The Essential Crazy Wisdom (Paperback)

by Wes Nisker (Author) "A special kind of wisdom is loose in the world..." (more)
Key Phrases: crazy wisdom masters, foolish fool, holy fools, The Essential Crazy Wisdom, Crazy Eastern Wisdom, Cold Mountain (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
Irreverence, multiple perspectives, absurdity, cosmic unity, accepting circumstances, getting along--Crazy Wisdom, a cult classic on the wild side of philosophy is more than just a romp through titillating ideas. Wes Nisker actually hits on a string of similarities East and West that unites the visions of the poet, philosopher, artist, and guru. This book will take you on an enchanting and mind-expanding journey, liberally seasoned with quotations from Mark Twain, Chuang-tsu, various Zen masters, Albert Camus, Allen Ginsberg, Rumi, and other crazy fools gushing with wisdom. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review
"CRAZY WISDOM is deeply wise . . . wonderfully insightful and delightfully humorous. . . . "a good place to begin . . . its strength lies in its wonderful assemblage of life-changing quotes and stories."-Utne Reader"A dim sum feast of perceptive and amusing morsels. Nisker succeeds in fashioning an original pattern from motley patches of wisdom."-San Francisco Chronicle"The author . . . takes us on a wild and lively ride through Eastern and Western philosophy and spirituality. Along the way, there are plenty of humorous sidebar quotations. . . . Now more than ever, we need this brand of wisdom that opens us to wonder and hospitality."- Spirituality & Health

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Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Ten Speed Press (March 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1580083463
• ISBN-13: 978-1580083461
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 6.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #76,520 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If it makes sense, then its not philosophy., September 20, 1998

By	[e-mail] (San Francisco Bay Area, California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Crazy Wisdom (Paperback)

Our world is plagued by rigid, intolerant religions, dogmatic "truths" and people who take themselves and their ideas too seriously. Then along comes Wes Nisker with his humble little paperback that can hold its own next to The Bible on the bookshelf. This book explores everything that is central to true enlightenment: the ridiculous, the blasphemous, the paradoxal, the rebellious, the foolish. This book embraces all that society rejects, and in doing so, unearths the very missing link to our spiritual evolution. There's no reason to fear. Journey with Wes and his troop of clowns, poets, mystics, thinkers and fools as they explore the philosopies of East and West with a grain of salt the size of a boulder. Along the way he points out that the world's greatest and most revered thinkers, prophets, poets, scientists, artists and activists were all considered "crazy" in their day and viewed as outlaws and criminals by their contemperaries. Partake in this humourous and easy to read exploration of the absurb side of philosophy, and see that the various spiritual and philosophical traditions of the world have more in common than they'd probably like to admit to each other.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars provocative,funny journey through the Crazy Wisdom landscape, June 12, 2000

By	cynic observer (Ontario, Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Crazy Wisdom (Paperback)

Romp with Wes through the world of clowns, jesters and fools while you unearth the paradox that is present in our daily lives. This irreverent look at the world from the mindsets and customs of both the Eastern and Western world will make you laugh and realize that what you you will eat for breakfast is the most important thing in the world. For those who enjoy seeing esoteric views of our world and enjoy humourous examinations of our many follies, pick up your pack and join the archetypes as you travel down the road.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars truly tops ! funny and, enlightening !, July 2, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Crazy Wisdom (Audio Cassette)

i keep going back and quickly reviewing ... it, especially touched me, because my major in college was philosophy and psychology, western brand. then, later in life, i happened to become acquainted with easturnslants, and that opened my vistas, and, interest in the issues, immeasureabley ! the author, has put a most valuable book on the market ! too, bad, it isn't suggested reading for students of all ages, everywhere ! of course, those who are leftbrained restricted, would probably have no interest , but i feel it's about time we grow, from the tyranny of the left, encompass, the rightbrain, and, thence, onto , wh o, k n o ws, w h ere ! tom mckenna,