Crazy Wisdom

by Wes "Scoop" Nisker

Take a wild and rickety ride through the philosophies of the East and West to discover the madmen, dreamers, and unconventional wisdom seekers in the abridged, better-than-ever version of our best-selling cult classic. ESSENTIAL CRAZY WISDOM delivers the most significant, most lunatic, and most compelling insights of the ages. Scoop Nisker patches together the unorthodox teachings that have bubbled up through the words of such crazy visionaries as Rumi, Gautama the Buddha, Mark Twain, Lao Tzu, Albert Einstein, Mahatma Gandhi, Allen Ginsberg, and Lily Tomlin. Discover the common thread in these multiple perspectives and travel on this comedic course to enlightenment!

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction, Zen, Spirituality, Psychology, Inspirational, Buddhism

240 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1998

Reviews

[Roger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my bible

[Liana · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a culmination of topics on philosophy, psychology, science, spirituality, art. It tied in historical theories and modern beliefs and ways of living.
I enjoyed how well of an overview it gave of many topics mentioned above and their evolution through time, highlighting the reality of the interconnectedness and overlap of many beliefs that try to make themselves distinct.
It was sometimes hard to follow the style of writing as many excerpts and quotes were integrated into paragraphs and sections in an obstructive manner.
But overall it was an enlightening read and a good reflection on the simplicity of many of life’s dramatized experiences.

[Chris Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

A unique view on philosophy ... Groups global ideas into 4 archtypes: The Clown / The Jester / The Trickster / The Fool. By using these examples "Scoop" shows the similarities between different belief systems even while discussing the different aspects of each role. Fun, Entertaining, and Educational. This edition is hard to find, you may need to check out The Essential Crazy Wisdom .... An excellent summary.

[Mercurymouth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny and informative.
Loving nature and the miracle of life on this planet never gets old.

(My jacket cover was different and better than the one pictured here. )

[Stanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is crazy and full of crazy wisdom. Another book you just have to leave out around the house or keep in your backpack. It can become a constant reference point for anyone who gets too confused and lost trying to understand all the Universe and life throw at them. A great collection of knowledge.

[Jess Dollar]

Borrowed this from my dad. It's a fun, entertaining look into the paradoxical, confusing, contradictory, ambiguous, ridiculous, and maddening world of wisdom traditions from the West and (mostly) East.
One of my favorite quotes that I also saw in this book, from Neils Bohr, and that sum up the theme of tre book pretty well is this:
The opposite of a great truth is also true.

[Benjamin Fasching-Gray · Rating 3 out of 5]

Synthesizing ideas from Daoism, Zen, Quantum Physics, Existentialism, Trickster stories, Rumi and other Sufis and dudes like Lenny Bruce into a readable post-hippie thing was a good idea, but I wish Nisker had gone a little deeper and hadn't been so obnoxious.

[Paul Kotheimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book.

[Arkadagy Saparshy · Rating 5 out of 5]

http://saparshy.blogspot.com/2012/11/...

[Romeo Stardust]

Outstanding.

[Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greta book, many perspectives on our existence and spirituality. Laced with humor and irreverence. Excellent for those considering an alternative way to be.

[Hannah Blakeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend this book to any seekers.

[Dr X · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would have enjoyed this book more had I discovered it earlier in life.

[Liesel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple and beautiful.

Very funny at times. Very educational.

[Alan Reynolds]

I read an edition published in 1990.