101 Essays That Will Change the Way You Think

By: Brianna Wiest

Narrated by: Abby Craden

Length: 10 hrs and 45 mins

Publisher's Summary

Over the past few years, Brianna Wiest has gained renown for her deeply moving, philosophical writing. This new compilation of her published work features pieces on why you should pursue purpose over passion, embrace negative thinking, see the wisdom in daily routine, and become aware of the cognitive biases that are creating the way you see your life.

Some of these pieces have never been seen; others have been read by millions of people around the world. Regardless, each will leave you thinking: This idea changed my life.

©2016 Brianna Wiest (P)2018 Tantor

could be better

good material but way too brief and very repetitive. she could have elaborated more on important points instead of repeating the same thing multiple times.

Not for audio listening

Good book, but not a good listen type book. This book needs to be absorbed only in print.

She plants seeds that blossom into fruitful thoughts

I enjoyed Brianna’s fresh take on many areas in life; excellent for late night work sessions or road trips. Deep thinking and common sense beautifully crafted into a book.

Finding ways on being a better version of yourself

Why am I giving it 5 out of 5 even when I agree with some ideas repeat during the book?
Two main reasons. One, if an important concept or idea repeats, it can only help to fully grasp its importance and meaning or to revisit the concept from a different perspective. Two, the book is long and I personally could do without some parts, but it is a compilation. I might not be interested in some chapters, just as other people might not be interested in the ones I liked most. The importance relies on that the sum of it all makes it whole; and it's a compilation!

As previously mentioned, 101 ESSAYS that will CHANGE the way YOU THINK by Brianna Wiest is a compilation of her previously published philosophical essays. It's about: the importance of slowing down and being in the moment; fear and stepping into the unknown; happiness, passion, and purpose; identity; having choices; suffering and letting go; courage and hope. What I got from listening to this book? Invaluable insights to apply to my every day, helping me be more aware, purposeful, and happy. What else could I ask for?

From the book, ideas I want to keep:
* Live in the moment. Where are we rushing to? Death?
* Routines are fundamental!
* Problems are pathways. Taking action shapes who we are.
* Being uncomfortable is good! Sit down with it and explore.
* "Life doesn't get easier, you get smarter."
* Find balance in the three kinds of happiness: pleasure, grace, and excellence.
* In order to build resilience, one must listen to the positive and the negative.
* It's neither about passion nor motivation but purpose.
* "Kindness is the factory of love."
* You can have everything, just not simultaneously.
* Success is not a result, but fully being aware and growing from the process of getting there.
* You don't need to understand everything or have every answer because even if you try, you will never do.

My favorite quotes are:
* "Accomplishing goals is not success, how much you expand in the process is."
* "Suffering is just the refusal to accept what is."
* "Pleasures will never make you whole."
* "The world is not as it is but as we are."
* "You think that being uncomfortable and fearful means you shouldn't do something. Being uncomfortable and fearful means you definitely should."
* "You have everything just not at the same time." (quoting Oprah)
* "The only way you grow is by stepping into the unknown."
* "The good teaches you well, but the bad teaches you better."
* "You can choose what you want to suffer for."
* "Success is falling in love with the process, not the outcome."
* "The problem is not pain but the inability to find its purpose."
* "Suffering begins to thrive when we don't listen to it."
* "You don't need to have every answer nor will you ever have every answer."

I recommend this book to anyone who wants to take the time to look deeper within themselves, to those open to ideas, and who will take the time it takes to not only learn but understand a concept before moving on.

Note: I listened to the audiobook. The number of the chapter being read does not correspond to the chapter displayed on the Audible app. For example, if you are listening to chapter 12, the audio says it's chapter 11.

A different perspective

Absolutely love this book. I have the audiobook, kindle, and hard copy. This has changed me and given me a different perspective. This book has helped me evaluate and really think and get to root cause of why I think the way I do. This book is worth every word. I was legit sad when it ended, I love her wisdom and the insight she provides.

This book definitely delivers

This book really made me stop and think, a great book truly you will not be disappointed.

Changed thinking

The book really is full if truths that everyone doesn’t realize. It has spoken the things my heart feels and has elaborated what my mind couldn’t. I would always love this book and would recommend it to the people I love.

Highly recommend

I loved it start to finish. It has chapters for everybody and you can drop and pick up whenever you want. Great book.

A bunch of lists???

This book started out really good and I did enjoy large chunks of it. It definitely has great insights and it gets you thinking and analyzing yourself and your life. What I didn’t like about it was that so many chapters were just lists. Not even with any commentary or analysis, just lists of things to think about. That part got old because it doesn’t follow a thought and get deep. After a while it just feels like endless lists of reasons/questions/thought-provoking statements.

principles should be taught in schools

very good book. it should be used as an aid in schools, to help with young adult development. I have already shared book with others that are trying to figure themselve and the world out.

Comforting and challenging

Absolutely loved this. Whilst repetitive at times, this is a collection of essays and thoughts so this is forgiven. I know I shall regularly revisit these wise words. One of the best things I’ve listened to in a long time .

Garbage

Narration like she’s too bored to talk to life forms she considers below her (vastly inflated) intelligence. Utter nonsense so much so that instead of just moving on I actually bothered getting a refund of about £3 as a protest.

Thinking of the best

This is a very useful guide for journaling your own thoughts by reflecting on what author shares about life. I truly enjoyed it. It's simple straightforward and from the heart.

Amazing

Really enjoyed reading this book really did make me change the way I think
Amazing book

I liked the author after going through this audio

Excellent narration looking forward to read similar book via same author thappy to come across this auothor

I was already changed

around 80 of what was in here I have tried to follow and believe for the last 40 years of my life. it wa recommended to me because of my thoughts and believes.

good to know I am on the right path.

well narrated, although some parts are a little repetitive.

the voice was fitting for the subject matter.