UPDATE: I put up a new video explaining more on PhilosophersNotes now that this blog post has blown past 2000+ comments. That’s amazing. Here’s the further update.
So recently my team at MindValley launched a product that is hands down, the most exciting product I’ve ever been involved with.
It’s basically a way for people to soak up the BIGGEST ideas, knowledge, and impact from the top 100 greatest personal development books EVER.
It’s called PhilosophersNotes.
I want you to watch this video below because in it, I’ll tell you how I’m giving away a hundred copies of this for FREE to any FinerMinds reader.
Click to Watch the 2 Min Video Below to Learn How to Get Your PhilosophersNotes for Free (100 Copies being Given Away).
No signup, no catch, no payment of shipping and handling. I’ll just be responding to the commenters directly.
How to participate:
All you have to do to take part in this challenge is comment below. Really, that’s it.
1) Just say why you want to be part of this and what you think you’ll get out of it.
2) Tell us which book you look forward to most (You can see the list of books here: PhilosophersNotes.com/notes).
The deadline for comments is December 29, 2009. You have to get your comment in by then to be considered for one of the 100 PhilosophersNotes.
The top 100 comments will get to take part in the challenge.
Now, here are the details on the 50 Days Challenge
If you are one of the 100 chosen, you will be given a new Note each day for 50 days, starting January 4th.
You’ll receive 50 notes. Each in the form of a 6 page PDF and a 20 min audio.
You will go through a process where you will absorb the biggest ideas from one great book in personal growth everyday. Just by reading a single PhilosophersNote. Your only commitment is to spend 20 minutes a day going through the Note.
I’ll be with you each step of the way. In fact, we’ll be setting up a community forum where all 100 participants can interact with each other and share their growth (more on that later).
Why the challenge:
The idea of this challenge is to see how much your sense of self, your life, your confidence, and your ability to create and imagine a more positive future for yourself is influenced when you’ve gone through 50 of the greatest books in personal growth via PhilsophersNotes (which is just half of the full product).
You will get the entire product, but the first 50 books you’ll go through will be picked and released on an day-by-day basis by me. So every day, I’ll send the “note of the day” to the group. We’ll study it in our free time and discuss it on the discussion page we’ll create.
Get commenting!
So if you’re ready to see some big changes in your life, drop a comment below. I can’t wait to read them and get to know you better throughout this challenge.
Here’s the page where you can see the list of books: PhilosophersNotes.com/notes
After December 29th, we’ll be picking the top 100 comments to take part in this challenge.
Dec 30th UPDATE: I put up a new video explaining more on PhilosophersNotes now that this blog post has blown past 2000+ comments. That’s amazing! Here’s the further update and behind the scenes view of PhilosophersNotes »
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This sounds too great. I’d love to be part of it too. I’m way up here in the north of Alberta Canada, although I did drive south to Calgary (8 hours) to see you (and a host of others) last Sept/Oct. You were awesome in person! Anyway, I’m particularly interested in the Power of Deliberate Intent. I feel drawn to this one. Great idea and really looking forward to it.
with the old year coming to a close i have reflected back over the year and have realised that if i could take all of what the masters have tried to teach us and use it the world around me would have been a much better place I believe it is all of our responsibility to share what we learn with those who are still sleep walking so no matter if i get chosen to be the one of the 100 or not I will do my best to try and convey what the masters have said and written may your new year be as great as your thoughts peace , love and laughter breath deep and fly high ~Terry~
Oh.….….…..I am a day late.….….……but I need to comment anyway. After 55 years, I have never made a “real New Years resolution.” I always wanted a New Years Resolution to make a difference to everyone I come in contact with. This would take a conscious, neverending and continuous, serious committment on my part. I am there now.
I just saw your generous offer when I least expected it most, but it was like a lightning bolt through my soul, I believe it can guide me to pay it forward, spread inspiration, help bring positive into peoples lives that have been beaten down by circumstances beyond their control. I know I’m late, but please consider how I would like to learn and then share your wisdom & inspiration to those that need it most.
My kindest Regards & Respect,
Karen
Dear Vishen
now i’d opened this page and surprised!!!!!!!!
its wonderful and i love your project, i want to be one of this community,
but i have a problem, i live in iran and cant pay u now, until i came abroad or find some one there to pay in my place,
plz solve it for me, becuase your email was that light for me which i was waiting for it along time since now
by the way im teacher of autistic children and i think that i was born for counseling,
and also i’d read jose silva books and american monk’s lessons also.
thanks
im waiting for your reply
with the bast wishes
and happy new year
Ida
I was surprised to see that I have read many of the works in the list. However, there are many that I have not yet read. Even though I am not what one would consider a wealthy or priviledged person, I have been very fortunate in my life. Everything always seems to work out for me, even though I have experienced major loss and trauma. I believe this is so because I have had the support of others wisdom in both present time and in the past. I am slways amazed by how a few words can be the key to peace and appreciation of life. I credit my mother for supporting the growth of and open and inquiring mind and hopefully, my children feel the same. Keep up the good work.
Hmm, Interesting!! The timing is quite astonishing also, as there are a couple of projects I am working on at present which reflect this very initiative. I personally feel that the past 5 years have loosened the shackeles of humanity, towards a mental freedom which brings us back to the spnge-like openness of a child, also enabling our ability to simplify vast concepts and understand them on a deeper holistic scale.
I reckon that I would gain much from this course, including a scratch of my curiosity itch. A part of one of my projects is the art of phylosophy and the art of debate, which I am coming to the rapid conclusion are forgotten arts in mainstream contemporary society, so this would possibly be a fantastic opportunity to set a base/foundation for the social exploration of these arts within the context of an art and soul, holistic expansion project. Time of course will unveil it’s truths.
It is very difficult to say which book I’d be most excited to read as even the ones which I have already read would become a different perspective from the first time.…I think that may be most exciting of all!
I commend you on the infinite angle of this project and look forward to the possibilities brought to light, shared and discussed.
Finest regards
Corina Thornton
Dear Vishen and Brian,
I am so ready for the Philosophersnotes challenge!!! This is so amazing, I too have piles of books by my bedside on my selves and at work. I skim through trying to find the heart, the gold of what the teacher/author what’s to share. I am a director for an Native Indian Healing centre and also work as a Healing practitioners. After many years of dealing with a physical disease, much pain, trauma and hopelessness involved I began a very deep healing process within myself. It is Soul work and today I am healthy and helping others wake up to love and healing power of the Creator and the universe.
cont’ …There is too much pain and suffering in our world and the best way to start contributing to the healing, is by doing your own personal/spiritual development. The Hopi Elders said “We are the ones we have been waitting for” so let’s do this people.…I am also a mother and always seeking for new teachings and understanding that will help me, my family and all those i care for in my community. I seems I have so little time for reading yet feel I don’t want to miss all the good that is being shared. Please consider me for the free challenge and I will make the best use of it and participate deeply. Thank you — Huy chexw a — Mahalo! All My Relations we are all related…Janice
This is my 3rd post — I am so excited and realized i didn’t speak to the books I am most eager to get into. Very hard questions as the collection is amazing! To start I interested in both modern and old school classics and everything in between. Can’t wait for Rumi,Osho,Confucius,Krishna Murti,The Bhagavad Gita,Carlos Castenada, Think rich-grow rich. Some others, Joseph Campbell, The big leap,the places that scare you, Brian Tracey, the gifted adult, Spiritual economics, six pillars of self esteem and much more. Hope that helps, I know the list is long. Have a wonderful day!
I really appreciate what you are doing for the humanity God bless both of you and keep up the good work
I’d love to be a part of this!!
A mind, like a sponge, needs something to absorb.
The dross of the world … or the wisdom of the ages?
Fill me up, Scotty.
As you said in your video we probably all like reading books. “We” meaning us, people, who subscribed to receving your mails. I have always been a zealous reader .Well, I think that that “always” and “never” do not exist and so there were times when I didn’t have a book in my hands for months. Job, children, family, tiredness. And I have hundreds and hundreds of books at my hoem and, honestly I haven’t read all of them from cover to cover. Some I didn’t like too much, some where too “epic” in their lenght and for some of them I just couldn’t find enough time to read.
Now at the age of 57 when my children have grown up and when I am preparing to retire I would like to spend more time with books to catch up and to go on growing.. Although, we can never catch up with the books we would like to read or should have read.
The other reason why I would like to have the Philosopher’s Notes is even more simple. I would like to find out more about the meaning of life and our purpose, here and now and then, after.
I am not sure which of these numerous titles I would like to read first, but I am surely interested in mindset, deliberate intent, health, relationships. I think that these are the ways to improve our world: if we improve ourselves it has to have an impact on the whole univese.
I also have to say that I am grateful for your constant trying to make the world a better place to live in.
As you said in your video we probably all like reading books. “We” meaning us, people, who subscribed to receving your mails. I have always been a zealous reader .Well, I think that that “always” and “never” do not exist and so there were times when I didn’t have a book in my hands for months. Job, children, family, tiredness. And I have hundreds and hundreds of books at my hoem and, honestly I haven’t read all of them from cover to cover. Some I didn’t like too much, some where too “epic” in their lenght and for some of them I just couldn’t find enough time to read.
I have 100’s of books, meditation tapes, video’s, and on and on. I cannot possibly read, listen or watch all of those. I have been trying to figure out which one’s would be the best to try to absorb first to no avail. I figure I will be buried with all these as my kids won’t know what to do with all of it! They know how much all this means to me, but I also know that I am looking for that ‘knowledge’ and ‘truth’ and I simply don’t know where to even begin. I have been watching your short videos and enjoy each one. This last one started out really funny. I had to laugh. I don’t think people were really bored, I think that we all have something in common; looking for answers. Wanting to know our true purpose as this world is getting more and more messed up and we want to find out what we are supposed to be doing to not only help ourselves and our loved one’s, but to help others. That is to me our purpose. Now.. if only I knew how to go about doing this. I guess that’s one for the books!
I am very interested in your study. Because my life has been all down hill in 2009. No improvement in any area of my life. So with out a doubt I could use the info. to help me improve my life for the coming year. Things that Ive read and listened to has helped me.
Thank You very much for all of your free info. believe me It has helped.
carmelita
hi I hope this tiime I am in. I will love to be a part of this program I am comfident I will be chosen . Thank you and may God bless you always
I would love to be part of this experience. I was introduced to personal development back in the 80’s with Louis Hays and cannot tell you how many books I have that I have not had time to read. What I also expecially love is that b/c it is condenced, I will be able to “catch up” on the latest and greatest magerial. I wish they taught stuff like this in school. As an elementary teacher, I am able to incorporate many of the ideas and philosophies with my kids. Parents just aren’t as available to talk and really know what their kids are going through. By developing myself, I am able to connect and share with my students that things aren’t so bad, that life really is fair, that what you give out is what you get back, that they are the masters of their life, etc. etc.
I would be honored to be picked for this amazing journey!
This is a great idea. I have read many of the books in the list and have made my own notes on the majority of them too. I have also attended workshops (e.g. some of Tony Robbins’). The challenge for me has been in regularly and consistently acting on the key ideas. As such for me obtaining more ideas and getting exposure in a fast and convenient way to books that I have not yet read would only be a SECONDARY benefit. I guess what I would be looking forward to most (if chosen) in the exercise is to use the discussions that follow amongst the group in order to achieve a higher rate of consistently APPLYING the key ideas.
challenge the life
I think this program is AWESOME! The opportunity to listen and read from these books of wisdom is a great.
This would truly be an honor and self enlightening to be one of the lucky individuals to be chosen to recieve such a gift. One can only pray that one is picked. I would be humbled and honored to be such an individual.
Hi Vishen,
I feel like I have been blessed. Just when I am contemplating resolutions for the New Year, I am sent this link of your genius program. Due to internet connection difficulties, i was unable to send it earlier — I am being given another chance. I have read many of these books (New Earth, the power of Now, Spiritual Laws, the science of being and so on) and am still in the process of reading. I was just thinking of how to combine and put all these learning into practical life and be the power that I am meant to be and serve my purpose and the community. Now I think the answer has come and would be most appreciated at a critical and traumatic point of time in my life currently.
I intend to be one of the ‘lucky 100,’ to be blessed with this program and wish everyone will benefit.
Thank you and a joyous and prosperous 2010 to you.
Sorry I missed the challenge. Procrastination and my poor follow through are two of the reasons I would have benefited from the program. My positive attitude and constant state of gratitude are two of the characteristics that would have helped me benefit from the program. Finally, my family and friends are just two of the groups of people who would have been impacted by the change brought about by Philosophers Notes.
I too, like many others here love reading and have collected over the years a treasure of texts that I have not been able to either read fully or converse with others about. I love the idea of revisiting some old favourites and hearing them again with fresh eyes and a clear mind, contemplating what they can mean for me now. I am currently rereading the alchemist, each time I dip into this book I take away something new, something that resounds with me now. I would love to be part of this programme, but realise that I have let the date lapse, if there is any other way to participate I would greatly appreciate finding out. I will now go back and finish the last 30 odd ages of this classic text and ponder as this new decade emerges…
Vishen,
this is indeed a powerful challenge! I don’t own an mp3 but I guess that should not be a problem, right? Jan 11 is also my birthday ! so this challenge that you present to us of 50 books in fifty days is just awesome…more so for someone recovering from a serious illness. There is a sense of spiritual renewal in your offer that is so very attractive. Your enthusiasm is contagious. May you be blessed. Thanks.
Hello it is sunny here in Virgin Gorda in the BVI where I live. I posted a comment wanting to participate in the challenge however do not see it here. Would love to learn and grow with 100 like minded individuals. Have read many of the books however cannot say I have a favorite. I learn something that encourages me to take another step forward in each and every one!
Love the ideas of this bravo.…thank you for choosing me to be a part of the 100 community. Makes my wee island here a whole lot bigger!
Sincerely
LaLonnie
I have posted a comment 3 days ago but I could not see it. So, I am trying to post it again because I am eager to be one of those reading PN as I am always ready to improve myself anytime anywhere. Thanks.
Sounds like a great concept. I usually spend 5–8 hrs daily reading and I am always writing notes in my books. I am alway trying to identify others that did the same. I look forward to reading Brian’s notes and thoughts and seeing where this goes.
wow! 5–8 hours a day reading?!? that’s amazing!
interested to know more about this thank you
I thought I’d give this a go. to help open my mind to creative possibilities as an artist and make my dreams come true in 2010. Happy New year.
THis sounds awsome! Id like to see this in an audio format.…MP3 summary of all the best? Im the kind that wont actual READ much, but will listen on my drive into office?
i vote yes!
If i were to pick one single purpose for our existence, I’d, undoubtedly, choose seeking knowledge about all sorts of things that have always puzzled me and I always sought real intelligent answers for that satisfy my demanding mind.
Knowing and understanding reasons and meanings of things beyond the surface of things has been a passion of mine, and a challenge to my mind and intellect, and what you offer and provide is a precious opportunity for more beautiful knowledge.
Thank you for the opportunity and Keep up the good work. God knows the world needs more people like you who care and appreciate the mind and knowledge.
I noticed that you chose the Eknath Easwaran translation of the Bhavagad Gita. It is my new favorite translation also. I was wondering why and how you came to choose this translation for your reading list and would love to see what the commentary you provide delivers. It has been my favorite book of 2009 and continues to inspire and uplift.
Namaste
i don’t remember how i found eknath but i LOVE him! also used his translation of the dhammapada and enjoyed a lot of other wisdom from him. such an amazing human being, eh?!?
The Power of Intention by Wayne Dyer is the book that resonates the most with me. I’ve watched his specials on PBS and his methods come across as down-to-earth with achieveable actions. His philosophy is universal and easy to understand. Gaining wisdom from authors who have experiences gives me a way to refuel my aim and spirit.
Vishen,
I would love to be a part of this project. I have read about 1/4 of the books listed over the years, but always wish I had more time to study and re-read them again. I seem to looking at newer books and forget some of the older one’s , esp. some of Deepak’s work. I am usually trying to reading into some of the new books dealing with how the older myths are relative to today’s world and working on my meditation — when time permits. I would greatly enjoy this project if picked. Thanks for the opportunity. Mike
Darn! Missed the deadline. Thanks a lot, Christmas!
I think that PN is a cool idea — busy people (like I obviously am!) don’t have the time to plow through all the material we need to to keep on top of business and social ideas.
Congrats to all the winners of this challenge! I am jealous of the bounty.
hi.
I’m excited to check this!
Hello Vishen
My name is Patricia, I am responding to you in the hopes to stranthen every objeckt of my beeing. All of this is new to me and I feel that I need to develop more spiritual. My Live has been on a hold seens 2002, and I need to get out of this hole i’m stuck in. So I want Positive soroundings from now on in my Life. If you choose me for this program, you will have helpt a lost soul. Thank you for giving this chance to the ones that need it. May youre Live be a Bliss of posotiveaty Your’s Patty
Greetings! This is a wonderful and necessary work that is happening here. Thank you.
I purchased the book but was informed by your staff that it wasn’t showing in your records. I sent the requested information but have yet to hear back from you. I am so excited to get started and until I hear from you I cannot login. I hope you read this comment and get back with me soon. Thank you again and keep doing what you do!
Vishen
Thanks for your great offer. I particularly like your idea of brainstorming and learning from you and my peers. Certainly will have a more finer mind after 50 days.
I am a corporate trainer and am always reading. I have books on audio and many hard cover and can’t seem to get to everything. I read at least 3 books a week and love the idea of a summary of ideas. This information is invaluable and I need to stay on top of it., I thank you for this network. Although I am late, I hope you consider my entry. As a trainer, I touch many people. I am also a public speaker who adores these writers and must stay on top of all their writings. Thank you and Happy 2010.,
Wow, what a response you have received for this Exclusive offer!
I am far from the 100th person on the list — so pretty unlikely that I will be entered into this — However I was always taught “If you don’t ask, you don’t get” and beside which what is the worst thing I may be told? “Sorry not this time?”
Reading so many snippets of some of the worlds most forward thinking authors can only create personal growth and a much better planet to be living in.
I am asking if I may still be considered for the offer — If I am chosen then I will also shout about this great resource everyday for the duration of the 50 Days!
I wish you, your readers and in fact anyone who’s lives are enriched as a part of participating in this Challenge all the very best!
I just wonder when will people realise just how much growth they will have over the next 50 days if they truly commit to this “Challenge!”
So my last ask — Am I in?
All the best
Jace
Hi, Sorry, I was out of town for the holiday, and just got your email about the challenge.… I would LOVE to participate if you still have room! I try to read lots of these success type books, but am so busy, it takes me ages just to get through one! This is such an awesome idea, and I would love to try it out.
The ones I am most excited about are Happy for No Reason, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, and Think & Grow Rich (I’ve meant to read that one for years!).
Thanks so much for the great concept!
Dr. Knab,
Your mention that Time being a most precious resource is most on the mark. Use of the finite time which has been bestowed upon us in the most productive avenues is most important as well. The rate of our knowledge and awareness of the world and resources around us is also increasing at a remarkable rate. The accesses we have to most any topic in our realm of consciousness is expanding as well. The main contention is not so much the access to he multitudes of books on most every topic conceived but rather the consciousness of the energy that flows in the Universe and around us which so connects us to the nature and being of the Universe. From the awareness of the universal energy which flows as a form of a flux, the secrets of the basic nature of the universe we will become aware of the ultimate secret of the Universe, understanding and flowing with the supreme energy. The extraction from the books and teachings should culminate in the awareness of the nature’s beauty and power. To flow with that energy brings us peace harmony and contentment.
Myk
Vishen
Great post. I’m looking forward to being a segment of this newly formed community. This will take a bit more time to review the multitude of comments and study materials, however the payback and satisfaction is immense.
Myk.
One word: ” AMAZING” I am so HAPPY and GRATEFUL that I happened upon this !!!
I know I am a month late but I would love to apply for this program. I volunteer with an after school mentoring inner city program. I am putting together a program called Power of You. Your notes would be a tremendous resource. It would help to make a difference in the lives of these kids. My favorite book is The Science of Being Great by Wallace Wattles. I have been using the principles recommended by him. They are working with the kids. If it is too late, please let me know if it opens up again. Benjamin Disraeli said, “Nurture your mind with great thoughts.” That is what your notes will do. Thank you for reaching out to make a difference…Geeta
p.s. “No one can whistle a symphony.
It takes a whole orchestra to play it.” ~H.E. Luccock
“Life is an exciting business and most exciting when lived for others.…..Helen Keller
“WE MAKE OUR LIVING BY WHAT WE GET,
BUT WE MAKE OUR LIFE BY WHAT WE GIVE!”
My dear fellowman,
You cannot solve a “problem” at the level of consciousness that the problem was created. The permanent solution is not more knowledge; it is a shift of consiousness at a higher level (the so called spirituall level). At this level it becommes obvious that our thoughts and emotions is what restrict us of becoming aware of our higher level of consiousness. How can you acheive that? You can find the answer in the book by E. Tolle “A New Earth”.
Good luck towards your enlightment.
I’m really looking forward to the notes on “Happy For No Reason” by Marci Shimoff. I’ve been seeing her name a lot lately and the title just grabs me.