Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
A Philosopher's Notes: On Optimal Living, Creating an Authentically Awesome Life and Other Such Goodness, Vol. 1 Hardcover – December 14, 2010
The Class We Never Had
Isn't it a bit odd that we went from Science to Math to History but somehow missed the class on how to live? For some wacky reason "Optimal Living 101" didn't make the schedule... But imagine if that class did exist and the teachers included everyone from the old school philosophers like Socrates, Marcus Aurelius, Emerson, Nietzsche and Buddha to modern sages like Joseph Campbell, Paulo Coelho, Dan Millman, Deepak Chopra, Byron Katie, Eckhart Tolle and Wayne Dyer plus the world's leading positive psychologists like Sonja Lyubomirsky, Tal Ben-Shahar and Martin Seligman who are *scientifically* establishing how we can live with more happiness, meaning and mojo.
Think of this book as a Philosopher's notes on that awesome class. From "Spiritual Farts" and "110-Year Old You"s to "The Tolle Trap" and "Blissipline," you'll have fun getting your wisdom on in this inspiring, playful, wise and practical little book as Brian Johnson shares one hundred of his favorite Big Ideas on how to create a life brimming with a radiant enthusiasm only discovered when we align with the fundamentals of Optimal Living.
- Print length211 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- Publisheren*theos Enterprises
- Publication dateDecember 14, 2010
- ISBN-100983059101
- ISBN-13978-0983059103
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.
Customers who viewed this item also viewed
Editorial Reviews
Review
"Curiosity can kill cats but it can also create cool cats and Brian Johnson is, no doubt,the coolest cat I know. If I could install a "chip" in Chip's head that allowed me to download this book all day long, I'd do it in a minute. Or maybe not, because one of the brilliant truths of "A Philosopher's Notes" is the visceral sense of discovery you experience each time you turn the page. These notes are more than streams, they are raging rivers of wisdom and reading just a half dozen pages at a time will sustain you for a week." - Chip Conley, Founder of Joie de Vivre Hotels and Author of PEAK and Emotional Equations
"Brilliant! Brian Johnson has a rare gift for fresh-squeezing timeless wisdom and serving it up with a grin. Every single page of this phenomenal little book is packed with life-changing insights and down-to-earth charm. Prepare to get smarter, healthier and happier from the moment you pick it up!" - Pilar Gerasimo, Editor in Chief, Experience Life Magazine
"A great resource to live life at your absolute best." - Robin Sharma, author of the #1 international bestseller The Leader Who Had No Title
"Imagine if there was a book about personal growth that captured all the great lessons of all the hundreds of other great books and teachers? Look no further, this is the book! A Philosopher's Notes reads as quick as a page-turning novel, yet is filled with great nuggets of wisdom. Johnson makes every word count but does so with wit and style. Whether you've read 'em all or are new to the self-help aisle, A Philosopher's Notes is a must-read. It's one of, if not the best I've read (and I've read a lot of them). Already excited for number two." - Jason Wachob, creator of MindBodyGreen.com
"Brian's passionate love of wisdom oozes from A Philosopher s Notes. It s infectious. Distilling ancient wisdom to its essence, A Philosopher s Notes cuts through the noise of uncertainty. Without a wasted word Brian brings modern-world relevance to often- ambiguous philosophical writing, making it accessible and relevant to us all. It truly is the modern-day guide to optimal living." - Brendan Brazier, bestselling author of Thrive and formulator of Vega --Reviews
About the Author
BRIAN JOHNSON loves wisdom. He also loves creating cool businesses that inspire and empower people to live their most authentically awesome lives. A few years ago Brian decided to sell the business he was running and give himself a Ph.D. in Optimal Living. He couldn't find a program that integrated everything he wanted to study from old school philosophy, positive psychology and spirituality to nutrition, health & fitness, creativity, business and modern self-development. So, he decided to create his own doctoral program.
He earned his Master's by creating an innovative company called PhilosophersNotes where he shares "More Wisdom in Less Time" by distilling the Big Ideas from one hundred of his favorite optimal living classics into fun, inspiring and super practical 6-page PDFs, 20-minute MP3s and 10-minute PNTV episodes. This book is his dissertation. Before becoming a full-time Philosopher, Brian built and sold the social networking sites eteamz and Zaadz. He enjoys spooning with his Goddess when he's not reading, hiking, creating or otherwise enjoying himself.
Product details
- Publisher : en*theos Enterprises; 2014th edition (December 14, 2010)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 211 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0983059101
- ISBN-13 : 978-0983059103
- Item Weight : 13.6 ounces
- Best Sellers Rank: #687,560 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #6,859 in Happiness Self-Help
- #10,518 in Motivational Self-Help (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author
BRIAN JOHNSON is the Philosopher + CEO of en*theos - a company that's all about helping people optimize their lives so we can change the world together.
Brian also created PhilosophersNotes, taught Optimal Living 101, wrote a little book called A Philosopher's Notes, is featured in the documentary Finding Joe and has a monthly "Big Ideas" column in Experience Life magazine. In his past lives, he raised over $8 m to finance the creation of two market-leading social platforms (eteamz + Zaadz) sold to two publicly traded companies (Active + Gaiam) after graduating Phi Beta Kappa from UCLA (where he studied Psychology + Business).
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the book provides insightful and practical ideas for intelligent living. They describe it as written in simple, understandable language. The book is divided into short chapters that make it easy to follow. Readers appreciate the author's personality and how the different sections are divided by a light blue page. However, opinions differ on the humor - some find it funny, while others consider it cutesy or insulting.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers find the book provides insightful philosophical concepts and practical advice for intelligent living. They appreciate the well-written insights and concise writing style that makes it easy to understand the key ideas and concepts. The author's ability to distill complex ideas into simple, relatable stories is praised.
"...super fun, fast and easy read but STILL with lots of funny and fascinating stories with examples that you can easily relate to... this book is for..." Read more
"...There are a ton of gems in this book in the areas of optimism, purpose, goals, action, energy, wisdom, courage and love...." Read more
"...two hundred pages packed with philosophy, self development and spiritual goodness. Don't be scared it is actually pretty easy to understand...." Read more
"...If you are just starting out, this book does a fairly good job of covering the concepts you need to embrace and engage in to live a more fulfilling..." Read more
Customers find the book easy to read and understand. They appreciate the author's concise, clear writing style and the layout of the different sections divided by light blue lines. The book presents essential truths in an accessible way that is refreshing and easier to follow than other spiritual books.
"...to get to the point and gives you the gold in a super fun, fast and easy read but STILL with lots of funny and fascinating stories with examples..." Read more
"I love books that are concise (I read this one in a couple hours) and actionable (there are a ton of pages earmarked for me to follow up with), and..." Read more
"...The author uses a simple, current and conversational approach to make some pretty serious ideas understandable...." Read more
"...This book is easy to read and understand. And the fact that it is split up into smaller chapters makes it easier for me to follow...." Read more
Customers find the book easy to read and digest.
"...Not to be devoured in one shot, but to be digested with patience, passion, diligence and reflexion...." Read more
"...reading everything and putting together the big ideas in such a digestible format. The ideas are still pretty much in tact and worth pondering...." Read more
"A great book. Easy to read, easy to digest. Makes you think hard about the stuff that really matters in your life...." Read more
"...has the ability to take complicated information and make it digestible for the average person - like talking with a friend." Read more
Customers find the book divided into smaller chapters that make it easier to follow. They appreciate the summary and layout, with sections divided by a light blue page.
"...The chapters are THAT good and each are little diamonds even on their own." Read more
"...And the fact that it is split up into smaller chapters makes it easier for me to follow...." Read more
"...I did like the layout of the book, the different sections are divided by a light blue page and there is a series of quotations before each section...." Read more
"This is perfect! You get a sort & sweet summary of ......" Read more
Customers appreciate the author's personality and wisdom. They find it insightful and amazing.
"...Maybe it's just me, but Brian is a cool guy. This book is somewhat lightweight, but I like his footnotes and suggestions for further reading...." Read more
"Amazing and insightful Brian has captured the essence of greatness and the short chapters are full of clarity and wisdom...." Read more
"Lots of wisdom, Brian is amazing. Download and listen to his podcast as well. Thank you so much for all that you do!" Read more
Customers have different views on the humor. Some find it funny and applicable to life, while others find it cutesy, annoying, and insulting.
"...Condensed, informative, practical and funny at the same time. Check out Entheos website for a glimpse of what Brain and the team are doing...." Read more
"...The language in the book is cutesy, annoying and insulting...." Read more
"...The author is concise, funny and a living example of what he speaks about." Read more
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
- Reviewed in the United States on May 6, 2011This was probably the book I've been looking forward to the most this year! A month ago I FINALLY got a Kindle... which I've been dreaming about for a long time :) :) :)
And what was the first book I got? Yes, you guessed it. A Philosopher's Notes.
Why?
I learnt about Brian Johnson about a year ago. I've still never met him. I've still never talked to him. But through everything he does online, especially his cool down to earth videos from his home, his integrity and love for life and wisdom shines through in a way I have just never seen before.
So when I learned he would distill everything he knows into this book, in an almost revolutionary way I just knew that this was one I HAD to get. Right now I have the Kindle version (superb!) and the pdf version (which you can get on his website, where he's also giving you free videos with all chapters, I repeat ALL chapters, and other awesome stuff). This man is seriously living with the one goal of giving amazing value to the world! And that's why he's one of my biggest inspirations.
What you get:
If you want all the knowledge from the wisest people in the history of the world, but can't go time traveling, and don't want to pay more than $15 to get advice that is honestly worth more than $15,000 (at least!)... this book is for you.
If you have a busy life and for once would like a non-fiction book that doesn't try to use more words than necessary to get to the point and gives you the gold in a super fun, fast and easy read but STILL with lots of funny and fascinating stories with examples that you can easily relate to... this book is for you.
If you sometimes need some inspiration and a little boost in your life with whatever challenges you have and wish you could just take a book, turn to a page, read for 2 minutes and you would instantly feel good and optimistic again... this book is for you.
To be honest it might sound like I'm exaggerating. But I'm not. I honestly had to REALLY hold myself back in danger of sounding like I was paid to do this review :)
This book will change lives. It's constantly helping me stay on track to becoming the best version of myself. The question is... do you want to become the best version of you?
The one bad thing to say about this is that it makes life seem so simple and fun that you start regretting all the things you didn't do in the past... but on the good side that won't happen again.
- Christian Marxen
PS: I really mean every word from the bottom of my heart. So much that as the founder I've decided to include the YouTube videos of the very best chapters of this book in my latest project, Ray of the Day, which is the biggest free daily inspiration project ever. The chapters are THAT good and each are little diamonds even on their own.
- Reviewed in the United States on January 18, 2017I love books that are concise (I read this one in a couple hours) and actionable (there are a ton of pages earmarked for me to follow up with), and this one fits the bill perfectly. There are a ton of gems in this book in the areas of optimism, purpose, goals, action, energy, wisdom, courage and love. My one (minor) quibble with this book is that the author's style (lots of slang, CAPS, asterisks, etc.) was a bit distracting from the message of each topic.
- Reviewed in the United States on March 10, 2011A Philosophy Buffet.
(Total reading time 2-3 minutes)
Today on my quest to read fifty books in the year I finished reading number 8. A Philosophers Notes by Brian Johnson. The little book has almost two hundred pages packed with philosophy, self development and spiritual goodness. Don't be scared it is actually pretty easy to understand. The author uses a simple, current and conversational approach to make some pretty serious ideas understandable.
My favorite part of the book is that unlike many other books in the self development genre it is not overly preachy. Brian Johnson presents the reader with a buffet of ideas and take aways. You are free to pick and choose what you would like as appetizers, the main course and dessert. Yumo!
In life spirituality and religion sometimes collide. A Philosopher's notes shows us that living with Integrity, Blissipline, Gratitude, and a Positive Mindset is a cool thing to do.
The book is also packed with tons of inspiring quotes that on their own are seeds of wisdom.
Hear is a doggie bag of questions from the book to get you started.
Do you honor your commitments?
What do you want?
If you had all the time and money in the world what would you do?
What inspires you?
Besides the book, Brian Johnson also has a really cool website called-you guessed it Philosophersnotes.com . He takes us on a tour of 100 Self Development, Psychology, and Success classics. For a fair price you get 100 20-30 minute mp3s highlighting the major points and concepts of each book. Its the perfect way to absorb knowledge while out on a run or sitting in traffic. The mp3s are also an indispensable motivational tool for when you're having one of those days that just plan sucks.
Along with Leo Babauta's book The Power Of Less it is probably one of things I recommend to my friends most. I have actually had people return and thank me for the great resources each has to offer. Turn the TV off and dive in. There is an entire you out there waiting to be discovered.
On to book number nine.
Thats all I have to say.
Peter Weis
- Reviewed in the United States on January 9, 2014After seeing Brian Johnson on youtube I started looking into what he talked about a little more. This book is easy to read and understand. And the fact that it is split up into smaller chapters makes it easier for me to follow. Each chapter hits a point on the head and I enjoyed that as well. If you get the chance to pick this one up I would do it.
Top reviews from other countries
- MichaelReviewed in Germany on April 17, 2023
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Read Summarizing Powerful Ideas For A Fulfilled and Happy Life
I love that this book makes practical philosophy for a happy and fulfilled life accessible for literally everyone.
Nothing too abstract.
Nothing too complicated.
Nothing that is not read to apply.
Great read - highly reccomend it!
- Clément MoissardReviewed in France on September 9, 2021
3.0 out of 5 stars A door to other things. Quantity above depth.
Nice to get an introduction to other things. I see it as a fairly nice commented reading list.
The lack of apparent critical thinking is really sad though. We have, here, an author that obviously reads A LOT, and takes the time to organise what he learns. But what we do not see, is contradictions, comparing beyond "X reminds me of Y", or "X is the same as Y".
That's a real shame, because the author seems to be in an ideal position to do this; and it would be a more convincing way of showing that he is a "philosopher" than to simply act as if the ethimology of the word is something suprising for anyone who went to high school.
- ShirzadReviewed in India on September 8, 2018
5.0 out of 5 stars Thank you Brian, you are dynamite!
Words can't thank you enough. May the existence always guide you so that you can keep contributing to the world
- OtherWiseReviewed in Canada on August 18, 2015
5.0 out of 5 stars Save Time, Money, Space... Sanity!!
The greatest book if you are just starting your "awareness" journey... wanting some wisdom through a life change... or you feel lost and are trying to figure out what the he#% is wrong with you!! Written in a voice that will particularly appeal to young adults, really, its concise messages are for any age, any stage: start here and see what sparks - what gives you that visceral "eeks" as you read... then head to the PN youtube channel for a little more detail... then you'll be pretty confident in choosing relevant books for YOU for in-depth exploration or context. Trust me, you'll save a ton of time, money and space in your online or offline library! The book is really just one part of a complete resource, which is why I support it so much. Alongside youtube there are companion PDF's (on PN website) which are particularly useful for life coaches, mentors or anyone who is guiding or leading others in self/life exploration as it covers a lot of ageless classics and newer-age-destined-to-be classics. (PN e-newsletter is definitely one of the few I read daily!) Man I wish I had a resource like Optimal Living/PN 20 years ago instead of spending all that time sweating over which book to buy (... and then going back and doing it over and over and over again!!); and most of those have been tossed, this is a keeper! Only resource close has been "You've Got to Read This Book!" (J. Canfield/G. Hendricks), also great, however experiential rather than a reference book.
-
Ramiro J. Alvarez FernandezReviewed in Spain on September 24, 2015
1.0 out of 5 stars nada nuevo bajo el sol
Un cuaderno de notas que no deja de ser un refrito de distintos puntos de vista de autores que han creado "escuela" (aunque tales escuelas sean cuestionables en muchos de sus planteamientos).
En mi opinión, el libro ni es didáctico ni útil. No aporta nada y no merece la pena dedicarle un minuto de tiempo ni gastarse un céntimo en él.