[Summary] Chris Niebauer's book, "No Self, No Problem," presents an argument for the existence of two distinct forms of consciousness: left-brain consciousness and right-brain consciousness. Left-brain consciousness is characterized by its reliance on language, logic, and categorization. This form of consciousness creates the illusion of a self, a ‘story’ about who we are, and is ultimately responsible for much of our mental suffering. In contrast, right-brain consciousness is experienced as a more holistic, intuitive, and nonverbal form of knowing. Niebauer suggests that while the left-brain interpreter often dismisses right-brain consciousness as ‘unconscious,’ it is actually a profound source of wisdom and creativity, and can help us to reduce mental suffering and reconnect with a deeper sense of ourselves. The author supports his arguments by citing research in neuropsychology and drawing parallels to Eastern philosophical traditions such as Buddhism and Taoism.
