When a man enters a dark room he is not sure of his movements, he cannot see objects around him, or properly locate them, and is liable to hurt himself by coming into sudden contact with them. But let a light be introduced, and immediately all confusion disappears. Every object is seen, and there is no danger of being hurt. To the majority, life is such a dark room, and their frequent hurts—their disappointments, perplexities, sorrows and pains—are caused by sudden contact with principles which they do not see, and are therefore not prepared to deal with. But when the light of wisdom is introduced into the darkened understanding, confusion vanishes, difficulties are dissolved, all things are seen in their true place and proportion, and henceforth the man walks open-eyed and unhurt, in the clear light of wise comprehension. - Summary by James Allen
24 episodes
James Allen teaches us how to purify our hearts through the fundamental lessons of virtue: physical discipline, mental discipline, doing your best, self-honesty, and forgiveness. If assiduously practiced, these principles will lead to a blessed life of truth. - Summary by Andrea Fiore
7 episodes
Although Barnum considered himself primarily a showman and his main goal was to put money in his own pocket, this little book, subtitled Golden Rules for Making Money does have a good deal of common sense about how to make money, and perhaps more importantly, how to keep it once you've made it. Of course, having been written nearly a century and a half ago, some of the advice may be a little dated, but it remains a very readable self-help book. (Summary by Ruth Golding)
3 episodes
Orison Swett Marden was well-known at the turn of the 20th century for his inspirational and spiritual books of self-help. This one deals with the importance of a man developing his own will-power. Swett Marden here offers advice on how to achieve success and how to overcome disappointments through self-belief, persistence and determination, all within a spiritual and moral framework. (Summary by Ruth Golding)
7 episodes
This is a queer book. It is a marriage of the Ancient Occult Teachings to the latest and most advanced conceptions of Modern Science--an odd union, for the parties thereto are of entirely different temperaments. The marriage might be expected to result disastrously, were it not for the fact that a connecting link has been found that gives them a bond of common interest. No two people may truly love each other, unless they also love something in common--the more they love in common, the greater will be their love for each other. And, let us trust that this will prove true in this marriage of Occultism and Science, celebrated in this book. - William Walker Atkinson
17 episodes
Mahatma Gandhi, known today as a fascinating political leader and pacifist, also considered himself "something of an authority on matters of Health and Disease as well. Very few of us perhaps are aware that he is the author of quite an original little Health-book in Gujarati. [...] His views are of course radically different from the ordinary views that find expression in the pages of such books; in many cases, indeed, his doctrines must be pronounced revolutionary, and will doubtless be regarded by a certain class of readers as wholly impracticable. Even the most revolutionary of his doctrines, however, are based, not on the shifting quicksands of mere theory, but on the solid foundation of deep study, backed up by personal experience of nearly thirty years. He himself recognizes that many of his views will hardly be accepted by the ordinary reader, but he has felt himself impelled by a stern sense of duty to give publicity to his convictions formed after so much of study and experience" (Preface).
Though his advice may appear socially outdated or medically obvious/dubious to his modern day audience based on what we know now, Gandhi's treatise still provides a fascinating look on maintaining good health as it was understood in the early twentieth century. - Summary by Mary Kay and A. Rama Iyer
24 episodes
This book is addressed to the sorrowful, ... to whom their own or others' pain is a daily burden, upon whose hearts it weighs with an intolerable anguish. I seek to speak to these ; not as a teacher, but as a fellow. Sharing their feeling, and knowing well how vain is the attempt to throw off misery, or to persuade ourselves that life is better than it is, I would fain share with them also some thoughts that have seemed to me capable of casting a bright gleam of light athwart the darkness, and, if they are true, of bringing an immense, an incredible joy out of the very bosom of distress. - Summary by James Hinton
9 episodes
Are you tired of ignoring your conscience? Do you want to to follow the inward guide to wherever it may lead? Are you ready to realise your full potential even though those around you may have no idea how to relate? Then The Life Triumphant is for you. This book is uncompromising! It shows you the way to the realisation of that inward power that you have so long wanted to experience but have lacked the courage to pursue 100%. We were meant to be masters, not slaves. This book will show you "How to Master the Heart and Mind" and take up your place as the triumphant Director of your Life. - Summary by Andani Thakhathi
11 episodes
‘The Path to Prosperity’ (sometimes rendered as The Path of Prosperity) is part one of James Allen’s first published work titled ‘From Poverty to Power’ alternatively titled ‘The Realization of Prosperity and Peace’ (1901).Part one is an empowering volume which is likely to enlighten the reader as to how much power they have over outward circumstances by virtue of their own thoughts. Allen regularly communicates this by providing examples on how the laws which govern the inner-world (of thought) operate in a manner similar to the laws of nature. Free from speculative philosophies, ideals, and dogma; it provides highly practical guidance on how to bring about lasting changes in any area of one’s life.Part two (titled ‘The Way of Peace’) dives deeper into the concept of self-perfection and was later published as a separate book.Excerpt from forward:
“And I dreamed of writing a book which should help men and women, whether rich or poor, learned or unlearned, worldly or unworldly, to find within themselves the source of all success, all happiness, all accomplishment, all truth.”Written to appeal to the wider audience (in simple, modern English), its timeless wisdom is as relevant and attainable in today’s age as ever.
This is a recording of part one - The Path to Prosperity. - Summary by Sonnie Abdalla
7 episodes
Our own minds cause us great pain through worry, fear and anxiety. We all know this, but how to stop the whirling, spinning wheel inside our heads? How to calm our racing thoughts and reach a truly untroubled mind? This medical doctor shares his wisdom about this gathered in years of practice and research. It is well worth listening to."When a man tells me he never worries, I am inclined to think that he is either deceiving himself or trying to deceive me. The great roots of worry are conscience, fear, and regret. Undoubtedly we ought to be conscientious and we ought to fear and regret evil. But if it is to be better than an impediment and a harm, our worry must be largely unconscious, and intuitive. The moment we become conscious of worry we are undone.... The remedy for the mental unrest, which is in itself an illness, lies not in an enlightened knowledge of the harmfulness and ineffectiveness of worry, not even in the acquirement of an unconscious conscience, but in the living of a life so full and good that worry cannot find place in it." - Summary by the author
11 episodes
Life is full of ups and downs, joys and trials. In this work, we are advised on how to deal with what fate deals us, the good and bad, the common and uncommon. Home, childhood, success and failure, perseverance, dignity, frugality, envy, charity... all these and more are explored in this 'guide to life'. - Summary by Lynne Thompson
103 episodes
Wrong thinking produces inharmony in our body, which in turn produces sickness. Our bodies sometimes are instantly re-harmonized while in the Silence. In the Silence our minds become passive, open, free and loving, at which time the Infinite Master of harmony touches the mental chords of our being and we are well. - Summary by David Van Bush
12 episodes
Samuel Smiles is known even today as an author that promoted the improvement of society through the improvement of individuals and their character. This book describes some of the traits that make up truly great men and women, peppering it with anecdotes and examples from people of the past and of his own contemporaries. Although this was written in the 1800s, the underlying principles still apply today. One cannot listen or read for more than a few minutes without being challenged and encouraged to be a better person. (Summary by TriciaG)
46 episodes
