48 pages • 1 hour read
Eckhart TolleThe Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1997A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Essay Topics
How does Tolle respond to criticism of his work, and what does he imply about his critics? Does his response indicate that he follows his own teachings?
Tolle contrasts the thinking mind, or ego, with the true self. According to Tolle, how can people distinguish between these parts of ourselves? Why does it matter that they do so?
Some psychologists support Tolle’s ideas, although his recommendations at times conflict with the approach of modern psychotherapy. Explain, with references to the text, how his approach meshes with and contradicts current approaches to therapy.
What is Tolle’s view on positive and negative feelings? How does he distinguish between feeling pleasure and feeling joy? Why are these distinctions important to his argument? Explain.
Tolle credits several religious or philosophical traditions with spreading the same message as The Power of Now. Which scriptures and figures does Tolle reference, and why does he claim they are traditionally misunderstood? How do adherents to those faith traditions respond to his work?
What should the role of consciousness, or presence, be in relationships? How does Tolle present romantic relationships between “unconscious” partners and between “conscious” partners?
Tolle claims that egoic thinking and the negativity it generates can be contagious. How does he support his argument? Consider what he claims about the ego’s role in society and in relationships, and explain with references to the text.
Why does Tolle believe that analysis of the egoic mind and its problems is not necessary, or helpful, to attain enlightenment? Do you agree or disagree with this claim?
How does Tolle use the term “surrender” when he advises the reader to surrender to the present moment? How can people surrender to the present while still taking “positive action”? Explain.
How does Tolle approach the issue of illness, and why does he tell the reader not to let illness have “any past or future” (218)? Do you agree or disagree with Tolle’s assessment? Explain in detail.
