Books
![]() ![]() ![]() |
THE UNDEFEATED MIND: On the Science of Constructing an Indestructible Self (HCI)In The Undefeated Mind, physician Alex Lickerman draws on the tenets of both Nichiren Buddhism and new scientific research to argue that resilience isn’t something with which only a fortunate few of us have been born, but rather something we can all take action to develop. Offering a set of guidelines not for solving problems but for establishing a life state that makes all problems solvable, The Undefeated Mind details nine principles we can all use to dramatically increase our ability to withstand adversity. In telling the stories of patients who’ve used these principles to overcome suffering caused by unemployment, unwanted weight gain, addiction, rejection, chronic pain, retirement, illness, loss, and even death, The Undefeated Mind shows readers how they too can make these principles function within their own lives, whether they have any interest in practicing Buddhism or not. Read a sample chapter. READ REVIEWS: PRAISE FOR THE UNDEFEATED MIND: “Alex Lickerman mines life’s greatest challenges with an artist’s eye, a scientist’s rigor, and a Buddhist’s wise hand. The result is a book that I could not stop reading. Dr. Lickerman’s unique gifts as a writer, doctor, and scientific thinker make for an epiphany-studded quest to tame his own mind and to enter and commune with the minds of others. The result is a book like no other: profound, compassionate, and inspiring.” —Kaja Perina, editor-in-chief of Psychology Today “Buddhism and Western medicine would seem an incongruous mixture, but in the hands of Alex Lickerman they meld seamlessly into a recipe for overcoming life’s hardships—indeed, for turning them into advantages. An accomplished physician, Lickerman has no truck for the supernatural, but recognizes that the tenets of Nichiren Buddhism have been honed over centuries to help alleviate life’s inevitable sufferings. The Undefeated Mind is a deeply engaging story of how Lickerman has fused modern medicine with ancient wisdom to heal his patients both physically and psychologically—lessons that apply to all of us.” —Jerry Coyne, author of Why Evolution is True “Eastern religious practices such as chanting are often brushed aside as ‘mysticism’ by Western science. In this highly original book based on extensive case studies, Lickerman effectively bridges these two great traditions, providing novel insights along the way regarding how we can all triumph over the psychological impact of adversity and live joyfully, even in this ‘vale of tears.’” —V. S. Ramachandran, author of the New York Times bestseller The Tell-Tale Brain “Dr. Lickerman beautifully weaves Eastern and Western wisdom, rigorous research, and poetic storytelling in The Undefeated Mind. This is a book that can help you become stronger and happier.” —Tal Ben-Shahar, PhD., bestselling author of Choose the Life You Want |