“Brian: I want to really thank you for making my one hour commute to work this am such a rewarding experience by listening to a few of your teachings. I went through the Bhagavad Gita and a few others this am, although I read the Gita in my teens – I realize that I need to revisit it as it makes much more sense to me…Thank you so much for making my long commutes something I really look forward to now. I can’t wait for my next drive.”

~ Sanjay

“I think the “PhilosophersNotes” are a great idea and a valuable service. I like your lightness, your humor and your you. As I read along I can hear the messages that the authors intended are being hit dead on and I appreciate the way you share yourself. Great idea – great delivery – they are beautiful – kudos!”

~ Coach Joelle

“I would like to thank you for creating PhilosophersNotes! I get so much inspiration, grounding, peace, hope and awesome life reminders from them. For my “day job” I am a sales rep and spend hours in the car. Now that I have the Notes to listen to, I actually look forward to hopping into my car and sitting in traffic! OK – maybe that’s a small stretch, but I really do immensely enjoy the Notes. I felt like a PhilosophersNotes pusher the first few weeks I starting listening. I had to tell everyone I ran into how great they are. I hope you are encountering much success and fulfillment on your current journey! With much gratitude.”

~ Rebecca

“I’ve been having me a PhilosophersNotathon since 6:30 this morning. This is just a fabulous concept and I can’t help but imagine that it’s going to be a runaway success. It’s also proving a mighty spur to some creative thought for me. The film and video business is currently in a downward spiral. I could sit here and blame the economy or I can direct my brain into something more productive. The thinking I’ve encountered on your site has my brain (and feelings) going into high gear. Thanks for this wonderful gift…Blessings and love,”

~ Burt

“PhilosophersNotes combine the distilled thoughts of our greatest thinkers with the enthusiasm needed to actually put them into play in our own lives. Brian Johnson, Chief Philosopher, is one part laser beam to wisdom, one part companion for the inner journey, and one part Captain Jack Sparrow (in the first Pirate’s movie) – mixed well. It is a great service to have Brian’s personal introduction to brilliant thinkers I have not met, as well as a vivid reminder of what inspired me in the works of authors I already know.”

~ Robin Rice

Reading Philosophers Notes is like getting pearls of wisdom from books that will change your life, then having one of those delicious discussions about it with someone who not only understands, but has his own pearls of wisdom to add too. This is exactly what we were looking for… We always talked about needing summaries of books, and here they are, only better.”

~ Suzanne

“Love it, love it, love it. For a person like me, the “concentrated wisdom” element is a terrific thing, since it gives me lots of options: buy the book, teach the concepts, enrich my conversations, or simply re-energize my thinking. I also like the way you write about what can be somewhat “heavy” subjects to most people. You lighten it up, but stay out of the way of it at the same time. It’s such a gift–I can see your site quickly becoming Inspiration Central for us all.”

~ Kristelle

“Wow, Brian. Awesome! I’m going to reload my iPod shuffle. Out with Madonna and Justin Timberlake –with the Philosophers. My workouts will have new meaning. Very, very cool. I will recommend it to my friends!”

~ Katherine

“What a fabulous concept! As a lifelong fan of personal development (you should see my bookshelf!) and someone who has written articles on the subject for many, many years, I find tremendous value in the service Brian Johnson provides in PhilosopersNotes. Constantly researching these materials, I often find myself unable to keep up, with piles of partially-read books. Brian culls the information for us, not only offering up key insights but also pointing out areas where we may want to delve further. Brilliant! Plus, he has an easy, friendly voice that was just made for mp3 … He can read to me any day!”

~ Colleen

“Listening to the MP3s on the way to work for the past several weeks has already had a dramatic impact on my life. So, as you start your day, know that you have made a difference in mine! Rock on…”

~ Darren

“Hi, Brian! I just subscribed to Philosophers Notes a few days ago and I LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT. I look forward to listening to/reading all of them. Thank you for creating and sharing with us. Peace & Blessings,”

~ Mona : )

“Thanks for all the good mind candy! This will be a vast improvement over listening to the news during my morning and afternoon commute! I was a philosophy major in undergrad and am LOVING the notes! Takes me back to my roots! Cheers,”

~ Madi

“I was experiencing (once again) some of the toughest few months of my life. But so was everyone else. My “go to” people for encouragement were “gone”, off on their own crisis adventures. Suddenly, I was getting well intentioned but ultimately bad advice from strangers. I shut down a little I admit. Didn’t want to try anymore. Didn’t want to hear “When one door closes…” or “It’s always darkest before the dawn.” I saw a friend’s post about Philosopher’s Notes and clicked the link. They have been just enough sweetness to quell my growing bitterness. No cliches but somehow I already knew the lessons which gave me the confidence to listen to and trust myself. I became my own “go to” person in the process. Thank you for reminding me that I am my greatest resource.”

~ Doria

“Hey Brian, A friend of mine recommended your Philosopher Notes and after listening to two on my drive to the city last night, I’m quite happy I listened to her. I have to commend you on such a brilliant idea — audio cliff notes for personal development — I wish I’d thought of it! ;) ”

~ Mike

“I love your notes. taking them with me on my round the world trip was one of the best decisions ever. thank you.”

~ Nadja

“Hello Brian: I came across your site by chance (or was it chance?) and I think that it is fantastic. Why? Well because I think that the underlying concept, as I see it, is something that is very much needed in current times. Hard working, time pressed folk just can’t devote the hours necessary to work their way properly through all the books you refer to. And I am not at all convinced that any sort of “speed reading” techniques would help to absorb in full the original content of all your enclosed texts. It’s just great to be able to download a MP3 and listen to the 20 minutes or so of “distilled wisdom” per book last thing at night on my iPod. The way I see it you have compiled the musical equivalent of a “Greatest Hits” compilation from the philosophy domain… May the powers that be give you the strength and inspiration to continue your important work. Best regards,”

~ Alex

My “inner judge” knows immediately when this recipe has been achieved. The result is always the same. Big Emotion. That is what happened with this note. Its what you used and how you put it together. Like a Philosophical DJ. You heard it here 1st!! Sincerely,”

~ Peter F

“The titles are changing my life. I love them and gifted the wisdom to my girlfriend. She loves them. We are both total pnotes nerds. Thanks again for being so “on purpose” – we appreciate it :)”

~ Zach

“I love ALL the books you listed/mentioned. To date, my favorite is “How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci” and “Discover Your Genius: How to Think Like History’s Ten Most Revolutionary Minds” (Do you have this?). It is wonderful to see how you have taken the core of the content and incorporated it into your words and thoughts along with some of the book passages. A friend of mine forwarded a PDF of one of the notes, just pure genius! the content and the flow just charged me up! Thank you for everything Brian.”

~ Matthew

“Before I made the switch to this industry and being a student again, I had a good paying job and spent my disposable income going to see most of the authors you spoke about in your introduction. They changed my career and my life direction to where I am today. Financially it was a step backwards, but emotional it was a giant leap forward. I love my job and my clients and I wouldn’t trade this life. I feel like I have come full circle and am excited to share these teachings with my clients. Thank you for the opportunity. Namaste,”

~ Cori

“This is so funny…I have been telling my friend/neighbor that she needs to go to www.philosophersnotes.com, sign up, and check out your MP3s and PDFs. I just reminded her yesterday, and when I clicked today to check you out on FB, she is already a friend of yours! I suspect as of yesterday, since I emailed her your site then! I am so grateful that I am a member of LifeTime Fitness, because it is through Experience Life magazine that I found Philosopher’s Notes. I am so grateful that you have found your passion and path to share with me and others. And, it is funny, because I was listening to a note today where you mentioned Think Arete, and so I realized that this is the second time around that I have enjoyed your work and your spirit. Thank you for what you are giving to the world!”

~ Stephanie