I was caught by surprise when going through Deep Clearing a couple weeks ago: At the beginning of that book you state that "No thing, whether it's wealth, friendships, achievement, etc. etc. can make you happy." I was taken aback.
The rest of the book is understandable and acceptable to me, and I have no problems with that. That said, growing up, I was brainwashed to believe the world's not real. That was an exceedingly polarizing way to live in the world. I understand that many philosophers, teachers, etc. not connected with that cult teach the public that "THINGS don't make you happy--YOU make yourself happy."
I do NOT believe that you are trying to work massive mind control on your readers. I thoroughly believe you're trying to help us gain freedom from ignorance, etc., etc. It could be a matter of semantics, or needs an explanation/clarification for the reader. Because of my background, I suddenly latched onto that one statement about nothing making you happy and could not let it go. It made me lose interest in the rest of the book's message.
I admit I'm occasionally over-sensitive, but I'd rather be able to discern my thoughts and feelings and do something about them.
Best,
Kat