The Human Machine

Bennett asks us to consider our brains as the most wonderful machine, a machine which is the only thing in this world that we can control. As he writes: "I am simply bent on calling your attention to a fact which has perhaps wholly or partially escaped you -- namely, that you are the most fascinating bit of machinery that ever was."

As ever, his prose is honeyed, his thoughts inspired, and his advice as relevant today as when it was written. (2 hr 48 min)

Chapters

01 Taking Oneself for Granted	12:31	Read by Ruth Golding
02 Amateurs in the Art of Living	10:02	Read by Ruth Golding
03 The Brain as a Gentleman-at-Large	10:32	Read by Ruth Golding
04 The First Practical Step	10:03	Read by Ruth Golding
05 Habit-forming by Concentration	10:40	Read by Ruth Golding
06 Lord over the Noddle	10:05	Read by Ruth Golding
07 What 'Living' Chiefly Is	11:01	Read by Ruth Golding
08 The Daily Friction	10:54	Read by Ruth Golding
09 'Fire!'	10:42	Read by Ruth Golding
10 Mischievously Overworking It	10:14	Read by Ruth Golding
11 An Interlude	10:59	Read by Ruth Golding
12 An Interest in Life	9:18	Read by Ruth Golding
13 Success and Failure	9:12	Read by Ruth Golding
14 A Man and His Environment	10:33	Read by Ruth Golding
15 L. S. D.	11:18	Read by Ruth Golding
16 Reason! Reason!	10:25	Read by Ruth Golding

Reviews

A machine called Sean

(5 stars)

Humble Reader

Excellent and relevant for all today - somewhat, beyond belief, considering it age. Happy that I found such a gem, expertly read, too.

(4 stars)

desertbug

Another excellent read by Ruth Golding. Interesting book premise to now popular cognitive behavioural therapy. Worth a listen. Some interesting points although a little dismissive of the power and validity of passion in favour of reason I would venture. One point to Librivox why do your books regularly miss every other chapter when in run on. Bit annoying and detracts from experience. Thanks Ruth for bringing this book to our attention.

Pop Writing with Cheap Shots

(2 stars)

test

Bennett is an okay writer as the prose of his day goes. His theories and opinions no doubt gave his readers some direction. He (and the reader of the text) get two stars for the offensiv and cheap dig at the black race.

astounding reminder

(5 stars)

A LibriVox Listener

I might have of the message of the book at the back of my heas, but I would've not give it further thought if I hadn't listened to this. Really good reminder to me. I really recommend this.

what a brain boost!

(4 stars)

A LibriVox Listener

I know that I've gained more mastery of my brain in the one day I took to focus intentionally on the words of this book. eager to experiment daily towards evolving mastery of living

Taking accountability

(5 stars)

Oori_1

Amazingly helpful book. This book creates space for the reader to look at themselves and really getting know themselves & even better it gives the reader space to heal and evolves oneself. Amazing book.

Brilliant, absolutely brilliant

(5 stars)

A LibriVox Listener

A masterpiece by Arnold Bennet about developing the force of Will. Witty, sharp and deeply profound. The narration by Ruth Golding is a work of art in itself. Simply brilliant!