Book on the wonders of magical thinking In our rational and scientifically driven world, the concept of magical thinking often carries a negative connotation. It is often seen as a delusion or illusion, divorced from reality and reason. However, in a new book exploring the wonders of magical thinking, author John Smith challenges this perspective, arguing that it may hold a key to understanding the deeper mysteries of the human mind and our place in the universe. Smith begins by defining magical thinking as the belief in supernatural causality- that is, the idea that one event is caused by another seemingly unrelated event, simply because they occur together. He explores the history of magical thinking, tracing its roots back to ancient civilizations and examining its various manifestations in different cultures throughout time. Throughout the book, Smith weaves together personal anecdotes, scientific research, and philosophical musings to create a compelling argument for the importance of magical thinking.
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Days later the night before New Year s Eve the Dunnes were just sitting down to dinner after visiting the hospital when John Gregory Dunne suffered a massive and fatal coronary. Burroughs views his life through a lens of self-deprecation, and the result is pieces like My Last First Date, describing the first time he met his current boyfriend.
Throughout the book, Smith weaves together personal anecdotes, scientific research, and philosophical musings to create a compelling argument for the importance of magical thinking. He asserts that magical thinking is not simply a relic of the past, but a fundamental aspect of human cognition that continues to shape our perceptions and behaviors today. Smith examines various examples of magical thinking, including superstitions, rituals, and religious beliefs, each serving as a window into the human mind and its capacity to find meaning and purpose in the world.
MAGICAL THINKING: True Stories
A psychological term, "magical thinking" describes the belief that one exerts more influence over events than one actually does. Burroughs, who spent childhood days stepping on cracks to see if his mother's back would break, possesses a wealth of magical thought. Like Dry and Running with Scissors , this collection showcases Burroughs's sharp, funny and sometimes brilliant writing. Burroughs views his life through a lens of self-deprecation, and the result is pieces like "My Last First Date," describing the first time he met his current boyfriend. After only a short conversation, he fumbles into joking about his life, to the horror of his date, and realizes, "I must ease people into the facts of me, not deposit large, undigested chunks of my history at their feet. Too much of me is toxic." Fortunately, his companion has a high threshold for toxicity, and most readers will, too. Burroughs's smooth prose, peppered with charming and awkward moments, is occasionally reminiscent of David Sedaris and David Rakoff. But he's no imitator of those essayists. Rather, Burroughs ambles toward insight in a continual state of self-examination and just happens to have peculiar adventures along the way, like drowning a mouse in his bathtub, attending the Barbizon School of Modeling and complaining that the "new gay thing in Manhattan" is adopting babies instead of buying shar-pei puppies. Agent, Christopher Schelling. (On sale Oct. 5)
Forecast: St. Martin's is making a big push for Burroughs's third book: a 17-city tour and national broadcast, print and radio publicity, which should result in another bestseller.
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– JOAN DIDION, THE YEAR OF MAGICAL THINKING
He delves into the psychological and neuroscientific underpinnings of magical thinking, exploring why and how we are driven to make connections and find patterns in our experiences. In the latter part of the book, Smith explores the potential benefits of magical thinking. He argues that it can provide a sense of comfort, empowerment, and wonder in an otherwise chaotic and uncertain world. He also suggests that magical thinking may fuel creativity and innovation, as it allows us to think beyond the confines of what is rational and logical. Ultimately, Smith posits that embracing magical thinking can lead to a deeper understanding of ourselves, the human experience, and the larger mysteries of the universe. He encourages readers to question their own assumptions and biases, and to be open to the possibility that there is more to the world than meets the eye. In conclusion, John Smith's book on the wonders of magical thinking challenges conventional notions and invites readers to explore the subject with an open mind. By examining its history, delving into its psychological and neuroscientific underpinnings, and exploring its potential benefits, Smith makes a compelling case for the importance of magical thinking in our lives. Whether one agrees with his arguments or not, this thought-provoking book is sure to stimulate discussion and contemplation about the nature of belief, perception, and the human mind..
Reviews for "From Fairy Tales to Reality: Embracing the Wisdom of Magical Thinking"
- Sarah - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with this book on the wonders of magical thinking. I was expecting to read about real and practical applications of magical thinking, but instead, I found a collection of fictional stories and folklore. It felt like a missed opportunity to explore this fascinating topic in a more insightful manner. Overall, I found it to be uninformative and lacking substance.
- James - 1 star - I have to say, I couldn't stand "Book on the wonders of magical thinking". The author seemed more concerned with showcasing their creative writing skills rather than truly delving into the subject matter. This resulted in a disorganized and confusing read that left me feeling unsatisfied. The book lacked a clear structure and failed to provide any meaningful insights into magical thinking. I would not recommend it.
- Emily - 2 stars - I'm usually a fan of books exploring topics like magical thinking, but this one fell short for me. The author seemed to dwell on irrelevant details and went off on tangents that didn't contribute to the overall narrative. I was hoping to gain a better understanding of the concept, but instead, I was left with more questions than answers. It was a frustrating read that didn't meet my expectations.