Reysu - 5 philosophy books you probably never heard of
The video highlights five Japanese books that provide valuable life lessons. The first book, 'The Courage to Be Disliked,' introduces Adlerian psychology, emphasizing that trauma is a narrative choice and that all problems are interpersonal. It encourages focusing on current situations rather than past traumas. The second book, 'Goodbye, Things,' by a Japanese minimalist, suggests that valuing experiences over possessions leads to happiness. It advocates for minimalism to save time and improve focus. The third book, 'The Power of Journaling,' underscores the benefits of journaling for self-reflection and clarity, offering practical journaling techniques. The fourth book, 'The Practice of Not Reacting,' written by a Buddhist monk, provides a method to manage stress by changing reactions to uncontrollable situations. Lastly, 'What I Talk About When I Talk About Running' by Haruki Murakami uses running as a metaphor for discipline and commitment in life, highlighting the importance of routine and mastery.
Key Points:
- Adlerian psychology suggests trauma is a narrative choice; focus on current situations.
- Minimalism saves time and improves focus; value experiences over possessions.
- Journaling enhances self-reflection and clarity; use structured techniques.
- Manage stress by changing reactions to uncontrollable situations.
- Routine and discipline are key to mastery; running as a metaphor for life.
Details:
1. 📚 Introduction to Life-Changing Japanese Books
- The speaker introduces five Japanese books that have personally improved their life, emphasizing that ideas are limited by the concepts and words in one's language.
- Reading books in other languages, such as Japanese, can expand one's worldview, offering more practicality, creativity, and depth.
- The speaker is currently in the Japanese countryside and has had time to deeply engage with these books, noting some are bestsellers in Japan yet untranslated into English.
- The video will include key takeaways from each book to demonstrate their potential life-improving ideas.
2. 📖 Discovering 'The Courage to Be Disliked'
- 'The Courage to Be Disliked' has sold over 3 million copies, highlighting its popularity, especially considering Japan's population size.
- The book is not merely a motivational message; it differentiates itself by delving into ideas from philosopher Adler.
- It presents contrarian views on happiness, relationships, and fulfillment, challenging conventional thinking.
- Key themes include the importance of self-acceptance and the rejection of societal pressures for happiness.
- The book employs a first principle thinking approach, breaking down complex ideas into basic truths.
- The format is a dialogue between a philosopher and a student, which helps convey the book's philosophical ideas in an engaging manner.
3. 💡 Unpacking Key Ideas: Trauma as a Choice
- Trauma is presented as a narrative choice rather than an objective reality, challenging traditional Western psychology.
- An example is given of a person who chooses to isolate themselves, which is then justified by creating a narrative of past trauma.
- The concept suggests that individuals are not limited by past trauma but are actively choosing their current situations.
- Alerian psychology advises focusing on improving current situations and controlling present actions rather than dwelling on past trauma.
- This perspective is considered more empowering for mental health by emphasizing control over current circumstances.
4. 🧩 Solving Interpersonal Problems
- All problems are essentially interpersonal or relationship problems, as they arise when comparing oneself to others.
- The book suggests a practical method to address these problems called 'the separation of tasks,' which involves focusing on one's own issues rather than those of others.
- For example, if you want to quit your job but fear others' opinions, separate the issue into your decision to quit and others' perceptions, focusing solely on what you can control.
- This approach is argued to be healthier for maintaining relationships, as it respects others' autonomy while focusing on personal accountability.
- A clear distinction is made between problems that are within one's control and those that are not, emphasizing the importance of personal boundaries.
- Additional examples include choosing personal happiness over societal expectations, demonstrating the method's applicability in various scenarios.
5. 🧭 The Courage to Embrace Dislike
- Being disliked is a sign of exercising freedom and living according to your own principles. Examples include influential leaders or innovators who faced criticism for their unconventional paths.
- Living authentically and focusing on what you can control often leads to being disliked, which is a symptom of doing something correctly. This is akin to focusing on one's mission rather than seeking popularity or approval.
- Focusing on contributions to others and the greater community is described as one of the most fulfilling actions. This includes volunteering, mentoring, or initiating community projects that might not always be initially welcomed.
- There is a sequel, 'The Courage to Be Happy', which expands on these ideas by exploring how happiness and fulfillment are linked to authenticity and the courage to face social disapproval.
6. 📘 'Goodbye, Things': Embracing Minimalism
- The book 'Goodbye, Things' is authored by an extreme Japanese minimalist who shares his personal journey towards minimalism.
- The author describes his previous unhappiness in a consumer-driven society, where he often bought items to pursue happiness and compared himself to others.
- The narrative provides a perspective on the experience of living and working within Japanese culture, particularly concerning consumer habits.
- The content encourages readers to reassess the utility of money, suggesting that true value may not lie in acquiring more possessions.
- The author emphasizes decluttering and living with fewer items as a pathway to more meaningful experiences and personal satisfaction.
- Specific practices mentioned include evaluating the necessity of each item owned and focusing on relationships and experiences over material goods.
7. 🕰️ Saving Time by Valuing Less
- Modern shopping habits often involve extensive searches for the best value, but placing less emphasis on finding the best products can save significant time.
- By reducing distractions from commercials and value comparisons, individuals can focus more on important life aspects rather than consumerism.
- Japanese minimalism highlights the importance of contentment with existing possessions, suggesting that time spent seeking better things could be better used experiencing and enjoying life.
- Adopting these strategies can lead to a more fulfilling life by minimizing the time spent on unnecessary comparisons and maximizing the quality of experiences.
8. 💰 Experiences Over Materialism
- Investing in experiences, especially with others, is seen as more fulfilling than material possessions. This is because experiences often create 'memory dividends,' providing lifelong memories that can be revisited, enhancing long-term happiness.
- Reducing material possessions can improve focus by decreasing mental clutter. Managing fewer things leads to less distraction, which can enhance overall well-being.
- The speaker finds managing technology-intensive items burdensome, prompting a reevaluation of necessary possessions. This insight suggests the importance of simplifying one's life to focus on more meaningful experiences.
- Overall, the speaker emphasizes that happiness is not dependent on owning many things, encouraging a focus on experiences over material goods. This reflection aligns with the idea that experiences contribute more significantly to personal fulfillment and happiness.
9. 📒 Journaling as a Pathway to Success
- A bestselling book in Japan highlights the significant impact of journaling on success, written by a successful Japanese entrepreneur.
- The author attributes much of his success to the frequency and method of journaling about various ideas.
- Not all journaling methods yield the same benefits; focused journaling and deliberate life tracking are more rewarding compared to random journaling practices such as morning pages.
- The book primarily explains effective methods for reflecting on ideas, such as goal-oriented journaling and structured reflection exercises that enhance clarity and productivity.
10. 📝 Mastering the Art of Journaling
- Distinguish between two types of journaling: factual recording and insight extraction, which fosters structured reflection and intentionality.
- Journaling can enhance speaking skills by promoting clear, linear thinking; for example, by organizing thoughts before verbalizing them.
- Opt for pen and paper note-taking to enhance perception in professional or academic settings, demonstrating a thoughtful and engaged approach.
- Maintain a dedicated reflection notebook and a pocket notebook for spontaneous notes, such as new vocabulary or sketches, to enrich learning experiences.
11. 🧘 Zen and Stress Reduction
- Journaling is highlighted as the best method for self-discovery and stress reduction, offering a structured way to delve into personal thoughts and emotions.
- The book includes nearly 1,000 prompts for personal exploration, making it a comprehensive tool for guiding users in their journaling practice.
- 100 prompts have been translated into English and are available online, expanding accessibility for a wider audience.
- Journaling, when done correctly, is considered extremely powerful for stress reduction by providing clarity, emotional release, and personal insight.
12. 🧘♀️ Logical Approach to Stress Management
- The book is authored by a Buddhist monk and focuses on applying a Zen Buddhist method to eliminate stress and worry through logical reasoning.
- This method is rooted in first principles with minimal reliance on religion or spirituality, making it accessible to a broader audience.
- The book has been a top seller on Amazon Japan for several years, boasting over 10,000 reviews and a 4.4-star average rating.
- The author has extensively studied the teachings of Buddha, focusing on practical takeaways to help readers eradicate stress and suffering.
13. 🔍 Techniques for Managing Reactions
- Stress often arises from situations beyond our control, such as traffic jams, leading to worry and anxiety.
- Buddhism categorizes stress as a form of suffering, identifying eight specific types.
- To manage stress effectively, focus on changing your reaction to these uncontrollable situations rather than trying to control them.
- Implementing techniques such as mindfulness and acceptance can help shift your response and reduce stress levels.
14. 🏃 Murakami's Insights in 'What I Talk About When I Talk About Running'
- Murakami proposes a detailed three-step method for handling stress and negative emotions effectively.
- Step 1: Use language as a tool to logically explain feelings. This involves self-talk or journaling to define a stressful situation, emphasizing a logical understanding of emotions as abstract reactions.
- Step 2: Identify emotions as granularly as possible, recognizing specific feelings such as anger, frustration, or sadness. This step can be enhanced by closing one's eyes to minimize input and focus inwardly on emotions.
- Step 3: Practice separating reactions from situations, akin to meditation, to cultivate control over emotional responses. This involves understanding that thoughts and emotions are not one's identity, allowing individuals to choose to react to or merely observe them.
- Murakami highlights that conscious control over attention and focus allows individuals to prioritize which emotions and thoughts to engage with, thereby shaping their perception of reality.
- The overarching insight is that with practice, one can effectively manage stress by consciously choosing emotional responses and maintaining a clear distinction between self-identity and transient thoughts or feelings.
15. 🗓️ Routine and Discipline from a Literary Icon
- Haruki Murakami, a renowned author, has run over 30 marathons and even completed a 62-mile race without stopping, showcasing his commitment to running and discipline.
- His daily routine includes waking up at 4 AM, writing for 8 hours, exercising for 2 hours (either swimming or running), and unwinding by reading or listening to music before sleeping at 9 PM.
- Murakami compares his writing routine to marathon training, highlighting discipline and commitment as crucial factors in both.
- Many individuals have improved their personal productivity and discipline by adopting Murakami's structured routine, with testimonials indicating increased focus and achievement in various areas of their lives.