Waking Up

A Guide to Spirituality Without Religion

By: Sam Harris

Narrated by: Sam Harris

Length: 5 hrs and 53 mins

Publisher's summary

For the millions of Americans who want spirituality without religion, Sam Harris’ new book is a guide to meditation as a rational spiritual practice informed by neuroscience and psychology.

From multiple New York Times best-selling author, neuroscientist, and "new atheist" Sam Harris, Waking Up is for the 30 percent of Americans who follow no religion, but who suspect that Jesus, Buddha, Lao Tzu, Rumi, and the other saints and sages of history could not have all been epileptics, schizophrenics, or frauds. Throughout the book, Harris argues that there are important truths to be found in the experiences of such contemplatives - and, therefore, that there is more to understanding reality than science and secular culture generally allow.

Waking Up is part seeker’s memoir and part exploration of the scientific underpinnings of spirituality. No other book marries contemplative wisdom and modern science in this way, and no author other than Sam Harris - a scientist, philosopher, and famous skeptic - could write it.

©2014 Sam Harris. All rights reserved. (P)2014 Simon & Schuster, Inc. All rights reserved.

Harris strikes again!

Would you consider the audio edition of Waking Up to be better than the print version?

For those pressed for time, or looking for a guided listening experience, this is an excellent option.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Waking Up?

Comparisons of religious dogma, and how each is highly similar.

Which scene was your favorite?

Chapter three.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Indeed, although not possible most of the time, in the event I am on a five hour road trip or flight, this will be on play.

Any additional comments?

Sam Harris is an exception author and speaker, who unlike some of his counterparts does not attack the individual believer. Harris makes the point to enlighten the reader or listener to facts that are largely unknown to those who follow religion without question.

Profound

Eloquently written. I found myself awestruck on several occasions. Sam Harris never fails to deliver mind expanding content that is easily accessible.

A non religious mystic?

It is very rare to encounter someone who is a contemplative and a mystic that doesn't espouse a theology.
I found it refreshing.

Top Shelf Book!

I especially enjoy audio books that are narrated by the author if I'm already familiar with their voice. Waking Up is read by Mr. Harris whom I've heard speaking in public conversations, debates & his podcast many times. Although I've not met him, morally & ethically speaking, I believe he’s among the best of our fellow citizens. He writes & speaks about his view while always being respectful to others & in public talks he often apologizes in advance to any/all listeners who may be overtly sentitive to the subject matter in order to (hopefully) prevent any unnecessary drama & emotional outbursts his words may cause.
I was brought up "Catholic" but only practice those rituals as necessary to remain respectful to my family but agree with the author's view that religon inevitably poisons our communities. The daughter of an Ivy League Econ professor, I grew up to see all people equally but I've made a habit of not talking politics and/or religion with anyone because I've met too many fanatics in my time.
One thing I can speak to with genuine enthusiasm is the benefit of meditation. I've been a practitioner for some years, coming to it as part of recovery from spinal cord injury & before mindfulness & meditation became household words. Today I feel it's treated too much like pop culture but I've found it to be a serious endeavour & believe everyone can benefit from at least a little introspection.
  That said, I thank Mr. Harris for not being at all shy about speaking the truth when he talks about the state of affairs in the U. S. today. We all learn in grade school that the founding fathers intention was "separation of church & state" but I think we've bearly gotten close to that dream & being no more than any "average" American I've found I agree with the author one hundred percent.

Great book. Got me meditating again

I enjoyed this book a lot. The author takes a scientific approach to trying to understand consciousness.

Amazing book.

Must read. I enjoyed this book, it belongs to my favorites reads. I learned and shared soo much from this book.

First Harris book

Don’t really know enough about the material to provide any useful commentary. Saw Harris on YouTube with Peterson, that was the catalyst for me purchasing this audible book. Plan on purchasing “Free Will” next.

Eye opening

For those of us who're unable to believe the religious teachings we were brought up on. I have been considering mindfulness and meditation as a tool to better understand myself and help remove anxiety which clearly stems from experience long ago. My rational mind recognizes the damage it causes, but it doesn't have the ability to make it go away. After listening to this book I am confident that I can become my best self through hard work and perseverance. Thanks Mr Harris.

A brilliant, salvific work.

One of the most honest, practical and true guides to the spiritual life that I have ever encountered.

Fantastic Book

Sam always delivers, and I hope he continues to. I've recommended it to quite a few friends already. I'll probably be reading it again soon.