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Van Houren's speech was rather thought provoking. Lots of bits are still utterly unrealistic, but now that Augustus is unwell I do feel a little sad and touched by the story

Further research: Descartes is a rationalist, hence innate human believes "like the world exists" are most likely real. Logical statements rather than feelings explain the world (I.e empiricism)

Descartes "I think therefore i am" and hence therefore I cannot know if anything else really exists or is merely a "demon" projection has been throwing me for months. Russell says yes the physical world exists (with a tiny bit of room for doubt as dreams often seem real but they are in fact not) as it follows the rule of simplicity and is a deeply innate intrinsic belief of humans.

Half way through- it's an easy read but I can't see what the fuss is about, truth be told it's a pretty stupid book (but hey I'm open to change my mind in the second half!).

Mental states become neural traits!

Letting your mind be, simply observing your experience, gives you relief and perspective, like stepping out of a movie screen and watching from 20 rows back. -> yes!!

If you don't take those extra seconds to enjoy and stay with the experience, it passes through you like wind through the trees, momentarily pleasant but with no lasting value.

Free audiobook on you tube. Listened to chapter 1 - mind blown and utterly confused at the same time! I certainly found a new favorite author!

"The demand for certainly is one which is natural to man, but is nevertheless an intellectual vice... To endure uncertainty is difficult, but so are most of the other virtues"

"In all affairs it's a healthy thing now and then to hang a question mark on the things you have long taken for granted"

Philosophy= love of wisdom

"As a thinker Russell was without fear - never mind rocking the boat, Russell was happy to sink the boat if what he was seeking lay on the ocean floor"

Instant love!!!!!

Two main feelings when reading this: utter fascination and loving the case studies vs. not having a clue what Sacks talks about- he assumes a lot of pre knowledge, referring to phenomena as "Kirkegaardian thoughts", and referring to "Proustian principles" without explaining what exactly this means. While I don't understand everything 100%, it's another read on my journey.. :)

Chapter 7 (about a man with Parkinson's who was tilting due to loss of the balancing system in his ears) was fabulous with very good explanations of what was actually the cause of the problem! More of that please!!

Cont. Most fascinating things is that I absolutely can't imagine what it is like to not recognise faces anymore or feel disembodied. It goes beyond my ability to comprehend but gives me a whole new appreciation of the marvellous things my brain and body do everyday that I am not in the slightest aware of.

The language especially with regards to disability makes me cringe, but I have to keep in mind that this was written in the 80s and hence a reflection of that time. Interesting cases, but given my background in neuropsych I'd love to know more about the brain parts involved and what functions break down to cause the symptoms.

Having read more than half of this book before, I know that you don't read this book but slowly and deliberately work your way through it. Looking forward to refreshing my understanding of this and most importantly engage in the exercises again! "A book to savour, to practice and take to heart" - Well said Prof Williams!

Having read more than half of this book before, I know that you don't read this book but slowly and deliberately work your way through it. Looking forward to refreshing my understanding of this and most importantly engage in the exercises again! "A book to savour, to practice and take to heart" - Well said Prof Williams!

Her essay about pride & prejudice: "Lydia Bennet, at 16, is a piece of trash" - Not this first time I am thinking I want to be Helen Garner! Fabulous!!

Her essay about pride & prejudice: "Lydia Bennet, at 16, is a piece of trash" - Not this first time I am thinking I want to be Helen Garner! Fabulous!!