Um, like . . . om
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Um, like . . . om
Evan Cooper's "Um, like . . . om" (2016) offers a refreshingly direct, almost disarmingly simple, approach to complex metaphysical ideas. Cooper avoids overly academic jargon, opting instead for a style that mimics the fluidity of thought itself. One notable strength is its ability to highlight the arbitrary nature of perceived reality through everyday examples, particularly in its early sections discussing the "self." However, the book's brevity, while a virtue for accessibility, sometimes leaves concepts feeling underdeveloped. The discussion on "presence" feels particularly rushed, barely scratching the surface of its implications.
Ultimately, "Um, like . . . om" serves as a potent, albeit brief, nudge toward re-examining one's fundamental assumptions about existence.
📝 Description
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### What It Is Evan Cooper's "Um, like . . . om" is a concise exploration of consciousness, perception, and the nature of reality, first published in 2016. It challenges conventional thinking by examining how subjective experience shapes our understanding of the world.
### Who It's For This book is suited for individuals interested in contemplative practices, philosophy of mind, and non-dualistic thought. Readers seeking to question their ingrained assumptions about self and existence will find material for reflection here.
### Historical Context Emerging in 2016, "Um, like . . . om" arrived during a period of increased public interest in mindfulness and Eastern philosophical concepts, often filtered through Western psychological frameworks. Cooper's work can be seen as a counterpoint to more pop-psychology interpretations, offering a more direct engagement with subtle states of awareness.
### Key Concepts The book dissects the interplay between the observer and the observed, suggesting that the boundaries we perceive are often constructs of language and habitual thought patterns. It probes the limitations of conceptual thinking in grasping the direct experience of being.
💡 Why Read This Book?
• Gain a novel perspective on the constructed nature of the 'self' by examining Cooper's interpretation of the concept of "subjectivity" as presented in the book's opening chapters. • Understand how language shapes perception, a core idea explored through Cooper's critique of conceptual thinking as detailed in the work. • Cultivate a deeper appreciation for direct experience over intellectualization, inspired by the book's focus on "presence" and its challenge to habitual thought.
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⭐ Reader Reviews
Honest opinions from readers who have explored this book.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core philosophy behind Evan Cooper's "Um, like . . . om"?
The book's core philosophy centers on the idea that our perceived reality is heavily influenced by our subjective experience and habitual thought patterns, questioning the solidity of the 'self'.
When was "Um, like . . . om" by Evan Cooper first published?
Evan Cooper's "Um, like . . . om" was first published in 2016.
Does the book "Um, like . . . om" offer practical exercises?
While not a manual of exercises, the book encourages introspection and observation of one's own consciousness, serving as a catalyst for personal inquiry.
What kind of reader would benefit most from "Um, like . . . om"?
Readers interested in philosophy of mind, consciousness studies, non-dualism, and those seeking to challenge their assumptions about reality would find this book beneficial.
Is "Um, like . . . om" a difficult read?
The book is known for its accessible style, aiming to simplify complex metaphysical ideas rather than obfuscate them with dense theory.
What distinguishes "Um, like . . . om" from other consciousness books published around 2016?
It distinguishes itself through its directness and anti-academic tone, focusing on the immediacy of experience rather than elaborate theoretical frameworks.
🔮 Key Themes & Symbolism
The Nature of the Self
Cooper probes the conventional understanding of the 'self,' questioning its solidity and suggesting it arises from a confluence of perceptions and mental habits. The work examines how language and memory construct a narrative identity, often obscuring a more fundamental awareness. This theme challenges readers to observe the arising and passing of thoughts and feelings without identifying them as a fixed 'I'.
Subjectivity and Perception
A central tenet is the exploration of how individual consciousness shapes the experience of reality. The book posits that what we perceive as objective truth is heavily filtered through our subjective lens, influenced by beliefs, conditioning, and the very act of observation. It encourages a critical examination of one's own perceptual filters and the assumptions underpinning them.
The Limits of Conceptual Thought
Cooper critically assesses the role of intellect and language in understanding existence. The work suggests that while concepts are useful tools, they can also become barriers to direct experience, creating a conceptual overlay that distances us from the present moment. It advocates for a recognition of awareness that transcends categorization and intellectualization.
Presence and Awareness
The book points towards the value of cultivating a state of direct, unmediated awareness, often referred to as 'presence.' This is presented not as an achievement but as an inherent quality of consciousness that can be uncovered by quieting the conceptual mind. The emphasis is on experiencing reality as it is, moment by moment, without the usual mental commentary.
💬 Memorable Quotes
“The 'I' we refer to is often just a story we tell ourselves.”
— This statement highlights the book's deconstruction of the ego, suggesting that our sense of self is a narrative construct rather than an essential entity.
“Is the world out there, or is 'out there' a construct within?”
— This question challenges the dualistic perception of an external reality separate from the observer, inviting contemplation on the nature of consciousness.
“We mistake the map for the territory.”
— This interpretation of conceptual thought suggests that our mental models and language systems are often confused with direct experience itself.
“To be present is to witness without judgment.”
— This paraphrased concept emphasizes the non-evaluative aspect of pure awareness, a key theme in understanding consciousness beyond thought.
“The silence between thoughts holds a different kind of knowing.”
— This interpretation points to the intuitive or experiential knowledge that can arise when the mind is not actively engaged in conceptualization.
🌙 Esoteric Significance
Tradition
While not explicitly aligned with a single esoteric lineage, "Um, like . . . om" draws heavily from non-dualistic philosophies found in Advaita Vedanta and certain Mahayana Buddhist traditions. It shares an emphasis on the illusory nature of the phenomenal world and the primacy of pure consciousness, concepts central to these paths. It departs from more ritualistic or dogmatic forms of esotericism by focusing on direct experiential insight.
Symbolism
The title itself, "Um, like . . . om," juxtaposes the mundane hesitation ('Um, like...') with the sacred sound ('om'), symbolizing the book's project of revealing the profound within the ordinary. The concept of the 'self' functions symbolically, representing the egoic construct that obscures direct awareness, while 'presence' acts as a symbol for unmediated reality.
Modern Relevance
Contemporary thinkers and practitioners in fields like consciousness studies, integral philosophy, and mindfulness-based therapies often engage with the ideas presented in "Um, like . . . om." Its accessible style makes it relevant for those exploring non-dual awareness, self-inquiry, and the philosophical underpinnings of contemplative practices in the 21st century.
👥 Who Should Read This Book
• Individuals curious about the nature of consciousness and reality who find traditional philosophical texts too dense, seeking a more direct and intuitive approach. • Seekers interested in non-dualistic thought and the deconstruction of the ego, looking for conceptual frameworks that support self-inquiry practices. • Readers of contemporary spiritual authors who appreciate a style that is both straightforward and profoundly questioning, aiming to challenge their assumptions about existence.
📜 Historical Context
Published in 2016, Evan Cooper's "Um, like . . . om" emerged during a period where Western interest in mindfulness and non-dual traditions was peaking, often popularized through secular applications. The book's approach can be contrasted with more therapeutic or neuroscience-focused explorations of consciousness prevalent at the time, such as those by figures like Jud Brewer. Cooper's work eschews extensive scientific citations or psychological jargon, opting instead for a more direct, phenomenological exploration that echoes earlier traditions like Advaita Vedanta but presented in contemporary, accessible language. While not a mainstream academic publication, its release coincided with a growing desire among the public to question fundamental assumptions about self and reality, a sentiment also explored by authors like Rupert Spira in similar circles.
📔 Journal Prompts
Reflect on the 'self' as a story: What narrative elements constitute your perceived identity?
Examine a recent perception: How might your subjective lens have shaped your experience of it?
Consider the 'silence between thoughts': What arises when you attend to it?
Identify a concept that limits your understanding: How does it function as a barrier?
Explore the experience of 'presence': What are its felt qualities beyond conceptual description?
🗂️ Glossary
Subjectivity
The quality of being based on or influenced by personal feelings, tastes, or opinions, particularly as it shapes one's perception of reality.
Conceptual Thought
Thinking that relies on abstract ideas, labels, and categories to understand the world, as opposed to direct, unmediated experience.
Presence
A state of alert, non-judgmental awareness of the present moment, often described as pure consciousness unclouded by thought or ego.
Self (as construct)
The idea of a fixed, independent 'I' that is seen as the agent of experience, which the book suggests is a composite of memories, beliefs, and perceptions.
Dualism
The philosophical concept that reality is composed of two fundamental, independent substances or principles, often mind and matter, or self and world.
Non-dualism
The philosophical view that reality is ultimately indivisible and that apparent distinctions (like mind/matter, self/other) are illusory or secondary.
Observation
The act of perceiving or noticing something, with the book emphasizing how the observer is intrinsically linked to what is observed.
