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The Secret to Everything: How to Live More and Suffer Less
Self-help, with a twist
The Secret to Everything has been known to mystics and scholars for centuries and millennia, and, today, is increasingly being confirmed by both philosophy and science. Socrates certainly knew it, as did the Buddha, and more recently, Albert Einstein, Carl Jung, and Emily Dickinson. It is a secret not because it is hidden as such, but because it is so difficult to see, running counter to so many of our most basic assumptions.
Each of the book’s ten chapters exposes a particular aspect and practical application of the secret, while also keeping it carefully under wraps. On the surface, the chapters may seem to have little in common, but they are all built around the same wisdom. Your challenge, as you read, is to find the common thread that runs through all the chapters. The secret is discussed at the end, but don’t peek or you’ll spoil the fun.
Contents
Introduction
1. How to see
2. How to dream
3. How to be religious
4. How to be wise
5. How to be fearless
6. How to live
7. How to love
8. How to win
9. How to party
10. How to think
The Secret to Everything
About the author
Dr Neel Burton is a psychiatrist, philosopher, and wine-lover who lives and teaches in Oxford, England. He is a Fellow of Green-Templeton College in the University of Oxford, and the recipient of the Society of Authors’ Richard Asher Prize, the British Medical Association’s Young Authors’ Award, the Medical Journalists’ Association Open Book Award, and a Best in the World Gourmand Award. His work has featured in the likes of Aeon, the Spectator, and the Times, and been translated into several languages.
The Secret to Everything has been known to mystics and scholars for centuries and millennia, and, today, is increasingly being confirmed by both philosophy and science. Socrates certainly knew it, as did the Buddha, and more recently, Albert Einstein, Carl Jung, and Emily Dickinson. It is a secret not because it is hidden as such, but because it is so difficult to see, running counter to so many of our most basic assumptions.
Each of the book’s ten chapters exposes a particular aspect and practical application of the secret, while also keeping it carefully under wraps. On the surface, the chapters may seem to have little in common, but they are all built around the same wisdom. Your challenge, as you read, is to find the common thread that runs through all the chapters. The secret is discussed at the end, but don’t peek or you’ll spoil the fun.
Contents
Introduction
1. How to see
2. How to dream
3. How to be religious
4. How to be wise
5. How to be fearless
6. How to live
7. How to love
8. How to win
9. How to party
10. How to think
The Secret to Everything
About the author
Dr Neel Burton is a psychiatrist, philosopher, and wine-lover who lives and teaches in Oxford, England. He is a Fellow of Green-Templeton College in the University of Oxford, and the recipient of the Society of Authors’ Richard Asher Prize, the British Medical Association’s Young Authors’ Award, the Medical Journalists’ Association Open Book Award, and a Best in the World Gourmand Award. His work has featured in the likes of Aeon, the Spectator, and the Times, and been translated into several languages.
120 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 14, 2020
1052 people are currently reading
656 people want to read
About the author
Neel Burton
45 books260 followersDr Neel Burton is a psychiatrist, philosopher, and wine-lover who lives and teaches in Oxford, England. He is a Fellow of Green-Templeton College in the University of Oxford, and the winner of several book prizes including, the feather in his cap, a Best in the World Gourmand Award. His work features regularly in the likes of Aeon and Psychology Today and has been translated into several languages. When he is not reading or writing, or imbibing, he enjoys cooking, gardening, skiing, learning languages, visiting museums and gardens, and travelling, especially to wine regions.
His books include:
- The Meaning of Myth (Ancient Wisdom 1)
- Stoic Stories (Ancient Wisdom 2)
- The Meaning of Madness (Ataraxia 1)
- Hide and Seek: The Psychology of Self-Deception (Ataraxia 2)
- Heaven and Hell: The Psychology of the Emotions (Ataraxia 3)
- For Better for Worse: Essays on Sex, Love, Marriage, and More (Ataraxia 4)
- Hypersanity: Thinking Beyond Thinking (Ataraxia 5)
- The Art of Failure: The Anti Self-Help Guide (Ataraxia 6)
- Growing from Depression
- The Secret to Everything: How to Live More and Suffer Less, and
- The Concise Guide to Wine and Blind Tasting
www.neelburton.com
His books include:
- The Meaning of Myth (Ancient Wisdom 1)
- Stoic Stories (Ancient Wisdom 2)
- The Meaning of Madness (Ataraxia 1)
- Hide and Seek: The Psychology of Self-Deception (Ataraxia 2)
- Heaven and Hell: The Psychology of the Emotions (Ataraxia 3)
- For Better for Worse: Essays on Sex, Love, Marriage, and More (Ataraxia 4)
- Hypersanity: Thinking Beyond Thinking (Ataraxia 5)
- The Art of Failure: The Anti Self-Help Guide (Ataraxia 6)
- Growing from Depression
- The Secret to Everything: How to Live More and Suffer Less, and
- The Concise Guide to Wine and Blind Tasting
www.neelburton.com
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
July 13, 2022
Useless book by another I know everything narcissistic guru. Gag worthy.
July 15, 2020
Another excellent entry in a growing and recurring theme
Dr. Burton has a theme that repeats in most of his books, which is why you'll see excerpts from this book in his other books. While I didn't enjoy this at first and found it repetitive and almost found myself annoyed at reading something I remembered from another chapter in a different book, I found myself really pleased that he did after finishing The Secret to Everything. While Dr. Burton uses very clear, understandable, concise language (a sign of true expertise and clarity of subject), don't expect yourself to understand everything at once. As you read, you will be beset by ego defences (defensive positions you assume while attempting to understand his message) (defences he lists and explains as you read) and will probably not understand everything right away, though I can guarantee that you will enjoy reading it and find it enormously revealing and interesting. I recommend taking notes, taking your time and enjoying the content, as that will be the most rewarding method of gaining something from his works.
Burton's preoccupation (and most probably yours if you find yourself drawn to the title of the book) is "how to live the best life." He uses his own credentials as a psychiatrist as well as the work of classical authors and philosophers to tell an engaging story and to teach lessons through those stories. Aside from the engagement he creates, Burton explains clinical terms in simple ways and illustrates how they relate to us.
I highly recommend this book to anyone either seeking help, wanting to learn or even just looking for a pleasant and entertaining read. Burton has a sincere, genuine and caring voice and a true expertise on the subject.
I don't think Burton would classify himself as a self-help author, but regardless of his designation, he would be the best choice in that genre as well.
Dr. Burton has a theme that repeats in most of his books, which is why you'll see excerpts from this book in his other books. While I didn't enjoy this at first and found it repetitive and almost found myself annoyed at reading something I remembered from another chapter in a different book, I found myself really pleased that he did after finishing The Secret to Everything. While Dr. Burton uses very clear, understandable, concise language (a sign of true expertise and clarity of subject), don't expect yourself to understand everything at once. As you read, you will be beset by ego defences (defensive positions you assume while attempting to understand his message) (defences he lists and explains as you read) and will probably not understand everything right away, though I can guarantee that you will enjoy reading it and find it enormously revealing and interesting. I recommend taking notes, taking your time and enjoying the content, as that will be the most rewarding method of gaining something from his works.
Burton's preoccupation (and most probably yours if you find yourself drawn to the title of the book) is "how to live the best life." He uses his own credentials as a psychiatrist as well as the work of classical authors and philosophers to tell an engaging story and to teach lessons through those stories. Aside from the engagement he creates, Burton explains clinical terms in simple ways and illustrates how they relate to us.
I highly recommend this book to anyone either seeking help, wanting to learn or even just looking for a pleasant and entertaining read. Burton has a sincere, genuine and caring voice and a true expertise on the subject.
I don't think Burton would classify himself as a self-help author, but regardless of his designation, he would be the best choice in that genre as well.
April 15, 2020
I was really quite disappointed with the content of this book. I expected more. Compared to other books on this topic, I found this one lacking. I thought that the historical and medical references were used more to satisfy the author's ego than to teach me. What spoilers were written in this book????
July 17, 2020
Enlighten
One of the better reads in this category . Kept complex emotions and ideas clear and understandable for all readers of this genre. Would recommend to my friends and others interested in deeper understanding of life.
One of the better reads in this category . Kept complex emotions and ideas clear and understandable for all readers of this genre. Would recommend to my friends and others interested in deeper understanding of life.
March 20, 2020
Is THAT Really the Secret to Everything?
In these days, with so many self-help and self-motivational books by a variety of authors, we see a niching down of topics, which then seem to become buzzwords… that further spawn more books that rehash the same ideas. Current buzzword topics include stoicism, confidence, and visibility. This book is the opposite of that. How can you get any less niche oriented than the concept of the secret of everything? While I don’t necessarily agree that this book’s secret covers everything, the author does provide a compelling treatise where he challenges us at the beginning of the book to notice the common thread in the seemingly disparate chapters. Can we figure out the secret of everything from the clues he leaves in the chapters before he reveals it at the end?
The book is organized into 10 chapters with a similar format, each exploring different topics: how to see, how to dream, how to be wise, how to win, how to think… among others. I found the How to Be Religious chapter to be particularly fascinating, as he didn’t really talk much about religion as we commonly see it; the focus seemed to be on gratitude. Other chapters had surprises as well. He draws from religion, philosophy, art, and science, discussing both ancient and modern texts. Now, don’t misunderstand me; this doesn’t feel like reading a heavy text. It isn’t like that at all; it is highly accessible while still being thought provoking. Each chapter ends with steps about how to incorporate the chapter’s theme in your life. Hint: If you notice the parallels between the action steps in each chapter, you will clue in on the Secret. And no, I won’t be revealing that here. You need to read the book!
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
In these days, with so many self-help and self-motivational books by a variety of authors, we see a niching down of topics, which then seem to become buzzwords… that further spawn more books that rehash the same ideas. Current buzzword topics include stoicism, confidence, and visibility. This book is the opposite of that. How can you get any less niche oriented than the concept of the secret of everything? While I don’t necessarily agree that this book’s secret covers everything, the author does provide a compelling treatise where he challenges us at the beginning of the book to notice the common thread in the seemingly disparate chapters. Can we figure out the secret of everything from the clues he leaves in the chapters before he reveals it at the end?
The book is organized into 10 chapters with a similar format, each exploring different topics: how to see, how to dream, how to be wise, how to win, how to think… among others. I found the How to Be Religious chapter to be particularly fascinating, as he didn’t really talk much about religion as we commonly see it; the focus seemed to be on gratitude. Other chapters had surprises as well. He draws from religion, philosophy, art, and science, discussing both ancient and modern texts. Now, don’t misunderstand me; this doesn’t feel like reading a heavy text. It isn’t like that at all; it is highly accessible while still being thought provoking. Each chapter ends with steps about how to incorporate the chapter’s theme in your life. Hint: If you notice the parallels between the action steps in each chapter, you will clue in on the Secret. And no, I won’t be revealing that here. You need to read the book!
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
March 17, 2020
This is the first and only book I read by the author. I've found it very interesting and enlightening. Although I'm familiar with some of the ideas and the philosophers and psychologists mentioned, I still find it fascinating because it made me see things from a different perspective. I won't reveal too much about it, but I do recommend it to anyone who aren't happy in life. This book teaches you that simple things in life are not as trivial as you might think. I have mixed feeling about the length of this book. On the one hand, it made me get through it quickly, which is ideal. On the other hand, I really wanted to learn more; I felt that I didn't grasp certain ideas well enough. Thankfully, the author provides a list of references at the end of each chapter. However, I was looking for a specific source that can teach me, in an accessible way, more about the Secret mentioned at the end, specifically the Buddha. I think if you have some background in philosophy (I minored in philosophy) or psychology, you will find yourself nodding a few times. Nonetheless, I doubt you'll regret reading this book. Thank you, Burton. My money was well-spent.
Before I finished this book, I had finished reading Reid's novel "I'm thinking of ending things." I think they complement each other. That's just my suggestion in case you enjoy the genres of the novel.
Before I finished this book, I had finished reading Reid's novel "I'm thinking of ending things." I think they complement each other. That's just my suggestion in case you enjoy the genres of the novel.
May 6, 2020
A good and useful summary of life skills and philosophies
I like Neel Burton's style a lot. He combines erudition in both humanities and sciences into a seamless message communicated in accessible, common sense language. He argues in an intelligent and rational manner without disconnecting from everyday experience. He focuses on pragmatical advice that is not superficial. He does not trivialize problems, but points in the direction of their solutions.
While I learned some new viewpoints (I particularly enjoyed his views on romantic love and its relationship to religious matters, the chapter on phenomenology and its comparison to mindfulness, and the comments about existential anxiety), I found I already knew a lot of what's in the book, and I think most readers of philosophy, psychology and sciences will have the same experience. For this reason the book may be particularly useful for a younger audience or those who are not so familiar with these subjects. But even for those who are, the integration he puts together is well worth the read, for it reminds us of these important subjects and puts them in a unified and new perspective.
I like Neel Burton's style a lot. He combines erudition in both humanities and sciences into a seamless message communicated in accessible, common sense language. He argues in an intelligent and rational manner without disconnecting from everyday experience. He focuses on pragmatical advice that is not superficial. He does not trivialize problems, but points in the direction of their solutions.
While I learned some new viewpoints (I particularly enjoyed his views on romantic love and its relationship to religious matters, the chapter on phenomenology and its comparison to mindfulness, and the comments about existential anxiety), I found I already knew a lot of what's in the book, and I think most readers of philosophy, psychology and sciences will have the same experience. For this reason the book may be particularly useful for a younger audience or those who are not so familiar with these subjects. But even for those who are, the integration he puts together is well worth the read, for it reminds us of these important subjects and puts them in a unified and new perspective.
March 4, 2020
I received a free Kindle copy of this book via the Goodreads Giveaways program and would like to thank anyone involved in making that happen.
This is well-written and contains some helpful advice for people like me who tend to get stuck in their own heads and struggle with anxiety. The first few chapters deal with basic, common sense ideas such as how mindfulness and sleeping well can improve your outlook and they progressively get more philosophical from there. I liked the format of the book - each chapter opens with a few pages presenting the idea and why it can be helpful and ends with a list of tips for actually enacting the idea in your life.
This was a quick read and generally reminded me of why I don't read many self-help books, namely because they tend to over promise and under deliver. There is not much here that you don't already know or haven't already heard. The reveal of the titular "secret" was somewhat less than mind-blowing and I felt pretty meh about it.
This is well-written and contains some helpful advice for people like me who tend to get stuck in their own heads and struggle with anxiety. The first few chapters deal with basic, common sense ideas such as how mindfulness and sleeping well can improve your outlook and they progressively get more philosophical from there. I liked the format of the book - each chapter opens with a few pages presenting the idea and why it can be helpful and ends with a list of tips for actually enacting the idea in your life.
This was a quick read and generally reminded me of why I don't read many self-help books, namely because they tend to over promise and under deliver. There is not much here that you don't already know or haven't already heard. The reveal of the titular "secret" was somewhat less than mind-blowing and I felt pretty meh about it.
February 2, 2021
“The secret to everything,” is a concise book with short chapters and some useful information. I resonated with some of the things he writes about - being present and savoring the moment. Activities such as gardening and drawing reconnects us to something greater.
Neel Burton writes about embracing all parts of ourselves and sometimes just giving ourselves permission to just let go. As an example - in ancient times the celebrations of the God of wine, Dionysus provided people a temporary escape from their restricted roles.
I enjoyed chapters such as how to be wise and how to be fearless. The chapter on how to win was witty with many interesting anecdotes.
I found the book to be somewhat of a mixed bag. Parts of the book were enjoyable and informative- other sections tended to be dull and basic.
Neel Burton writes about embracing all parts of ourselves and sometimes just giving ourselves permission to just let go. As an example - in ancient times the celebrations of the God of wine, Dionysus provided people a temporary escape from their restricted roles.
I enjoyed chapters such as how to be wise and how to be fearless. The chapter on how to win was witty with many interesting anecdotes.
I found the book to be somewhat of a mixed bag. Parts of the book were enjoyable and informative- other sections tended to be dull and basic.
September 19, 2020
Insightful read
I had a hunch where this book was going and it turned out I was right. I think what gave it away for me was when the concept of ‘ego’ was mentioned for the first time. I’m a long time student of a book named ‘A Course in Miracles’. It also speaks of the ego as an illusion. I would expect the author of this book might be familiar with ACIM. t enjoyed reading ‘The ‘Secret to Everything’ the book gave some helpful technics as to recognize when the ego goes into defense. I particularly enjoyed reading about the myth of Narcissist and the authors take on the myth. I suppose some readers may not even comprehend what is being revealed in this writing. Depending how intrenched in the ego they may be. And that is unfortunate.
I had a hunch where this book was going and it turned out I was right. I think what gave it away for me was when the concept of ‘ego’ was mentioned for the first time. I’m a long time student of a book named ‘A Course in Miracles’. It also speaks of the ego as an illusion. I would expect the author of this book might be familiar with ACIM. t enjoyed reading ‘The ‘Secret to Everything’ the book gave some helpful technics as to recognize when the ego goes into defense. I particularly enjoyed reading about the myth of Narcissist and the authors take on the myth. I suppose some readers may not even comprehend what is being revealed in this writing. Depending how intrenched in the ego they may be. And that is unfortunate.
January 30, 2021
Another motivational book, and I add that it serves nothing unique. However, there is a lot of research shared, but mostly the language takes away from the lesson captured in what chapter you are reading.
If you are not interested in reading research information, don't pick this one up. If you do enjoy stories and research information, then go ahead and read this. I would like to add that I had to skip some pages because I couldn't agree with some of the topics. But I only skipped those topics that don't quite fit my lifestyle.
It's not a terrible book. The immense category of self-help however provides better work for you to enjoy. I'd recommend picking anything up from your local Books-a-Million where they keep a record of the bestselling self-help books.
If you are not interested in reading research information, don't pick this one up. If you do enjoy stories and research information, then go ahead and read this. I would like to add that I had to skip some pages because I couldn't agree with some of the topics. But I only skipped those topics that don't quite fit my lifestyle.
It's not a terrible book. The immense category of self-help however provides better work for you to enjoy. I'd recommend picking anything up from your local Books-a-Million where they keep a record of the bestselling self-help books.
March 29, 2020
Found this to be a rather quick read, though it would be good to re-read a few times to truly grasp the nuances in the text and the meaning more profoundly. I did find the author went a little rambly at times in some topics (the ones that discussed philosophy and psychology, which are his fortes, got a little scattered for me). Did feel the length did the book a disservice, because while the titles were really good indicators, the chapters then delved in but mainly to skim the surface or to take heed of one specific aspect of the topic - this would've been an even better book had it been longer and more in depth.
August 12, 2020
Whatever the secret is, I have no clue from this book
" how to see, how to love, how to think, etc. All chapters in this book. A brief description of things. Like early to bed, early to rise, makes a man, healthy, weathly and wise. Watered down sayings. The author quotes people, and has foot notes. Yet never says, the secret is... Know thyself, or anything. Then he tells us not to tell. Don't tell what? Skip this ego fest.
" how to see, how to love, how to think, etc. All chapters in this book. A brief description of things. Like early to bed, early to rise, makes a man, healthy, weathly and wise. Watered down sayings. The author quotes people, and has foot notes. Yet never says, the secret is... Know thyself, or anything. Then he tells us not to tell. Don't tell what? Skip this ego fest.
March 5, 2020
I received a Kindle copy as a Goodreads giveaway!
Overall, I really liked the concepts covered in this book, but I had hoped it would have gone even further in depth on some of the topics. Overall, a nice philosophical summary to thriving in life.
Overall, I really liked the concepts covered in this book, but I had hoped it would have gone even further in depth on some of the topics. Overall, a nice philosophical summary to thriving in life.
May 24, 2020
Random
Honestly, I skipped past a couple chapters because I didn't feel it was relevant to what the title claims. It's a book of random thoughts from the Author. I did take a few notes, but for the most part I wouldn't recommend the book.
Honestly, I skipped past a couple chapters because I didn't feel it was relevant to what the title claims. It's a book of random thoughts from the Author. I did take a few notes, but for the most part I wouldn't recommend the book.
June 13, 2020
How to lead a better life
This book written by a psychiatrist is a practical guide to improve various aspects of your life. The book is divided into chapters giving tips on these aspects, making it easy to follow, understand and implement.
This book written by a psychiatrist is a practical guide to improve various aspects of your life. The book is divided into chapters giving tips on these aspects, making it easy to follow, understand and implement.
September 22, 2020
Excellent content
Great book to read when you feel that something is missing or when you need to understand yourself more. Excellent analogies, stories and quotes throughout the book.
Great book to read when you feel that something is missing or when you need to understand yourself more. Excellent analogies, stories and quotes throughout the book.
December 26, 2020
I like the book
I must say I like the book had a few new things to think about I will always be mindful because when we are not focused we may be traveling in the wrong direction because we never paid attention to the exit I think this is the ultimate solution
I must say I like the book had a few new things to think about I will always be mindful because when we are not focused we may be traveling in the wrong direction because we never paid attention to the exit I think this is the ultimate solution
May 16, 2021
A few newer insights, but nothing revolutionary. If you have already a bit of experience with self help books you can skim approx. half of the pages and have one or two hours to refresh your knowledge and get about <10 new insights
April 9, 2020
Favorite book
This was one of the best books I've read on a while. There was so many interesting ideas and topics discussed
This was one of the best books I've read on a while. There was so many interesting ideas and topics discussed
April 24, 2020
Not bad
Interesting collection of thoughts pulled from various great minds of history all tied together in a compelling narrative.
TL;DR: Take psychedelics and experience ego death
Interesting collection of thoughts pulled from various great minds of history all tied together in a compelling narrative.
TL;DR: Take psychedelics and experience ego death
June 15, 2020
Overview of the secret to everything
The book had some very good chapters that kept my attention I also took some notes for future reference to look back on.
The book had some very good chapters that kept my attention I also took some notes for future reference to look back on.
July 18, 2020
Totally Thought Provoking
I so enjoyed this wonderful book! Burton leaves you with issues to meditate on for a long time after you've turned the last page.
I so enjoyed this wonderful book! Burton leaves you with issues to meditate on for a long time after you've turned the last page.
August 19, 2020
Thoughtful
A well rounded and insightful look at who we are and some of the issues surrounding that. Difficult to say too much without spoilers so give it a read!
A well rounded and insightful look at who we are and some of the issues surrounding that. Difficult to say too much without spoilers so give it a read!
September 22, 2020
Good read
Thoughtful useful narrative centering on how to live. Quotable nuggets abound in the chapters. Worth a read it you enjoy self-improvement books.
Thoughtful useful narrative centering on how to live. Quotable nuggets abound in the chapters. Worth a read it you enjoy self-improvement books.
October 16, 2020
Great
Was an interesting read ,thank you
I will be looking out for another of your books to read. Good one
Was an interesting read ,thank you
I will be looking out for another of your books to read. Good one
December 1, 2020
Keep your highlighter ready
January 5, 2021
Brilliant.
May 30, 2020
Knowledge
Knowing all the hidden aspects of our psych is very valuable and can help us decipher our true stages of our mind.
Knowing all the hidden aspects of our psych is very valuable and can help us decipher our true stages of our mind.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews