A New Earth: Create a Better Life

How, and to what effect, does Tolle show that words have limited power in bringing humanity to enlightenment? How does his attitude differ from traditional religions?

What are the characteristic features of Tolle’s brand of personal development? How does his approach differ from other self-help mentalities and philosophies that you are aware of?

In your opinion, and with close reference to the text, how useful are Tolle’s teachings for the current era of identity politics? Do you find them overly idealistic, or could they have practical application in healing an increasingly divided world?

How might readers reconcile their spirituality with the American tradition of goal-setting? In your opinion, and with close reference to the text, to what extent are Tolle’s teachings compatible with the aspirational, go-getting ethos many Americans are raised with?

What is the ego, and why is it responsible for the malfunction of humanity? Moreover, how does Tolle’s concept of the ego compare to traditional religious ideas about evil?

According to Tolle, why is there so much dissatisfaction in the world? Do you agree with him? Citing three examples from the text, explain why or why not.

What is the relationship between truth, happiness, and the present moment? Why does Tolle regard the past and future as illusions?

What is the pain-body, on both an individual and collective level? What is Tolle’s suggestion for healing a collective pain-body, and why might this be controversial in the current climate?