HN Books @HNBooksMonth

OP is ~23 at the time and that seems like a very natural age for that experiment.

One of the most interesting things about reading Robert Anton Wilson's more autobiographical stuff (Cosmic Trigger? Prometheus Rising?) is that when he talks about doing LSD for the first time with Leary and co, all these guys were in their 30s!! I can't imagine how shocking it would be to have gotten that far in your life, believing and committing to the perceptions you've had, only to have them ripped apart by those megadoses (by today's standards) of LSD.

I think that is also why they made such good use of the experiences. Having more life experience, they might have been even more appreciative of the new insight.

http://www.amazon.com/Prometheus-Rising-Robert-Anton-Wilson/...

Prometheus Rising by Robert Anton Wilson - http://www.amazon.com/Prometheus-Rising-Robert-Anton-Wilson/...

A proposition offered by Wilson on the nature of the human mind - "Whatever the Thinker thinks, the Prover proves."

"Of course it is fairly easy to see that other peoples minds operate this way; it is comparatively much harder to become aware that one's own mind is working that way also."

Realize that when you think X, all of your successive thoughts attempt to reconcile or solidify the notion of X. In this way, we are the artists of our realities, everyone's reality being different than others since all of it is based on conceptions. Your conceptions and ideas rule you, from who you think you are to what you think the world or your environment is about. It is how you make sense of all sensory data. Not everyone organizes their reality in the same way you do, because they all went through a difficult accumulation of sense data (and subsequent reaction to and organization of said data) throughout their lives to get to where they are.

More: http://deoxy.org/wiki/The_Thinker_and_the_Prover

The question then becomes, can we then transcend our conceptions and perceive reality as it is? We may have to consult the Buddha on this one.

⬐ etherdoc

find any quarters lately?

⬐ omarchowdhury

I find this comment to be mocking -- there is a wide range of topics that can be discussed regarding Prometheus Rising, but you pick a petty one.

⬐ etherdoc

It was meant to be humorous. I enjoyed the book.

⬐ omarchowdhury

Correction, difficult = different... though the trials of life can be regarded as difficult ;)

Then with your parent "I just want to know the opinion of those more experienced than me. Is it worth it to stay in college? Or is that parchment more worthwhile than continuing to pursue programming as the passion it is for me"

With your current situation then, perhaps some self study of the "why" of what your goals / future endeavors could bring would be beneficial. Meaning, take a meditative walk, hike, "alone" time with shutting down all electronic mediums (NO distractions) and, a freewrite into a blank pad of paper on your passions, goals (separate columns), link them up (passions to goals to competencies), and pursue / iterate until fruition. Without further information, I'm not sure what I can offer, but I hope it is helpful :)

Prometheus Rising http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1561840564/ref=as_li_ss_tl?...

Is a great mind-hacking novel to expand your views of reality, what many would identify with "aha" moments, and, many would cite (in sections) "hokey." But, expanding your creative juices (even if that is staring at a sunset whilst calming your mind to any and all distractions, quiet your mind) and, see what comes :)

Cheers!

Edit: with regards to networking outside of college, do not discount the possibility of the up and comings / future generation of movers Within college, that could be of future value (whether you add to their experiences (mentor), or they, "ping" something to lead to a slight "aha" moment).

⬐ modwest

Thanks, I think writing down pros/cons and thinking hard is exactly what I need to do.

Reality Tansurfing 1: The Space of Variations "Choosing" your own reality, positive mind frames, philosophy and actionable steps for goal attainment (no "Secret" wish fulfillment).

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1846941229/ref=as_li_ss_tl?... " Some of Zeeland's techniques are very simple and practical; e.g. his methods of combining rational thinking with intuition for making practical decisions. Other "tools" require a high degree of control over one's thoughts and/or emotions. Zeeland also advocates reducing the amount of mental self-talk in favour of listening to one's intuition, which has some similarity with the teachings of Eckhart Tolle [[2]]." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vadim_Zeeland

The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0062508342/ref=as_li_ss_tl?... This novel has been of great help to me and family with recent deaths. Overall life outlook, happiness, and the like.

Enders Game http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0812550706/ref=as_li_ss_tl?... I have read this novel over 15 years roughly 8 times. I get more, and a different perspective (which is interesting just examining my own reaction to re-reads based on my life and age at reading / re-reading).

Prometheus Rising http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1561840564/ref=as_li_ss_tl?... "Hacking" reality, your mind, alternate viewpoints of reality and "living" accordingly (or not :D)

Pandora's Star http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0345479211/ref=as_li_ss_tl?... Fascinating "space opera" wherein humanity masters worm-hole technology (and space colonization), ever lasting life (downloading / uploading) and a lovely read with a dose of astrophysics (though, the number of plot lines and characters gets far too muddled much of the time, symptomatic of Hamilton's books). Great "look" at a potential future of these potential advancements.

Neuropath http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0765361574/ref=as_li_ss_tl?... Science fiction novel set in near-future based on new advanced in neuroscience; psychopath / serial killer thriller (one night read)on the brain as a chemical machine (and free-will arguments) with brutal thriller violence. This sticks with you for a number of weeks. Sending this to my sister was reacted with "it was really good, fascinating..why the f* did you send this to me?"

The Darkness That Comes Before (The Prince of Nothing, Book 1) http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1841494089/ref=as_li_ss_tl?... Fantasy, philosophy, linguistics in Magic..dark, dark and a very old world. Brilliant, the best fantasy series this decade.

Titan: The Life of John D. Rockefeller, Sr. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1400077303/ref=as_li_ss_tl?... From dirt (literally), to one of the richest men in history, a genius accountant, inventor, process engineer, capitalist, competitive monster (crusher), also spawning much of modern medicine research centers (while he himself was a more holistic man who distrusted "modern medicine). An incredible biography (oft cited by other novels on various Baron's / dynastic biographies) on the idiocyncrocies and the incredible desire for wealth and power, while abhoring lavish displays of wealth. From his rise, to consolidation, to "war" with the Rothschilds to the ultimate breakup of Standard Oil.

1,000 Dollars and an Idea: Entrepreneur to Billionaire: Expanded Edition http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1557048487/ref=as_li_ss_tl?... Sam Wyly, on building businesses to last, 15-20 years to "flip" or keep. Nuggets of wisdom for all industries and verticals.