Is the Singularity Near? (Robert Wright & Timothy B. Lee)

In this book, Robert Wright argues that Buddhism offers a secular, Westernized approach to mindfulness meditation that can help individuals and society by reducing suffering and increasing empathy. He draws on evolutionary biology, psychology, and neuroscience to support Buddhist teachings, such as the concept of 'no-self' and the nature of human suffering. The book is a personal journey that began with Wright's work on evolutionary psychology and deepened through his practice of meditation and conversations with skilled meditators. It aims to show how Buddhist principles can be applied in a secular age to improve individual and societal well-being.

In this book, Robert Wright explores the development of God concepts from pre-agricultural societies to the rise of Christianity and Islam. He uses archaeology, theology, history, and evolutionary psychology to reveal how these faiths have evolved away from belligerence and intolerance towards harmony and reconciliation. Wright also discusses the potential for a modern scientific worldview to coexist with a divine perspective, challenging conventional wisdom about the origins and evolution of monotheism.