The Human Machine
Arnold Bennett
Read by Ruth Golding
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
Humble Reader
Excellent and relevant for all today - somewhat, beyond belief, considering it age. Happy that I found such a gem, expertly read, too.
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
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
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!
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
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
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!
The Human Machine
Sandy
I love Ruth Golding’s narration. She has a very pleasant, soothing voice and excellent use of vocal color and range. This is an amusing “self help” book