The Evolving Self

Rating:
Summary: Clear and Positive Message
Review: By discussiing the evolution of the mind, this book gives us a clear and positive message about the future direction of our species. This made gave me hope about our future even though there are many terrible things going on in the world. The author argues that we are evolving self-organizing systems and we can continue to evolve. The message is very similar to the book "The Ever-Transcending Spirit" by Toru Sato except that Sato's remarkable book explains this in more simple and straightforward language. I think we all need to learn from these types of thinkers in order to help us move toward positive change in our evolution.

Rating:
Summary: Clear and Positive Message
Review: Flow experiences, human peak experiences and high synergetic states are introduced in such an original and practical way in this book that, while readind it, one really experiences flow. Genes are the information units of life; they are associated with the genetic code, while "memes" are the equivalent information units when dealing with consciousness, with mind, with the noosphere, and they are coded in this master piece, from beginning to end, so that the "I" is challenged continually to evolve and to know how to obtain wisdom, "because wisdom is a cognitive skill, a special way of acting and a personal good, because the practice of wisdom leads to inner serenity and enjoyment". Complexity is certainly a fashionable catchword but again Mihaly makes it graspable and human, a practical tool, so to speak, because the final principle of evolution is an increase in both differentiation and integration ... Differentiation refers to the parts that differ in structure or function and integration refers to the whole in which the different parts communicate and enhance one another's goals. Flow, memes and complexity are presented in this work in such a unified framework that we can think that with it we have finally a truly complementary work for the "I", or some sort of evolutionary ontology, while with Ken Wilber work Sex, Ecology and Spirituality we have the corresponding philosophical counterpart, for the "we", and with Physics and the Principle of Synergy by Epsilon Pi, we have the corresponding scientifical counterpart, for the "It". But the important point to recall is that they all three are integral proposal; they really complement each other in this new stage of mankind in which the integration of the big three is a main concern. Synergy is a principle that when applied produces harmony and when not produces entropy, and when synergy is obtained, flow is experienced and a "field" is created, a field that can be used as a medium to detect a higher ordered state or an increased complexity, as "a good society is one that encourages the individuals to realize their potentials and permits complexity to evolve".

After reading this most influential book you will be not the same again because its "memetic" influence will start working by itself in your own evolving self.

Rating:
Summary: Good reading for people who want to make a difference.
Review: I enjoy Csikszentmihalyi's work. His name is pronounced chick-ZENT-me-high. He is a good writer, a brilliant and original researcher at the University of Chicago, and his work has great practical value. I love his examples of how leaders at certain times and places have given order to a chaotic world, and how he translates that into how WE can bring order into OUR chaotic world.

Csikszentmihalyi's work is about work itself: How to make it enjoyable. And beyond that, how can we bring a sense of meaning into our lives? How can our work become more meaningful and more enjoyable? He explores it well.

I am the author of the book, Self-Help Stuff That Works, and I am an expert on practical self-help. Csikszentmihalyi's work is practical. I recommend this book.

Rating:
Summary: Some Wheat, Some Chaff
Review: I found this book interesting, thought provoking, and at times disturbing and even depressing. C. has a lot of good ideas and he synthesizes them effectively. The only gripe I have is with his comments about television.I feel he overstates his case. Sure, there's plenty of garbage on TV, but there's also worthy and serious fare as well- ever heard of PBS? I highly recommend this book, though at times it is a little self serious and even pompous.

Rating:
Summary: Align with the Divine Inteligence
Review: Professor Mike is on to something with this book. When you follow your positive emotions, especially Flow, you are following the guidence of the Divine Intelligence that is unfolding the universe. This is a very thought provoking and inspiring book. As a life coach, I see the practical application of Mihaly's work every day. This may be the way to a happier, more harmonious and sustainable future for our planet. Thanks Mike for showing us how to follow our Flow to build a better self and a better world.

Rating:
Summary: An essential for powerful citizenship.
Review: What is most signficant about this work is its exploration of the veils that our culture and its members live with, and what could be beyond them. It summarizes the concept of Flow and then takes us beyond into what we can actually do in communities to make a difference in the evolutionary epic. I find this book to be very practical.

Rating:
Summary: THE first book to start understanding who you are
Review: While "everyperson" might not find this entertaining reading, I think this book is the first one I would/will give my children as they try to become adults. It ought to be required reading for every adult in every culture, especially those who think they're "right." Csikszentmihalyi's insight and ability to weave a powerful story from myriad perspectives is simply awesome. We may think we are "people" but until we understand the interconnection of our genetic heritage and our mimetic heritage, and develop our own sense of flow in the world, we are little more than reproductions of other (dead) people's thinking. The concepts of memes and complexity and the invitation to become a transcender ranks Csikszentmihalyi right along side Carl Rogers as the most informed about how we can become truly individual, contributing human beings. Don't miss this book!

Rating:
Summary: An essential for powerful citizenship.
Review: While "everyperson" might not find this entertaining reading, I think this book is the first one I would/will give my children as they try to become adults. It ought to be required reading for every adult in every culture, especially those who think they're "right." Csikszentmihalyi's insight and ability to weave a powerful story from myriad perspectives is simply awesome. We may think we are "people" but until we understand the interconnection of our genetic heritage and our mimetic heritage, and develop our own sense of flow in the world, we are little more than reproductions of other (dead) people's thinking. The concepts of memes and complexity and the invitation to become a transcender ranks Csikszentmihalyi right along side Carl Rogers as the most informed about how we can become truly individual, contributing human beings. Don't miss this book!