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Life on Earth: Understanding Who We Are, How We Got Here, and What May Lie Ahead
· What’s happening in the world lately? · How can I be happy when so many are not? · Is life about following your heart or taking what’s served to you? · Who were the prophets, what areangels, and what happens when we die? · What happened to our ancient civilizations, do secret societies have any real secrets, and are aliens now visiting us? · What’s real? What matters? Who says? Who cares? · How do we know or find our purpose?Many of us ask ourselves these questions, and many more, as we go through our days and try to make sense of our lives. Mike Dooley asks them too, except . . . his questions get answered. Wisely. Compassionately. Fully. One such answer explained its source, stating that we all have a higher self within that predates this life and will live beyond it, and thus it knows a whole lot more than we do about where we’ve been, why we’re here, and what will likely happen next on planet Earth.Life on Earth takes the form of a journal in which Mike asks what’s on his mind during pivotal times in his life. As one of today’s most respected New Thought leaders and reality theorists, he offers a lofty platform for this wide-ranging dialogue that powerfully expands our perspectives on essential truths, taking on topics such · Why and how to see through the “illusions” of life on earth· How to make sense of natural disasters and man-made tragedies· Living deliberately, creating consciously, and finding your power· Wealth, relationships, “past lives,” and the evolution of consciousness· The ultimate reason for life on earth (it’s shockingly simple)These are questions asked from the heart with a cautious, even suspicious, mind. Mike explores the subtleties of the replies in depth and detail using his trademark wit and realism, in this intrepid explorer’s guide to the jungles of time and space.
225 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 6, 2016
201 people are currently reading
405 people want to read
About the author
Mike Dooley
109 books414 followersMike Dooley is a former PriceWaterhouseCoopers international tax consultant, turned entrepreneur, who's founded a philosophical Adventurers Club on the Internet that's now home to over 350,000 members from over 189 countries. His inspirational books have been published in 23 languages and he was one of the featured teachers in the international phenomenon, The Secret. Today Mike is perhaps best known for his Notes from the Universe emailings and his New York Times bestseller Infinite Possibilities: The Art of Living Your Dreams. Mike lives what he teaches, traveling internationally speaking on life, dreams, happiness.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
December 5, 2016
Nothing could be easier than living in a world where your thoughts become things…as long as you know what all of your 60,000 thoughts per day are, none are in contradiction, and the beliefs that give rise to those thoughts are empowering, abundant, and preferably rooted in the Truths of Being.
I do not envy Mike Dooley’s challenge here. Not only is Life On Earth a book that dares to answer some of the biggest questions known to man, it also attempts to put into words a construct of ideas that Dooley himself says is too big for our imaginations to handle.
In the book’s introduction, Dooley claims that the answers to these questions come to him whenever he puts them to the powers that be. The answers don’t always come quick, but they do come eventually.
The sceptic within us all will immediately scream out to avoid this book like the plague. However, anyone who has ever read extensively will recognise this feeling. They will recall moments where certain ideas or hidden clues appeared in books or the world around them to create a profound sense of interconnectedness. For example, after reading Dooley’s opinions on time and space, I was surprised to encounter a similar theme in my next random read, Haruki Murakami’s Hear The Wind Sing.
Dooley opens the book with the ideal that all of us come from a single god-like entity and that ions ago we made the decision to choose a mortal live (or lives!) on planet earth. This decision came from the boredom of being all things all of the time and thusly lacking a purpose. This theory put me in mind of Brad Pitt’s quote as Achilles in the infamous film Troy:
“The gods envy us. They envy us because we’re mortal, because any moment may be our last. Everything is more beautiful because we’re doomed. You will never be lovelier than you are now. We will never be here again.”
This ‘choice’ to be mortal leads us into the theory of manifestation or thoughts becoming things. Dooley points out that everything good and bad around us has appeared due to our thoughts. Dooley argues that everything including the objects around us to natural disasters and even situations of criminal abuse have arisen due to this infinite stream of consciousness that each of us have. Some of these ideas, the average reader will find hard to digest easily.
The author does modestly admit that these are ‘huge ideas’ and that it is impossible for us to know all things. He does stress though that it is possible for all of us to know enough to succeed and achieve ‘happiness as life’s ultimate end result’. It is our innate sense of ‘incompleteness’ that drives us towards reaching a point where we are whole again, just like we were in the beginning when we were god-like beings. Confused yet? It gets deeper.
We try to achieve this while constantly battling the constant ‘illusions’ of time and matter. While in many ways these illusions distract us, they also often encourage us to go on adventures or journeys towards massive spiritual growth.
‘Time just marks where you think you are in the creation of your present space. Matter isn’t real, it just shows you what you’ve been thinking.’
What I liked most about this book was an important clarification that the author made about manifestation. He stated that thoughts don’t always become things without action. Sounds obvious, but a whole generation got slightly confused on this point when reading Rhonda Byrne’s The Secret a couple of years ago and this important part of the message was lost. Interestingly, Dooley was involved in that book too and here he seems to go to great lengths to remind us of the importance of getting out in the world and putting ourselves about. Our thoughts and beliefs are only the start of the journey. Dooley likens the journey to setting a GPS to a final destination, knowing that you’ll get there and also being ready to accept any potential detours or breakdowns as part of the route.
Accept where you are today. Be present. Have your dreams, but also master whatever’s before you in the here and now.
Life On Earth isn’t all theory, Dooley does make an effort to include some practical tips and guidelines. Highlights include some clear and concise visualisation tips, ‘twenty-one steps for opening the floodgates of abundance’ and ‘the miraculous mechanics of manifestation.’ These are easy to follow and inspiring in their simplicity. After reading this book, one can only agree with Dooley’s sentiment that:
If one’s mind-set were to really, deeply change, they would automatically be taking action, new action, on their dreams.
I do not envy Mike Dooley’s challenge here. Not only is Life On Earth a book that dares to answer some of the biggest questions known to man, it also attempts to put into words a construct of ideas that Dooley himself says is too big for our imaginations to handle.
In the book’s introduction, Dooley claims that the answers to these questions come to him whenever he puts them to the powers that be. The answers don’t always come quick, but they do come eventually.
The sceptic within us all will immediately scream out to avoid this book like the plague. However, anyone who has ever read extensively will recognise this feeling. They will recall moments where certain ideas or hidden clues appeared in books or the world around them to create a profound sense of interconnectedness. For example, after reading Dooley’s opinions on time and space, I was surprised to encounter a similar theme in my next random read, Haruki Murakami’s Hear The Wind Sing.
Dooley opens the book with the ideal that all of us come from a single god-like entity and that ions ago we made the decision to choose a mortal live (or lives!) on planet earth. This decision came from the boredom of being all things all of the time and thusly lacking a purpose. This theory put me in mind of Brad Pitt’s quote as Achilles in the infamous film Troy:
“The gods envy us. They envy us because we’re mortal, because any moment may be our last. Everything is more beautiful because we’re doomed. You will never be lovelier than you are now. We will never be here again.”
This ‘choice’ to be mortal leads us into the theory of manifestation or thoughts becoming things. Dooley points out that everything good and bad around us has appeared due to our thoughts. Dooley argues that everything including the objects around us to natural disasters and even situations of criminal abuse have arisen due to this infinite stream of consciousness that each of us have. Some of these ideas, the average reader will find hard to digest easily.
The author does modestly admit that these are ‘huge ideas’ and that it is impossible for us to know all things. He does stress though that it is possible for all of us to know enough to succeed and achieve ‘happiness as life’s ultimate end result’. It is our innate sense of ‘incompleteness’ that drives us towards reaching a point where we are whole again, just like we were in the beginning when we were god-like beings. Confused yet? It gets deeper.
We try to achieve this while constantly battling the constant ‘illusions’ of time and matter. While in many ways these illusions distract us, they also often encourage us to go on adventures or journeys towards massive spiritual growth.
‘Time just marks where you think you are in the creation of your present space. Matter isn’t real, it just shows you what you’ve been thinking.’
What I liked most about this book was an important clarification that the author made about manifestation. He stated that thoughts don’t always become things without action. Sounds obvious, but a whole generation got slightly confused on this point when reading Rhonda Byrne’s The Secret a couple of years ago and this important part of the message was lost. Interestingly, Dooley was involved in that book too and here he seems to go to great lengths to remind us of the importance of getting out in the world and putting ourselves about. Our thoughts and beliefs are only the start of the journey. Dooley likens the journey to setting a GPS to a final destination, knowing that you’ll get there and also being ready to accept any potential detours or breakdowns as part of the route.
Accept where you are today. Be present. Have your dreams, but also master whatever’s before you in the here and now.
Life On Earth isn’t all theory, Dooley does make an effort to include some practical tips and guidelines. Highlights include some clear and concise visualisation tips, ‘twenty-one steps for opening the floodgates of abundance’ and ‘the miraculous mechanics of manifestation.’ These are easy to follow and inspiring in their simplicity. After reading this book, one can only agree with Dooley’s sentiment that:
If one’s mind-set were to really, deeply change, they would automatically be taking action, new action, on their dreams.
February 4, 2017
More like 1.5 stars. Dooley's over exuberance about "thoughts become things" went on and on. It got annoying and I found myself skimming over the book than really reading it. While I believe that if I really want something that I have to put my mind, body, and soul into it, I don't buy into "The Secret" type mentality. I think it sets most people up for a mental disaster and heartache if something goes awry in their journey and starts blaming themselves for things that might not be in their control. Navigating thru things out of our control is part of life. Shit happens. Not all of it is my fault. The best I can do is monitor my reaction to circumstances.
October 11, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. It’s not for everyone—it’s basically a personal development book with the premise of the author answering questions about the meaning of life. Basically he posits that it’s an imaginary game. What can I say?—that’s apparently something I love to read about. With that in mind, he encourages readers to maximize their engagement with people, love, joy and their own potential for success however they define it. One funny thing is—I’ve read a lot of occult books at this point and it always excites me how similar self help and the occult are. They’re often about using your will and power to affect change in your life and the world. So reassuring and inspiring!
January 14, 2017
Life changing
I absolutely loved every page! It was easy to follow in!like other spiritual books I have read and truly opened my eyes to my inner power. Must read for anyone who wants to change their life!
I absolutely loved every page! It was easy to follow in!like other spiritual books I have read and truly opened my eyes to my inner power. Must read for anyone who wants to change their life!
September 22, 2017
Made me see things from a different perspective. Kind of a "don't sweat the small stuff - it's all small stuff" image.
April 10, 2018
I tried to read this book but found it to be mostly disorganized gibberish... repetitive, self contradictory, non-rational, and chaotic. It is a compilation of journal entries over 35 years where the author asked a question of his journal and waits for the universe to provide an answer based on his higher intelligence providing a source of wisdom that he writes down in his journal. It may take years to see the truth of this revelation, or he may need another lifetime to learn more.
At the end of the book, he states that he has no idea what will happen after our life on earth except that: 'we will choose where to go, we will have fun, we will be challenged to learn, there will be a pursuit of joy, and we will be ‘in love’'. How he knows these things is not indicated. The authors wisdom tells him that you choose the time and circumstances in which to be born, your illnesses, etc according to what you need to learn and experience.
How does he know this? In wars over half of the casualties are non-combatants, in natural disasters-floods, wildfires, earthquakes, tsunamis-millions of people suffer and die. I see no evidence that people choose to have these experiences before they are born. A child under the age of 5 dies of malaria every 30 minutes. Why would they choose this experience before they are born? What purpose or learning experience does it provide the dying child...raging fevers and chills, convulsions, blindness, excruciating headaches, anemia, enlarged spleen...3 days of agony followed by death.
There is not a jot of evidence put forth for any of this, and he seems to brush this concern aside with his belief that whatever he thinks is true because it is derived from his ‘higher intelligence’ and divine inspiration. This circular reasoning seems to satisfy many of his readers, but it left me unconvinced and irritated. He notes in his epilogue that after 35 years of this he no longer does journaling. He still asks question and the answers appear. They go into his computer now and there is a large market for this genre of books. A former tax accountant has struck gold for himself and his readers mining the perceived wisdom of his thoughts and offering to help others do the same. I wish them well, and remain a skeptic.
At the end of the book, he states that he has no idea what will happen after our life on earth except that: 'we will choose where to go, we will have fun, we will be challenged to learn, there will be a pursuit of joy, and we will be ‘in love’'. How he knows these things is not indicated. The authors wisdom tells him that you choose the time and circumstances in which to be born, your illnesses, etc according to what you need to learn and experience.
How does he know this? In wars over half of the casualties are non-combatants, in natural disasters-floods, wildfires, earthquakes, tsunamis-millions of people suffer and die. I see no evidence that people choose to have these experiences before they are born. A child under the age of 5 dies of malaria every 30 minutes. Why would they choose this experience before they are born? What purpose or learning experience does it provide the dying child...raging fevers and chills, convulsions, blindness, excruciating headaches, anemia, enlarged spleen...3 days of agony followed by death.
There is not a jot of evidence put forth for any of this, and he seems to brush this concern aside with his belief that whatever he thinks is true because it is derived from his ‘higher intelligence’ and divine inspiration. This circular reasoning seems to satisfy many of his readers, but it left me unconvinced and irritated. He notes in his epilogue that after 35 years of this he no longer does journaling. He still asks question and the answers appear. They go into his computer now and there is a large market for this genre of books. A former tax accountant has struck gold for himself and his readers mining the perceived wisdom of his thoughts and offering to help others do the same. I wish them well, and remain a skeptic.
January 19, 2017
I read this twice, it was so good and classic Mike Dooley. Told in the way and in the spirit as only Mike can tell it, is the propelling story of why we're here, what we can (truly) do and how to get there without being attached to the outcome.
He weaves a beautiful story here, talking about religion, the world as we know it (or not) and things that we do or don't do that shape not just our lives but the world around us. What he offers between these pages points the way, offers a direction, suggestions, and doesn't offer up answers for the reader, that's up to us to discover for ourselves.
I love this guy. There aren't enough good things to say about this book. I'm in the middle of my third read. It's a keeper.
**arc from NetGalley and Publisher in exchange for a fair review**
He weaves a beautiful story here, talking about religion, the world as we know it (or not) and things that we do or don't do that shape not just our lives but the world around us. What he offers between these pages points the way, offers a direction, suggestions, and doesn't offer up answers for the reader, that's up to us to discover for ourselves.
I love this guy. There aren't enough good things to say about this book. I'm in the middle of my third read. It's a keeper.
**arc from NetGalley and Publisher in exchange for a fair review**
January 2, 2017
Just what was needed
Mike Dooley has done his magic again... from my perspective, of course. The information isn't new, the knowledge is eternally present. However, Mr. Dooley expresses this age old knowledge with such joy, exuberance and fantastic wording that my thoughts clarify, are supported, and the possibilities open and, not surprisingly, my adventures in living shift. Life happens FOR me; not TO me. Thoughts become things. Safe. Loved. Relief. Fun.
Mike Dooley has done his magic again... from my perspective, of course. The information isn't new, the knowledge is eternally present. However, Mr. Dooley expresses this age old knowledge with such joy, exuberance and fantastic wording that my thoughts clarify, are supported, and the possibilities open and, not surprisingly, my adventures in living shift. Life happens FOR me; not TO me. Thoughts become things. Safe. Loved. Relief. Fun.
January 4, 2017
While this is not a religious text, if you have ever struggled with the beliefs bestowed upon you by organized religion this may be the book for you. I found it to be very much in line with my own spiritual beliefs and found it refreshing to know that I am not alone in my discomfort with some religious teachings. I will be revisiting this book time and time again. I am so grateful that Mike Dooley is sharing his light and wisdom with the world.
February 16, 2017
Dooley does those TUT-Notes from the Universe daily emails. He's a bit of a goof but I think his take on the universe is on the mark.
March 23, 2017
I recommend the audio version read by the author. Nuances and inflection made it most enjoyable.
May 18, 2017
I love Mike Dooley's books. He is so full of excitement. Some good lessons to keep in mind.
May 14, 2017
Not so sure I can relate enough to this viewpoint ... too 'New Age' for me ... This book seems to relate to the work I am reading by Robert Lanza i.e. the involvement of consciousness in the creation of the universe. Dooley's take on that involvement is intriguing but too 'simplified' for me to feel it could possibly be true. Truth be told - I scanned through most of the work today. I could relate to his suggestion that the 'group think' of all of us on the planet can affect ... effect ... events. I agree that how we think, how we frame our view of the world is powerful in creating our experiences. I have experienced many examples in my life of dreaming of something, wishing for something ... working for something ... that then came into 'being' in an even better way than I could have imagined. So some of Dooley's ideas seem to be common sense. Some of them stretch my understanding and beliefs past where I feel 'reality' sits ...
April 3, 2024
I picked this up in a very difficult period where I felt that life was a series of challenges. When I vented out to people, they agreed that life is very hard. But the more I believed this narrative, the harder it was to go on. To motivate myself when I felt like everything was out of my control. So I decided to read books that offered a different perspective. This one certainly made me feel more positive and empowered and helped me look at the world as a friendly and nurturing place. I still don't know if I fully subscribe to these ideas, but they are certainly uplifting and hopeful, and I am grateful to have found this.
August 14, 2022
Great food for thought
We need to feed our minds even more than we need to feed our bodies. This book is a combination of great mind food and common sense. I subscribed to Notes from the Universe years ago and I love its daily inspiration. This book, for me, was also inspirational, reminding us that we create what and how we see the world around us and we're given constant opportunities to find joy and happiness within each moment and experience. When we're willing to ask, look, listen, learn and act, we can create a wonderful adventure in time and space here on earth.
We need to feed our minds even more than we need to feed our bodies. This book is a combination of great mind food and common sense. I subscribed to Notes from the Universe years ago and I love its daily inspiration. This book, for me, was also inspirational, reminding us that we create what and how we see the world around us and we're given constant opportunities to find joy and happiness within each moment and experience. When we're willing to ask, look, listen, learn and act, we can create a wonderful adventure in time and space here on earth.
August 17, 2017
This guy says he knows the answers to all the important questions because it's so easy and he knows it from the depths of his own mind .... Really? He writes some general bullshit about the world and how we can achieve love, happiness and what else if we want it. Such gibberish is a waste of time. Nothing is simple and obvious. Only smart people have the courage to have doubts. Stop knowing everything, start asking and first of all, be inquiring.
February 15, 2018
I was told to read this, by my aunt. Six months later I actually sat down and popped it open. I really don’t know if, or why she told me read this. These are all questions, and or answers that I would never feel the need to ask.
I guess if you’re feeling spiritually lost were looking for a profound answer to your existence, this might be for you. There were some profound quotes that I really enjoyed, so there’s that I guess.
I guess if you’re feeling spiritually lost were looking for a profound answer to your existence, this might be for you. There were some profound quotes that I really enjoyed, so there’s that I guess.
January 6, 2022
This book challenged my thoughts in all the best ways. Be prepared to really lock-in to chip away at the pages of this book, it was not the easiest book I have read. It was insightful and spiritual in ways I enjoyed and got me thinking about new topics. At times, it felt a little preacher-y (white guy telling you how to live and think about your life), yet in the end I do believe he added useful tools to my toolbox of thinking.
April 22, 2019
It took me a long time to finish this book. Several times I had to put it aside and take a break from reading it so I could mull over what I had already read. I needed time to wrap my head around the content. That being said, I loved it. I have been a Mike Dooley fan for years, and so much of what he writes feels like stuff I already knew.
June 6, 2017
Great advice and suggestions for living in the now, ceasing "worry" and expanding daily consciousness but nothing really new to me. I listened on Audible and would have preferred reading a hard copy so I could skim where needed.
November 26, 2021
This is a wonderful book full of positive messages. An awakening to say the least. You will feel as though you have been wrapped in a gentle hug and held safely as you explore the answers to your biggest questions.
June 24, 2017
Interesting. This book was a VERY hard read--not sure why? Maybe the author's writing style. I read it in small chunks, because otherwise it felt like too much to absorb.
August 29, 2017
Silvia recommended - it was "ok"
January 1, 2019
Interesting point of view.
October 25, 2020
Overall, I found the book a helpful reminder that I get to choose how I experience the events in my life and can shift my thoughts and beliefs to create more of what I want.
June 12, 2021
Very encouraging and uplifting.
October 16, 2021
Weird, not particularly well written, stuffed with woo and blind assertion. As such, I thought it was for me, but, alas, it isn't.
March 17, 2017
Having read Joe Dispenza's books prior to this one, I had the scientific bit already and hence could relax into Mike's esoteric explanations. For me, this is a total explanation of the meaning of life. We are here to enjoy the incarnation, it's an adventure for the soul. The expression 'it's the journey, not the destination' took on a new meaning for me. Mike's way of explaining what I often have heard from other leaders just resonated with me - the pieces of the puzzle just fell into place! I got this book on audio and listen to it over and over, always hearing something new that adds to my situation that day. He alleviates fear of death, fear of not finding/following ones purpose and so much more in this book.
January 7, 2017
A great review of Mike Dooley's philosophy and 'thoughts become things'. Reading this helped put thing into perspective for me and help me prepare for the new year ahead.
April 6, 2017
This was a fun read for a new perspective on not taking life quite so seriously. I read this while also partaking in the Love Your Life in 30 days challenge and it really gave me a lightness and appreciation and dare-I-say a new outlook on life. If you're feeling heavy about what you believe about the world and your place in life, I recommend this to consider a new perspective. Entertaining if nothing else. Awakens child-like sensibility.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews