In "Waking Up," Sam Harris explores the nature of consciousness and the self through the lens of neuroscience, philosophy, and contemplative practice, arguing that true spirituality lies not in religion or dogma but in a direct, experiential understanding of the mind that is available to anyone willing to look closely.

Robert Wright explores how Buddhist teachings and meditation practices, particularly from the Vipassana tradition, align with findings from modern psychology and evolutionary theory to diagnose the human condition and provide a path to greater clarity, happiness, and moral progress.