The Human Element

by Brianna Wiest

IN HER SECOND COLLECTION of prose, Brianna Wiest explores the areas in which the physical and metaphysical meet. Her storytelling and poetic reflections are through-provoking, soul-stirring, and a simple guide for those on a journey of awakening to their innermost truths.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Audiobook, Philosophy, Spirituality, Psychology, Personal Growth

94 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 27, 2014

Reviews

[Quirine · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Being realistic only gets you the reality you have now”

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my “bibles”

I read this after having read “101 essays that will change the way you think” and thinking that nothing could be better than it. While this is written in a more existential tone, it provided me with the experience I was seeking. The author talks about the importance of keeping “bibles” (books that change you in a significant way) and this certainly did that for me.

[Ana Llop · Rating 1 out of 5]

Bueno... pues ya puedo decir que he terminado la lectura de esta COMPLETA MIERDA.

Lo primero de todo: ¿qué se mete la autora? Estoy segura de que está fumada permanentemente o en un viaje constante, desde luego su realidad y la mía no son ni medio parecidas.

Lo segundo: erratas. Mala corrección, ideas de mierda y frases de taza; superficial y vacío es el concepto con el que definiría su "opinión".
Y voy a decir "opinión" y no relato ni libro, porque para ella la parálisis del sueño es un viaje que flipas de un viaje del alma etc... señora: como consejo documéntese científicamente y, si no sabe de temas médicos, no toque temas médicos como si fuesen ciencia ficción. Ah, y NO, la parálisis del sueño no es la experiencia más cercana a la muerte, ni de lejos, así que ¿de qué estás hablando y con qué conocimiento de causa? Tampoco es "antinatural", pero tú a tu rollo.

Considero personalmente que relatos así pueden tocar mentes que estén un poco en la cuerda floja, con lo cual me reitero como siempre en que NO cualquiera debería escribir, debería ser necesario pasar un examen o algo antes de publicar, me ofende enormemente que cualquiera pueda escribir tremenda mierda no documentada de una opinión distorsionada y vender millones de ejemplares... hay poca regulación de algo que tiene importancia.

Lo siguiente: las contradicciones. Página 103: "porque el arte nunca trata de contarte una historia"... Página 104: "El buen arte (...) solo debe (...) cambiar una perspectiva o contar una historia". A ver, Sra: váyase a la mierda, hombre.

Ha tirado palabras tontas al azar para forrarse a costa de contar nada, una idea colgada que viene de la gran fumada con marihuana que parece se mete, y se ha quedado tan ancha.

Ofendida es poco, he tirado tiempo y dinero, encontré este libro por casualidad en una librería y me llamó un solo fragmento y, por ello, he perdido mi tiempo.

Si creéis que cualquier libro de esta tía va a ser una revelación de la verdad absoluta o un "abrir los ojos", si tenéis el libro en duda, aclaración personal: es una pérdida de tiempo y un timo.

[Amanda Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

To sum it up… what it means to be “human” …”the thing that resides in all of us that pushes against being constrained, that constantly nags at us and when it does we feel like something is wrong with us instead of asking the question why? Why this? Why anything? Why now?” Quick read, a reminder that we are not what others perceive us to be and that life as a human is much deeper than how we compare to our neighbor, but yet we spend so much time in that reality instead of the latter. Hunger for knowledge, wisdom, truth.

[Amanda McCann · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very basic, I’ve heard it over and over again this time it’s just a new author.

[Allegra De Borja · Rating 1 out of 5]

It seems as though the author is only paraphrasing “A New Earth” by Eckhart Tolle. Unoriginal.

[Book_withquotes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brianna Wiest’s second collection of prose is a deeply introspective exploration of the intersection between the physical and the metaphysical, offering readers a profound journey of self-discovery. Her writing, characterized by its concise yet emotionally charged style, resonates with a universal audience, transcending religious boundaries while drawing inspiration from philosophical traditions like Buddhism.

The book’s impact is evident in the passionate responses from readers who find Wiest’s work transformative. Many highlight the author’s ability to provide practical guidance on self-love and navigating life’s experiences, presented with a unique blend of wisdom and empathy. The collection is often compared favourably to her previous work, “101 Essays That Will Change the Way You Think,” with readers noting its equally profound impact. The emotional depth and relatability of Wiest’s prose create a powerful connection with readers, fostering a sense of shared experience and personal growth.

The book’s focus on self-discovery, emotional intelligence, and finding meaning in life’s experiences makes it a valuable resource for those seeking personal growth and a deeper understanding of themselves.

[Michelle Wilkin · Rating 3 out of 5]

‘Find that in the silence, and simply sitting, and cultivating that which you love you find a life that changes and heals you.’ - chapter 15…

I started this book open to its possibilities, I love a philosophical deep thinking read/listen. She went a little off topic in the first third and I was going to give this a 2 or 3 star but then she began to really speak to me as time went on, I moved to 4 stars (see above quote). However as someone recently bereaved by suicide (a brother) her account of witnessing someone end their life caught me completely off guard and felt completely unnecessary in this book. Moved this to 3 stars.

This isn’t a book to solve your problems. Seek an actual therapist if you have trauma to address or questions to uncover. This is simply a thought provoking read for those wishing to listen to their bodies, minds, and the universe a little more deeply.

[Albert Moreno · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow! There are so many things in this book that I completely disagree with! A lot comes from a personal experience and seems to be projected onto humanity! As though it were universal and fact, but it’s not! For if it was I too would relate to it! Also, a lot of it come off a bit neurotic and cynical! I know that my perspective is also subjective but why adapt one that doesn’t serve me to actually see the beauty of others. There was a great deal of self love but I believe it’s more than that! Idk it kind of left me feeling sour! 2.5

[Rhani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great loves are great for what they give long after they’re gone. Not for the egotistical human desire to keep them forever. The deepest, truest love you will experience in your life is not the love that lasts forever. It is not the love that warms you and keeps you without condition. The deepest, truest love you will ever know is the love that radically changes you. When your inner beings come together and by the very nature of their togetherness, the light they refract in and through one another exposes the unhealed parts, the parts you have to mend on your own.

[Pratibha Dixit · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished reading The Human Element, and it turned out to be one of those rare books that truly help you reflect inward, diving deep into your thoughts and soul. Although it wasn’t originally on my TBR, I’m so glad I picked it up. Having already read the author’s previous work, I was familiar with her writing style, which made this even more intriguing. In this book, she seamlessly weaves her real-life experiences with the intricate nuances of the mind, body, and soul. While reading, I couldn’t help but feel that this book serves as an advanced and evolved version of Life is Fair.

[Lucy B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first experience with Brianna Wiest, I read it because it was on Audible only and I am still trying to challenge my reading options.
I agree with someone who said they did not expect such depth...
Its a quick read 1.5 hrs, but I took my time to read it, she brought up a few things that needed to be thought of.
I am not really religious but still enjoyed this book... Might read another one of her books.
Her voice was nice and calming maybe even welcoming to the subject.

[Maddi Ketelaars · Rating 5 out of 5]

i wasn’t sure about this book at first but the writing style gripped me. i found myself needing to pause and reflect on the ideas that Wiest introduced in every paragraph. i think this is a beautiful book about understanding yourself as a dichotomy of mind and body.

A quote that sticks with me still now after reading: “i didn’t have to accept myself as i was, I had to accept myself as i wasn’t” (Ch. 12).

[Victoria Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet again, as this is the second book by author Brianna Wiest I have read, has left me open to myself, with so much love, kindness and wisdom. I am thankful to have stumbled across these readings as they ask the “right” questions for introspection and to spark perpetual growth. I know I will come back to these books again and again for guidance.

[Elisabeth Racz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Required Reading

Wow! Just wow! Brianna Wiest delivers a thought-provoking philosophy that resonated deeply with my own thoughts of late. She breathes words into ideas I only had an inkling of until now. If you want a life-affirming, encouraging treatise on the meaning of our existence, this is required reading.

[Janet Luke · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book slowly. Some of her writing pierces my heart and others just fly over my head. I’m looking forward to going back to rereading this book at different parts in my life and am really thankful it was gifted to me.

[Claire O'Sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not great - much preferred 101 essays.

[SkyP · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this book on audible and I can see myself going on long walks and re-listening to it again and again and probably always coming out the other side wiser.

[Kaitlyn Gertner · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quick and easy, but I didn't really like it.

[Chloe Rudasill · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3.5*

[pastaaaaaaaaa · Rating 4 out of 5]

i never had an interest for non fiction books but this woman THE BRIANNA WEST got me started into the world of non fiction books
absolutely loved this book and the concept

[Kate Sorg · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most enlightening book I’ve read. Just wow!!! Loved all of it.

[Ashton Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't believe I only found this now, so grateful though! Thankyou xxx

[Alizée · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read, would suggest taking it chapter by chapter to absorb and reflect. Loved it.

[chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

“If you want to know the second thing about you, look around you. If you want to know the first, figure out why those things are there.”

Chapters 9 and 15 especially resonated with me.

[Hadley Siena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the journal-like format of this book. Each chapter had a new topic that encouraged self reflection from the reader.

[Al · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting, thought provoking & mindful reflections.

[Roderic · Rating 4 out of 5]

weird a bit too new-agey, but she still has good things to say

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Brianna's writing technique.
Have ordered other books written by her.
This one is straight forward and hitting the nail on the head.

[Jose Antonio Alguacil · Rating 3 out of 5]

Me gustan algunas de sus reflexiones aunque a veces resultan melosas. En cualquier caso este es un libro que trata de hacerte sentir bien contigo mismo. Lo consigue.