robert Wright shows how taking this promise seriously can change your life—how it can loosen the grip of anxiety, regret, and hatred, and how it can deepen your appreciation of beauty and of other people. He also shows why this transformation works, drawing on the latest in neuroscience and psychology, and armed with an acute understanding of human evolution.

This book is the culmination of a personal journey that began with Wright’s landmark book on evolutionary psychology, The Moral Animal, and deepened as he immersed himself in meditative practice and conversed with some of the world’s most skilled meditators. The result is a story that is “provocative, informative and...deeply rewarding” (The New York Times Book Review), and as entertaining as it is illuminating. Written with the wit, clarity, and grace for which Wright is famous, Why Buddhism Is True lays the foundation for a spiritual life in a secular age and shows how, in a time of technological distraction and social division, we can save ourselves from ourselves, both as individuals and as a species.

Reseñas de la Crítica

“A sublime achievement.”
—Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker

“Provocative, informative and... deeply rewarding.... I found myself not just agreeing [with] but applauding the author.”
—The New York Times Book Review

“This is exactly the book that so many of us are looking for. Writing with his characteristic wit, brilliance, and tenderhearted skepticism, Robert Wright tells us everything we need to know about the science, practice, and power of Buddhism.”
—Susan Cain, bestselling author of Quiet

“I have been waiting all my life for a readable, lucid explanation of Buddhism by a tough-minded, skeptical intellect. Here it is. This is a scientific and spiritual voyage unlike any I have taken before.”
—Martin Seligman, professor of psychology at the University of Pennsylvania and bestselling author of Authentic Happiness

“A fantastically rational introduction to meditation…. It constantly made me smile a little, and occasionally chuckle…. A wry, self-deprecating, and brutally empirical guide to the avoidance of suffering.”
—Andrew Sullivan, New York Magazine

“[A] superb, level-headed new book.”
—Oliver Burkeman, The Guardian

“Robert Wright brings his sharp wit and love of analysis to good purpose, making a compelling case for the nuts and bolts of how meditation actually works. This book will be useful for all of us, from experienced meditators to hardened skeptics who are wondering what all the fuss is about.”
—Sharon Salzberg, cofounder of the Insight Meditation Society and bestselling author of Real Happiness

“What happens when someone steeped in evolutionary psychology takes a cool look at Buddhism? If that person is, like Robert Wright, a gifted writer, the answer is this surprising, enjoyable, challenging, and potentially life-changing book.”
—Peter Singer, professor of philosophy at Princeton University and author of Ethics in the Real World

“Delightfully personal, yet broadly important.”
—NPR

“[Why Buddhism is True] will become the go-to explication of Buddhism for modern western seekers, just as The Moral Animal remains the go-to explication of evolutionary psychology.”
—Scientific American

“Cool, rational, and dryly cynical, Robert Wright is an unlikely guide to the Dharma and ‘not-self.’ But in this extraordinary book, he makes a powerful case for a Buddhist way of life and a Buddhist view of the mind. With great clarity and wit, he brings together personal anecdotes with insights from evolutionary theory and cognitive science to defend an ancient yet radical world-view. This is a truly transformative work.”
—Paul Bloom, professor of psychology at Yale University and author of Against Empathy: The Case for Rational Compassion

Excellent Explanation of Theravada Buddhism & Mind

Where does Why Buddhism Is True rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Top 25% ... but I've read/listened to several Audible books about a variety of topics ...

What was one of the most memorable moments of Why Buddhism Is True?

the explanation of the interconnectedness of feelings and thoughts ... how they are different and how interact to determine human behavior.

Incredibly impactful

This is one of the most impactful books I have ever read. It is truly a "Quake" book for me regarding its seismic impact on my worldview. I highly recommend it.

Thoughtful Examination of Buddhism through a Western Filter

It is fascinating and seems to be right on the mark Wright's explanation of natural selection, the feelings it causes to dominate and Buddhist attempts to overcome it. Wright makes many excellent points such as the one at the end about how a metaphysical understanding of existence leads to an improved moral understanding and conduct.
As a longtime Buddhist practitioner who considers myself a secular Buddhist, the book is very relevant and I will without doubt listen to it again. Wright does try to give a general explanation of Buddhism for the uninitiated which is simplistic but this does not substantially detract from the book.

Narration can bore a Hindu cow.

Sounds like it's narrated by Patrick Bateman aka American Psycho. Good content however and I still recommended the book.

Thorough and educating.

fantastic book! this book was recommended on Sam Harris's website, and shared a wealth of knowledge on the scientific truths in buddhism. I especially loved how he emphasized that seeing the world and ourselves more clearly, we have more control over which feelings to engage with or not. I came to this book looking for a way to control my emotions more, and I certainly found it. the performance of the reader was spectacular. he has a very clear voice and very soothing. I highly recommend this book!