Book Review & Free Download: The Science of Being Great by Wallace Wattles

Just finished one of my first ever audio books (technically my third) and I am very content. The Science of Being Great was first published in 1911, but its main ideas transcend time.

The book presents very little science or research and that which it presents is outdated. However, the ideas are potent. Basically, it discusses the power of positive thinking and can be compared to the 'Law of Attraction.' 

I can't say I believe that thought objectively alters physical reality. But for practical purposes it does. Subjectively, our reality is based on our beliefs and perceptions. If this were not so, confirmation bias would not exist in science. Yet, it does because we effectively mold our own worlds. There is simply too much information for the brain to process to build an objective reality. Selective perception empowers humans to be more happy and productive than if they were to view the world in a purely objective way.

A sexy female accent narrates the book and makes sweet love to your ear buds. On a side note, I now prefer audio books as the choice method of "reading." For me, stopping everything and just focusing on sound brings me into the moment. Listen to audio books as if you're reading a book. Mute all other distractions and you will become more present and focused. Avoid multi tasking (though audio books and driving may be a good combo). 

Here's free and legal torrent download of the book, which is in the librivox public domain. In total, it is about 2 hours and 12 minutes long.

There Is A Voice Inside Your Head

This is one of my favorite books. It's short and sweet, which is how I like it (though not in the bedroom). You could read it in a day or two. Now that's my kind of bedroom session.

Ruiz states that after we are born and begin our socialization, we develop a "Voice of Knowledge" which is basically a collection of all of the negative lies we hear: you're not smart enough, you need to be a doctor to be successful, you have to change who you are.

The key to restoring our natural, child-like joy and peace, that which we are born with but becomes lost, is to realize that we have been sold the lie of our imperfection and to stop believing it.

I've contemplated these ideas and have used it to create a personal introspection tool for myself. I periodically ask whether I am speaking and acting from the Voice of Knowledge or the voice which I have named the Voice of Truth.

The Voice of Knowledge is composed of self-doubt, competition, judgment, social conditioning, heaviness, and negativity. It accounts for about 90% of inner dialogue and beliefs. It is completely false. This is the polluted sea.

The Voice of Truth is composed of self-trust, clarity, cooperation, acceptance, honesty, instinct, fluidity. It is the antithesis of the first and is completely true. This is the voice that treads softly along the top of the mind and requires immediate action rather than obsessive thought to access. It accounts for 10% of inner dialogue and beliefs. It is simultaneously the easiest and yet the most difficult voice to access. This is the free-flowing stream that originates from the cold, pure mountain glacier.

Which voice rules your own mind?