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Refuting the External World
This piece of philosophy will guide you through every step of the way in dismantling the notion of the external world. It will effectively reveal and dispel any wrong-thinking surrounding this idea upon which all else stands. The purpose? To unburden you from all notions of ‘self’, allowing you to directly discover the raw, non-dual truth of Being.
This isn't the first work that tackles this subject. But others have left it at “we can’t really know whether there’s anything beyond our experience”, while I go all the way and say that we can know – and in this book I’ll show you exactly how and why this idea of an objective, physical universe of time and space beyond our perceptions is nothing but a figment of our imagination.
But it’s a book unlike all others on the contemporary non-dual awakening scene. You won’t find any ‘pointers’ in it. What you’ll find is stone cold logic hacking away at the very foundation of existence itself. And in its wake; when the dust finally settles; you’ll recognize that, not only were the words of the sages true all along, but they've gone from being a remote possibility to being the light and guiding principle of your life. What words?
"Consciousness is all."
This isn't the first work that tackles this subject. But others have left it at “we can’t really know whether there’s anything beyond our experience”, while I go all the way and say that we can know – and in this book I’ll show you exactly how and why this idea of an objective, physical universe of time and space beyond our perceptions is nothing but a figment of our imagination.
But it’s a book unlike all others on the contemporary non-dual awakening scene. You won’t find any ‘pointers’ in it. What you’ll find is stone cold logic hacking away at the very foundation of existence itself. And in its wake; when the dust finally settles; you’ll recognize that, not only were the words of the sages true all along, but they've gone from being a remote possibility to being the light and guiding principle of your life. What words?
"Consciousness is all."
- GenresPhilosophy
43 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 17, 2014
53 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
May 21, 2017
This is a good introduction to investigating direct experience and deconstructing objectivity. If this is your first read of this kind it might blow you away. Still, I feel there are better texts that focus on this line of non-dual inquiry. In particular, I recommend Berkeley's "Three Dialogues"--which this text resembles--and Greg Goode's "The Direct Path."
January 20, 2021
I enjoyed this short book, but it's flawed. Instead of "stone cold logic" you'll find an interesting argument here -- one familiar to anyone who took Philosophy 101 -- that subjectivity allows us no independent access to any kind of "objective world" at all. This recognition is as important now as it was in the 17th century when Bishop Berkeley wrote about it, and it underlies important insights in philosophy and physics from the last 120 years (Einstein, Schrodinger, etc). The author goes further and argues that the objective world doesn't exist in any way - that it's actually a logical impossibility - which is interesting, but the argument has flaws. It's also weak for lack of reference to any other related works of philosophy. But - it's breezily written and short, so you can get through it in an hour or two, and it does provoke interesting & important recognitions about the nature of subjectivity and selfhood.
August 28, 2020
This book contains a dialogue akin to Berkeley's three dialogues in its format, and it starts out with similar arguments to Berkeley in favour of idealism. Along the lines of his claims regarding the primacy of perception in our experience of the world, and the secondary nature of the objects of perception as always inferred entities, never directly encountered in experience. He moves on in later parts of the dialogue to the Kantian style arguments for idealism in relation to space and time. Suggesting that space and time are just constructed through the instruments with which we perceive things, an intuitional form of things, but never a representation of some other independent external things. The end point is the position that external space is shown to not exist and to be contradictory, and that indeed, even any notion of objectivity is an illusion.
My criticism on this last point would be that there is an equivocation and assumption that any notion of objectivity must depend on some external space time framework in which that objectivity can take place. Now, given people with perfect knowledge from their perceiving position, this may logically follow. But, in reality, as in the case of Leibniz' monads we all view things from different and limited and non-perfect perspectives. What this means is that from such a limited perspective there can always be things "beyond" our perception that we do not comprehend fully. And we can rightfully refer to this domain as in some sense objective. True it is not objective in a neutral sense of being an unchanging framework background. But, of course this has been rightfully rejected ever since the rejection of Newtonian absolute space. Nevertheless, it is objective in the sense that it reaches beyond our perspective. We can point towards something beyond our perspective, and we find patterns in it that we can trust upon as reliable and repeatable. We have to be careful to not commit this "beyond" to some specific modelling of that beyond, for such is an erroneous hypostatisation of our own models of reality, which is the error of external/absolute space, that this book is rightly critical of. But, nevertheless, we cannot close off our perception to that indeterminate beyond, because that is the source of new information to us about a real world. For me, this is the way to combine a key part of idealism, with a key part of realism, without getting stuck in materialist errors of ontological hypostatisations of our own models of reality fallaciously imagined to be "out there", and without getting trapped in our own subjective self-reflecting mirrors of reality in our perceptions, imagined to be either "in our heads", in the case of dualism, or nowhere at all and totally placeless and groundless in the case of a pure rational idealism, or "everywhere" in the case of a panpsychism style view.
I think it is critical to maintain our tenuous grip on the connection between self and reality by avoiding these trappings, as the tendency is ever present in our minds and brains as we become more engrained in our ways to become fixed and unchangeable in our outlook, either by a dogmatic belief in some thing out there, or a dogmatic belief in something in yourself. Life and evolving beings remain open to the information around them in some key ways and that is how life stays vibrant and alive in a more than merely mechanical way.
My criticism on this last point would be that there is an equivocation and assumption that any notion of objectivity must depend on some external space time framework in which that objectivity can take place. Now, given people with perfect knowledge from their perceiving position, this may logically follow. But, in reality, as in the case of Leibniz' monads we all view things from different and limited and non-perfect perspectives. What this means is that from such a limited perspective there can always be things "beyond" our perception that we do not comprehend fully. And we can rightfully refer to this domain as in some sense objective. True it is not objective in a neutral sense of being an unchanging framework background. But, of course this has been rightfully rejected ever since the rejection of Newtonian absolute space. Nevertheless, it is objective in the sense that it reaches beyond our perspective. We can point towards something beyond our perspective, and we find patterns in it that we can trust upon as reliable and repeatable. We have to be careful to not commit this "beyond" to some specific modelling of that beyond, for such is an erroneous hypostatisation of our own models of reality, which is the error of external/absolute space, that this book is rightly critical of. But, nevertheless, we cannot close off our perception to that indeterminate beyond, because that is the source of new information to us about a real world. For me, this is the way to combine a key part of idealism, with a key part of realism, without getting stuck in materialist errors of ontological hypostatisations of our own models of reality fallaciously imagined to be "out there", and without getting trapped in our own subjective self-reflecting mirrors of reality in our perceptions, imagined to be either "in our heads", in the case of dualism, or nowhere at all and totally placeless and groundless in the case of a pure rational idealism, or "everywhere" in the case of a panpsychism style view.
I think it is critical to maintain our tenuous grip on the connection between self and reality by avoiding these trappings, as the tendency is ever present in our minds and brains as we become more engrained in our ways to become fixed and unchangeable in our outlook, either by a dogmatic belief in some thing out there, or a dogmatic belief in something in yourself. Life and evolving beings remain open to the information around them in some key ways and that is how life stays vibrant and alive in a more than merely mechanical way.
October 3, 2022
A radical presentation of Idealism, but its assumptions lead to unconvincing conclusions.
Sceptics have questioned the existence of an external world for millennia. But the book goes further, and suggests that the very idea of an external world is contradictory (75%). Yet all it shows is that one interpretation of spatial relationships between things might be contradictory. As an argument directed against Newtonian absolute Space, it misses the obvious alternative model of relational space and time. That has been argued for at least 1000 years and it was at the heart of the Leibniz Clarke dispute of 300 years ago.
The book also questions everything… except the logic it uses to prove its case. If everything is subjectivity, then what about logic itself. But if logic is just a subjective projection, then an argument based on (the author’s) logic is irrelevant to proving anything about the external world. Indeed, the underlying assumption of his argument is the impossibility of contradictions. But if we can know nothing, then how can he know that? And if logic is a real constraint upon the author, then where does that constraint come from… could it be from an external reality that even the author must conform to?
Embeded in the argument is one model of epistemology. The book is essentially refuting an Internalist Foundationalist model of knowledge which assumes that knowledge must be certain. But what about Externalist models, and those who are willing to accept that they can have knowledge without knowing that they know? The book just ignores all those models, thus it proves what it claims is a general point, via a very narrow consideration of issues.
The format of a dialogue also illustrates another peculiarity. The book argues to the impossibility of an external world. But the fact of a dialogue shows that there are two ‘somethings’ otherwise it would be a monologue. Unless the author is going to claim that the dialogue is really a solipsistic dream of his own, then does not that duality imply that there is something external outside the author?
On a stylistic note, I didn’t see the need for the swearing in the text.
Overall, unconvincing and insufficiently aware of the vulnerabilities and limitations within the assumptions of the argumentation.
Sceptics have questioned the existence of an external world for millennia. But the book goes further, and suggests that the very idea of an external world is contradictory (75%). Yet all it shows is that one interpretation of spatial relationships between things might be contradictory. As an argument directed against Newtonian absolute Space, it misses the obvious alternative model of relational space and time. That has been argued for at least 1000 years and it was at the heart of the Leibniz Clarke dispute of 300 years ago.
The book also questions everything… except the logic it uses to prove its case. If everything is subjectivity, then what about logic itself. But if logic is just a subjective projection, then an argument based on (the author’s) logic is irrelevant to proving anything about the external world. Indeed, the underlying assumption of his argument is the impossibility of contradictions. But if we can know nothing, then how can he know that? And if logic is a real constraint upon the author, then where does that constraint come from… could it be from an external reality that even the author must conform to?
Embeded in the argument is one model of epistemology. The book is essentially refuting an Internalist Foundationalist model of knowledge which assumes that knowledge must be certain. But what about Externalist models, and those who are willing to accept that they can have knowledge without knowing that they know? The book just ignores all those models, thus it proves what it claims is a general point, via a very narrow consideration of issues.
The format of a dialogue also illustrates another peculiarity. The book argues to the impossibility of an external world. But the fact of a dialogue shows that there are two ‘somethings’ otherwise it would be a monologue. Unless the author is going to claim that the dialogue is really a solipsistic dream of his own, then does not that duality imply that there is something external outside the author?
On a stylistic note, I didn’t see the need for the swearing in the text.
Overall, unconvincing and insufficiently aware of the vulnerabilities and limitations within the assumptions of the argumentation.
October 23, 2018
A conversation between two people that unravels the nature of an external reality and how our perception creates reality based solely on our experience. The final realization is that nothing exists beyond our experience.
Another entry in the library of non-dual pointing books. Good logical flow that points out how we build out the perceptual error, and a way to see past it. Like all of these books, there is only the outcome "nothing exists" and no discussion beyond that. So what?
Cautiously recommend
Another entry in the library of non-dual pointing books. Good logical flow that points out how we build out the perceptual error, and a way to see past it. Like all of these books, there is only the outcome "nothing exists" and no discussion beyond that. So what?
Cautiously recommend
September 7, 2020
Objective reality doesn’t exist because 3D space is an illusion? The author needs to read some physics books. Someone better informed than I could easily discredit the false assumptions and faulty conclusions in this book. It’s not a complete waste of time, many points leading up to the end seem valid, but the ultimate conclusion is not as compelling or profound as the author hopes it to be.
January 30, 2021
Neti, Neti and Maya explained beautifully
This book has used logic to reveal what is an illusion or Maya of this outer world. It makes the seeker understand what is ignorance. And negating the falsity of experience out "there", has been most helpful for me in this path. There is more to IT, but it has to start with getting rid of false notions and projections of our waking world and dream world and finally our body and mind. I would highly recommend this book. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
This book has used logic to reveal what is an illusion or Maya of this outer world. It makes the seeker understand what is ignorance. And negating the falsity of experience out "there", has been most helpful for me in this path. There is more to IT, but it has to start with getting rid of false notions and projections of our waking world and dream world and finally our body and mind. I would highly recommend this book. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
September 20, 2022
Well written, concise and logical
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this read and found it thought provoking and concise. I would recommend this to anyone exploring the nature of consciousness and reality, you won't regret it. The author claims he can disprove an objective reality independent of awareness but i remain unconvinced this book delivers on his promise... I will be reading it for a third time!
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this read and found it thought provoking and concise. I would recommend this to anyone exploring the nature of consciousness and reality, you won't regret it. The author claims he can disprove an objective reality independent of awareness but i remain unconvinced this book delivers on his promise... I will be reading it for a third time!
March 12, 2025
Strangely unsatisfying …
This book by an author who claims to be enlightened does refute the external world? Having read it, do I claim to be enlightened? Not yet. Maybe not ever. It's not fair to expect more from a short, inexpensive book. What more do we want? If you want more drama, characters, epigrams and moral implications I suggest "Spiritual Enlightenment: The Damnedest Thing" by Jed McKenna.
This book by an author who claims to be enlightened does refute the external world? Having read it, do I claim to be enlightened? Not yet. Maybe not ever. It's not fair to expect more from a short, inexpensive book. What more do we want? If you want more drama, characters, epigrams and moral implications I suggest "Spiritual Enlightenment: The Damnedest Thing" by Jed McKenna.
November 18, 2018
Consciousness is All
A concise exposition of the primacy of consciousness that makes up Reality. Goran takes on a step by step deconstruction of the common consensual belief system of objective reality to the most direct perception of reality itself that is of the oneness or non-duality of consciousness and appearance or awareness and manifestation. Excellent!
A concise exposition of the primacy of consciousness that makes up Reality. Goran takes on a step by step deconstruction of the common consensual belief system of objective reality to the most direct perception of reality itself that is of the oneness or non-duality of consciousness and appearance or awareness and manifestation. Excellent!
January 21, 2021
A brilliant dismantling of ‘reality’
A book to sit alongside other Advaita classics such as On Having No Head, by Douglas Harding. Our usual thought processes are systematically broken down to reveal the truth of our experience. The world will never seem the same again after reading this book.
A book to sit alongside other Advaita classics such as On Having No Head, by Douglas Harding. Our usual thought processes are systematically broken down to reveal the truth of our experience. The world will never seem the same again after reading this book.
September 6, 2021
REFUTING THE EXTERNAL WORLD
I completed this book by taking sections to read and reread. Then reflection on the content & only continuing when I understood what the author was explaining.
It’s a short book but available here on Kindle Unlimited.
The book is an excellent piece of work.
I completed this book by taking sections to read and reread. Then reflection on the content & only continuing when I understood what the author was explaining.
It’s a short book but available here on Kindle Unlimited.
The book is an excellent piece of work.
March 4, 2023
Short but does a good job.
This is a short but concise look at the ideas and beliefs around reality, the world and how we experience external phenomena. It exposed a number of core assumptions and does so in a plain and easy to understand way. There are other paths the reader may take to extend this enquiry, but this ebook is a great start to Nondual type philosophy and inquiry.
This is a short but concise look at the ideas and beliefs around reality, the world and how we experience external phenomena. It exposed a number of core assumptions and does so in a plain and easy to understand way. There are other paths the reader may take to extend this enquiry, but this ebook is a great start to Nondual type philosophy and inquiry.
June 24, 2020
Excellent Direct Experience instruction
The author walk you through a thorough debunking of our limiting assumptions, using direct experience in an entertaining and effective way. Wonderful.
The author walk you through a thorough debunking of our limiting assumptions, using direct experience in an entertaining and effective way. Wonderful.
September 1, 2020
Good!
Very thought provoking. Well articulated. I liked the manner as presented as a conversation. Somewhat funky but worked. Will visit author’s site for further information. Thank you.
Very thought provoking. Well articulated. I liked the manner as presented as a conversation. Somewhat funky but worked. Will visit author’s site for further information. Thank you.
September 1, 2018
Reality
This book is very insightful. It logically gives definition to “what is,” in an unarguable way. It shows that many ideas are like a “square circle,” just empty words.
This book is very insightful. It logically gives definition to “what is,” in an unarguable way. It shows that many ideas are like a “square circle,” just empty words.
October 3, 2018
It's a relatively clear explanation of how there is no world out there. Yes, this is Matrix stuff.
March 31, 2021
Great
Love it. So happy that I use it and it works for me. Always reliable to read wherever I go.
Love it. So happy that I use it and it works for me. Always reliable to read wherever I go.
April 2, 2021
Read this book
April 19, 2022
Mustread for anyone who is into self enquiry. Explains a lot and gives solid point to start at.
September 28, 2024
Answers everything I've been wondering
Answers everything I've been asking myself in clear and certain terms. Now I need to contemplate the implications of this in my own life.
Answers everything I've been asking myself in clear and certain terms. Now I need to contemplate the implications of this in my own life.
January 28, 2022
The world will never seem the same again after reading this. This is the most significant book i ever read in my life.
Read
March 22, 2015авы
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews