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Mr Spock's Little Book of Mindfulness: How to Survive in an Illogical World
Who better to teach us mindfulness and wisdom than Mr. Spock, that beacon of calm, rational thought. With quotes from Star Trek and timely insights about modern life this book will be your guide. In a universe that seems to have gone mad, we turn to mindfulness to restore sanity. When humanity has lost its way, it takes a Vulcan to raise an eyebrow at our folly and lead us towards the truth. After all, it's only logical...
The perfect holiday gift for the Star Trek fan in your life!
Essays on focus, computers, social media, love, family, self-acceptance and more. Filled with actual quotes from Mr. Spock and Star Trek characters, along with black and white illustrations. Includes source listing from TV episodes.
The perfect holiday gift for the Star Trek fan in your life!
Essays on focus, computers, social media, love, family, self-acceptance and more. Filled with actual quotes from Mr. Spock and Star Trek characters, along with black and white illustrations. Includes source listing from TV episodes.
112 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 3, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
April 26, 2021
A fun little book with lessons on mindfulness taken from quotes and behaviors of Mr. Spock on Star Trek, both from the original series, and from the movies. A quick read but with some surprising wit and some actual good philosophical thoughts. Well done.
January 4, 2021
Fine, enjoyable, a little bit on the sarcastic and mischievous side.
I enjoyed it, and of course, it makes sense only if you are a trekkie. There are too many tongue-in-cheek jokes that are more of insider jokes, but also there are some quite interesting and serious observations.
The book is heavily illustrated, but the illustrations are not excessive and are harmoniousness in the fabric of the book.
I love Star Trek, but the older version of Star Trek is somewhat dated to me. Of course, it is sci fi, so it gets out of date quickly, but because the author mostly focuses on philosophy, the dated nature of the old Star Trek universe is nearly unnoticeable.
I did enjoy it, and it is a nice coffee table read unless my cats decide to attack it.
I enjoyed it, and of course, it makes sense only if you are a trekkie. There are too many tongue-in-cheek jokes that are more of insider jokes, but also there are some quite interesting and serious observations.
The book is heavily illustrated, but the illustrations are not excessive and are harmoniousness in the fabric of the book.
I love Star Trek, but the older version of Star Trek is somewhat dated to me. Of course, it is sci fi, so it gets out of date quickly, but because the author mostly focuses on philosophy, the dated nature of the old Star Trek universe is nearly unnoticeable.
I did enjoy it, and it is a nice coffee table read unless my cats decide to attack it.
March 30, 2021
This is cute. It’s not written “in-universe” but rather for 21st century humans who are familiar with Spock from his TV and film adventures.
March 19, 2022
This was a fun entertaining book about Vulcan and Mr. Spock's way of living. Some parts were realistic about things we could do to change while others were just hilarious. I loved this book.
June 21, 2022
Very great advice presented in Star trek form.
March 30, 2022
A personal growth book straight from the 24th century using all of Spock's best quotes from the Original series. It also includes quotes from other characters referenced in the Animated Series and Discovery, but as a TOS fan, I loved the way this book focused so heavily on my favorite character. The Vulcan outlook is a great one, and it was fun that the book even referenced Spock's changes in perspective throughout the Original Series movies.
Absolutely recommend to fans of the Original Series Star Trek characters.
Absolutely recommend to fans of the Original Series Star Trek characters.
August 1, 2022
This book probably wasn't meant to be taken seriously at all. It seems not like it actually wants to teach anyone how to be mindful.
But even then ...it's extremely one-sided. Not only with real life issues (ignoring the positive aspects of social media, like increased accessibility, for example), but also with the scenes and quotes chosen from Trek.
Example needed? Well, the book states that Spock doesn't have an interest in computers. Spock, who has specialised in computer science? Spock, who seemed to be in love with M5 in the beginning?
And that's a constant issue in the book. That claims are made and 'proven' with a quote - but as a Trekkie I can name a few episodes that show the exact opposite.
...and even the constant jokes get annoying over the course of this book.
The only thing I actually liked were the cartoons. I'd very much like to read about the adventures of tiny cartoon Spock, he's cute.
But even then ...it's extremely one-sided. Not only with real life issues (ignoring the positive aspects of social media, like increased accessibility, for example), but also with the scenes and quotes chosen from Trek.
Example needed? Well, the book states that Spock doesn't have an interest in computers. Spock, who has specialised in computer science? Spock, who seemed to be in love with M5 in the beginning?
And that's a constant issue in the book. That claims are made and 'proven' with a quote - but as a Trekkie I can name a few episodes that show the exact opposite.
...and even the constant jokes get annoying over the course of this book.
The only thing I actually liked were the cartoons. I'd very much like to read about the adventures of tiny cartoon Spock, he's cute.
June 4, 2022
I knew this would be light reading, but I was also hoping it wouldn't be a bit more substantial. It's written from a largely real-world perspective - thus we talk about Spock and Vulcans from an outside perspective and not necessarily one that is in-universe. Or at least this is out how it feels to me as I read it.
I know it's meant to be helpful yet funny but it didn't strike me as being all that funny. I did love the little comics though - those are the main joy of this book and are worth celebrating. The text formatting and other style choices just took away from that experience, at least for me.
I know it's meant to be helpful yet funny but it didn't strike me as being all that funny. I did love the little comics though - those are the main joy of this book and are worth celebrating. The text formatting and other style choices just took away from that experience, at least for me.
December 15, 2020
1 ☆ alone because this is spock related.
How very clever. A way to get me to want to read about mindfulness is to relate it back to one of my favorites.
It is quite clever making you question your intent and then asking what would spock do.
Love love the lil sketches too...
How very clever. A way to get me to want to read about mindfulness is to relate it back to one of my favorites.
It is quite clever making you question your intent and then asking what would spock do.
Love love the lil sketches too...
January 9, 2024
i love spock
February 11, 2026
Spock’s Little Book of Mindfulness: How to Survive in an Illogical World by Glenn Dakin is exactly what it claims to be: a lighthearted, self-aware collection of Vulcan wisdom meant to amuse more than enlighten. It’s charming, occasionally sharp, and very clear about what it is and is not. If you’re expecting true mindfulness mastery, this is not logical. If you’re looking for a clever, comforting desk book with Star Trek soul, you’re in the right quadrant.
☕☕☕☕ 4 Cups of Coffee
The Review: Vulcan Wisdom for Distracted Earthlings
I picked this up in Washington, DC at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, which honestly feels like the most appropriate place to acquire a book narrated by Spock’s worldview.
Right up front, the publication page does something I deeply appreciate. It states clearly that this is a lighthearted exploration of Spock’s wisdom, not a path to enlightenment, and that no one should expect to achieve transcendence through TV quotes and cartoons alone. That honesty sets the tone. It knows exactly what it is doing.
• The Concept: This book leans into mindfulness through the lens of logic, restraint, and perspective. It focuses heavily on the “noise” of modern life, particularly our dependence on screens and constant digital distraction. The message is solid, though it sometimes takes a longer route than necessary to arrive there.
• The Tone: Gentle, playful, and self-aware. It feels a bit like those shoebox greeting cards where, if you flip them over, there’s a snarky little truth waiting for you. That familiarity works in its favor.
• The Art: The black-and-white doodles are simple, whimsical, and genuinely funny. They offer a charming visual interpretation of Spock without overdoing it, adding levity without distracting from the text.
• The Quotes: One of the best touches is at the back of the book, where the sources of all the Spock quotes are listed. This immediately sparked an idea for me. These quotes would be perfect in fortune cookies. Space fortune cookies feel not only possible but necessary.
The Verdict
This little book packs a punch. It’s delightful, relatable, and full of respectful nods to Vulcan philosophy while still acknowledging the messiness of living an Earthling life. It may wander a bit before making its point, but the journey is pleasant enough that I didn’t mind.
Chef’s kiss. Logical. Comforting. And oddly motivating. 🖖☕
☕☕☕☕ 4 Cups of Coffee
The Review: Vulcan Wisdom for Distracted Earthlings
I picked this up in Washington, DC at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, which honestly feels like the most appropriate place to acquire a book narrated by Spock’s worldview.
Right up front, the publication page does something I deeply appreciate. It states clearly that this is a lighthearted exploration of Spock’s wisdom, not a path to enlightenment, and that no one should expect to achieve transcendence through TV quotes and cartoons alone. That honesty sets the tone. It knows exactly what it is doing.
• The Concept: This book leans into mindfulness through the lens of logic, restraint, and perspective. It focuses heavily on the “noise” of modern life, particularly our dependence on screens and constant digital distraction. The message is solid, though it sometimes takes a longer route than necessary to arrive there.
• The Tone: Gentle, playful, and self-aware. It feels a bit like those shoebox greeting cards where, if you flip them over, there’s a snarky little truth waiting for you. That familiarity works in its favor.
• The Art: The black-and-white doodles are simple, whimsical, and genuinely funny. They offer a charming visual interpretation of Spock without overdoing it, adding levity without distracting from the text.
• The Quotes: One of the best touches is at the back of the book, where the sources of all the Spock quotes are listed. This immediately sparked an idea for me. These quotes would be perfect in fortune cookies. Space fortune cookies feel not only possible but necessary.
The Verdict
This little book packs a punch. It’s delightful, relatable, and full of respectful nods to Vulcan philosophy while still acknowledging the messiness of living an Earthling life. It may wander a bit before making its point, but the journey is pleasant enough that I didn’t mind.
Chef’s kiss. Logical. Comforting. And oddly motivating. 🖖☕
November 16, 2025
Maybe it's because the Vulcans are one of my favorite Star Trek species, but I feel like more could have been done with this book. However, I'm still glad it has been published.
As other reviews have said or alluded to, I think it would have worked better if written from the insider's perspective of Spock or another Vulcan. A lot of the content seemed to be targeted more towards easy humor rather than either more depth of the topic or at least more thoughtful humor.
Chapter 8 on feelings is one areas where delving more deeply could yield both more humor and more insights. For example, when talking about the needs of the many vs the needs of the few or one, it doesn't seem like it has to be about being "logical" or "illogical", but rather understanding the risks involved as well as differences in values. Even different human ethical philosophies address these issues in more detail. Moreover, there are other areas where I think "logical" vs "illegal" could actually be better framed in terms of personal preferences and a person's context at a specific time.
The chapter on self acceptance could have been more too, perhaps emphasizing how Spock balanced or would balance self-acceptance with the need for change, using examples from Star Trek rather than extreme examples from real life.
I also wish there was a chapter on Vulcan meditation.
Nevertheless, I do feel it has some nice moments. Chapter 2 on not applying human standards to everything and chapter 9 on change especially stood out as being deeper and more thoughtful while still having humor in them.
The sections at the end of the book on Cosmic Quotation Coincidences and where all the Spock quotes were from was nice to have too.
As other reviews have said or alluded to, I think it would have worked better if written from the insider's perspective of Spock or another Vulcan. A lot of the content seemed to be targeted more towards easy humor rather than either more depth of the topic or at least more thoughtful humor.
Chapter 8 on feelings is one areas where delving more deeply could yield both more humor and more insights. For example, when talking about the needs of the many vs the needs of the few or one, it doesn't seem like it has to be about being "logical" or "illogical", but rather understanding the risks involved as well as differences in values. Even different human ethical philosophies address these issues in more detail. Moreover, there are other areas where I think "logical" vs "illegal" could actually be better framed in terms of personal preferences and a person's context at a specific time.
The chapter on self acceptance could have been more too, perhaps emphasizing how Spock balanced or would balance self-acceptance with the need for change, using examples from Star Trek rather than extreme examples from real life.
I also wish there was a chapter on Vulcan meditation.
Nevertheless, I do feel it has some nice moments. Chapter 2 on not applying human standards to everything and chapter 9 on change especially stood out as being deeper and more thoughtful while still having humor in them.
The sections at the end of the book on Cosmic Quotation Coincidences and where all the Spock quotes were from was nice to have too.
April 11, 2026
When I was a teenager my nickname in school was Spocky because I had shut down my emotions and approached everything with hard logic to better deal with the abuse at home and the bullying at school. Now years later as an adult...I found myself smiling a bit as I read this book and realized I had understood it then, but have since lost the simple control that method had given me. I had so much less anxiety and worry, so much more control over how insults affected me, etc.
"Maybe some things that appear to threaten you will disappear if you cease to believe in them. Some matters of the mind, paranoia, and superstition can be conquered." Of course it can. because anxiety and worry come from the very human view of "what if" and so many of those what ifs will never come to pass.
Cute book here with great reminders and fantastic artwork. What's not to love? 🖖🏻
"Maybe some things that appear to threaten you will disappear if you cease to believe in them. Some matters of the mind, paranoia, and superstition can be conquered." Of course it can. because anxiety and worry come from the very human view of "what if" and so many of those what ifs will never come to pass.
Cute book here with great reminders and fantastic artwork. What's not to love? 🖖🏻
October 27, 2020
Ah, Mr Spock, bastion of calm thought and logical behaviour. More or less. With quotes, cartoons and parables from Vulcan, this book is very helpful, especially nowadays.
I don't read a lot of mindfulness books, so I can't really comment on the advice except to say that I found it useful. It's presented very clearly (except where the Kindle format has chopped it up, but that should be fixed in the official version.) and everything makes good sense. I enjoyed reading it.
This is a wonderful book and I very much enjoyed it. I'll be watching for more in the series.
I don't read a lot of mindfulness books, so I can't really comment on the advice except to say that I found it useful. It's presented very clearly (except where the Kindle format has chopped it up, but that should be fixed in the official version.) and everything makes good sense. I enjoyed reading it.
This is a wonderful book and I very much enjoyed it. I'll be watching for more in the series.
July 7, 2021
Livro curto e divertido, apresentando vários pensamentos e parábolas bem conhecidos, porém reformulado para um contexto "Trekkie", associados com algumas aventuras clássicas do Sr. Spock, como por exemplo,
"The Vulcan philosopher Sorvin once remarked "i'm an old man and have know many troubles, but most of them never happened"".
Ou,
""The release of emotion is what keeps us health. Emotionally health" McCoy tells him. "That may be, Doctor" Spock replies. "However, i have noted that the healthy release of emotion is frequently unhealthy for those closest to you.""
"The Vulcan philosopher Sorvin once remarked "i'm an old man and have know many troubles, but most of them never happened"".
Ou,
""The release of emotion is what keeps us health. Emotionally health" McCoy tells him. "That may be, Doctor" Spock replies. "However, i have noted that the healthy release of emotion is frequently unhealthy for those closest to you.""
July 21, 2021
Such a cute book. I'm a huge proponent of logic in a world gone skew with lack of logic. This book just needed more to it, like depth, for me to be able to really connect to it. Cool quick read and great for affirmation and knowing I'm heading in the right direction.
September 9, 2021
The book is what it says it is, the Vulcan perspective on mindfulness and emotions. I loved the highlighted quotes and parts. I think it is a great tribute to Leonard Nimoy and Spock. If you like Star Trek, give it a go! Live long and prosper.
July 19, 2025
I've had this book for a while but never felt the inclination to pick it up before now. It's a very quick read but it does what it needs to, highlighting why mindfulness is important. Clearly my subconscious knew I needed some of these reminders today.
January 5, 2021
Such an adorable little book! LLAP! ;-)
May 28, 2021
Such a nice read 🥰 perfect for any Trekkie as it’s full of quotes and fun tidbits. Really makes one think!
June 13, 2022
Interesting while reading and good Trek references but not sure if it will be memorable down the road
June 16, 2022
3.5 stars
July 4, 2023
Such a blast! I’ll update this with some of my favorite quotes and interpretations from the book.
January 19, 2024
A charming little lunchtime read.
February 22, 2024
It's funny, with a little bit of wisdom (and lots of Star Trek references) thrown in. Not a long book, but very enjoyable!
December 31, 2024
Love all things Star Trek
April 29, 2025
This is a fast and enjoyable read... If you are a Star Trek fan. It is basically an intro into philosophy using Star Trek, especially Spock, as a tool. Nothing life changing here, but it is fun.
July 9, 2025
Fun little wisdom/quote to bring a smile to any Trekkies face 🖖🏻
June 2, 2021
Let’s say a solid 2.5 stars: top notch as a novelty book, and though the insights occasionally stray a bit far from actually insightful it’s fun to wander through a few classic Spock quotes and the cartoons are cute.
January 28, 2021
A charming, funny, wise little self help book. I only wish it had been longer.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews