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The Book of Not Knowing cover art

The Book of Not Knowing

By: Peter Ralston, Laura Ralston - editor
Narrated by: Keith O'Brien
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Summary

For fans of Eckhart Tolle - a guide to mastering self-awareness through direct experience, not old presumptions or harmful thought patterns.

Through decades of martial arts and meditation practice, Peter Ralston discovered a curious and paradoxical fact: that true awareness arises from a state of not knowing. Even the most sincere investigation of self and spirit, he says, is often sabotaged by our tendency to grab too quickly for answers and ideas as we retreat to the safety of the known. This "Hitchhiker's Guide to Awareness" provides helpful guideposts along an experiential journey for those Western minds predisposed to wandering off to old habits, cherished presumptions, and a stubbornly solid sense of self. With ease and clarity, Ralston teaches listeners how to become aware of the background patterns that they are usually too busy, stressed, or distracted to notice. The Book of Not Knowing points out the ways people get stuck in their lives and offers listeners a way to make fresh choices about every aspect of their lives - from a place of awareness instead of autopilot. 

©2010 Peter Ralston (P)2017 North Atlantic Books

Critic reviews

"True innovators are, by definition, ahead of their time. Therefore, they remain largely unrecognized, except by a few. How many of us wish we had met Bruce Lee, sat in a session with Carl Jung, or walked around Walden Pond with Thoreau? Too late for that, but not too late to take notice of Peter Ralston. His creativity, commitment, and clarity shine through as he articulates higher principles based on direct experience and piercing insight. A caring teacher, he has been to the mountaintop and bathed in the spring of Being. His insights speak to us all." (Dan Millman, author of Way of the Peaceful Warrior)

What listeners say about The Book of Not Knowing

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Very meaningful, yet a bit redundant

I love the concept behind the book, the purpose and it has definitely answered some very meaningful questions.
But I got the feeling that sometimes it was redundant. In the sense that the narrator kept saying the same thing for 5-10 minutes but in different ways but this is my opinion only. Maybe it was on purpose. Maybe the author felt that some information should be repeated several times so that the reader(or the listener, in this case) "absorbs" the it entirely.

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AI-written summary

"The Book of Not Knowing" is a book by Peter Ralston that explores the concept of not knowing and the role it plays in personal growth and self-discovery. In the book, Ralston argues that we often try to avoid not knowing, as it can be uncomfortable and unsettling, but that this avoidance limits our ability to learn and grow. He suggests that embracing not knowing and cultivating a "beginner's mind" can lead to greater understanding and insight.

The book is divided into three main sections. In the first section, Ralston discusses the importance of not knowing in the process of learning and self-discovery. He argues that we can learn more when we are open to new ideas and experiences, and that not knowing allows us to approach life with curiosity and a sense of wonder.

In the second section, Ralston explores the ways in which we avoid not knowing, including through the use of preconceived notions and beliefs, and the role that these avoidance strategies play in limiting our growth and understanding. He also discusses the importance of letting go of these avoidance strategies and cultivating a sense of openness and flexibility in our thinking.

In the final section, Ralston offers practical techniques and exercises for cultivating a beginner's mind and embracing not knowing, including mindfulness practices and the cultivation of self-awareness.

Overall, "The Book of Not Knowing" is a thought-provoking and insightful book that encourages readers to embrace not knowing as a path towards greater understanding and personal growth.

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Should be in the School Curriculum

Ralston sets the stage for his trilogy of deeply existential books that if used correctly, could lead to deep new insights on life, consciousness and your true nature. The man is on a different level in terms of how he can simplify the most profound ideas. His approach of getting you to experience things for yourself is novel for books of this kind. I have nearly all of his books now and love his YouTube clips too. Highly recommend this

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The most important book of all books

If you really listen, with no distractions, this will impact your life in such a significance as no other book or film or experience, you will be truly free. Now I will attempt 5th time to go through book, as I’m starting to grasp the basics, allowing to purchase this book is true love to humanity

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One of the top books on self-understanding.

I love the content and it's one of that book that has to be listened multiple times.
One thumb down though for reading the number at every new line. I find it tiring and interrupting the narrative.

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repetitive and boring

couldnt get past chapter 3 as he drones on and on about the same stuff

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