Sane New World

Taming the Mind

by Ruby Wax

4.3(4,740 ratings)

11 min read

Brief overview

This book offers a lively, humorous exploration of why our minds can feel so chaotic and how we can make real changes by understanding our own brain chemistry. It demystifies the connection between thoughts, emotions, and physical reactions, and shows how mindful strategies can help us regulate stress, anxiety, and self-defeating inner chatter. Expect to learn about practical exercises that rewire old habits, spark compassion, and lead to a calmer, more resilient view of life.

Introduction

Certain days, it feels like our minds are waging wars we never signed up for. We dwell on criticism, obsess over random worries, or feel pressured to keep pushing until we burn out. Modern life seems to pull us in every direction, leaving little space to breathe or just be.

Yet, underneath this frantic pace, there’s a science explaining why our thoughts trip us up. The good news: once we recognize how we’re wired, we can train ourselves to respond differently. We don’t have to remain victims to old habits or stressful circumstances. By learning how our brain processes stress and fear, we can jump off the hamster wheel of runaway emotions.

This introduction sets the foundation for digging deeper. Along the way, you’ll see that self-awareness and mindful practices can be game-changers, ensuring you don’t just survive, but actually thrive in a demanding world. After all, our ancestors never had to worry about email overload or social media envy—they faced different threats, but the inner alarm system is the same.

Think of this as a warm invitation to take the mind off autopilot and reclaim the remote control. If you’re ready to ease anxiety, reduce mental clutter, and find clarity, you’re in the right place.

The Critical Voices in Our Heads

That relentless internal narrator can be our harshest critic—telling us we’re unworthy, or that everyone else has life all figured out. It’s as if we’ve each got an inner commentator ready to point out every flaw and danger.

Part of the reason this voice is so persistent is evolutionary. We came from ancestors who had to watch for threats every moment. While we rarely outrun saber-toothed cats anymore, we still rely on that same alarm system in our brain—now set off by social slights, deadlines, and self-doubt.

Ironically, these negative, repetitive thoughts are often our attempt to stay in control. By scanning for mistakes, we hope to protect ourselves from failure or rejection. Yet the result is more stress and confusion. We end up exhausting ourselves with worry instead of solving the actual issue.

Understanding that these voices are echoes of a brain trying too hard to keep us safe can reframe how we see them. They aren’t absolute truth-tellers—just overactive watchmen on permanent patrol.

Recognizing your harsh inner critic is the first step toward turning its volume down.

Looking to dive deeper into Sane New World?

Download our app to unlock every key idea and gain full access.

What is Sane New World about?

Sane New World: Taming the Mind by Ruby Wax presents a unique blend of humor, science, and practicality to help readers understand and transform their chaotic inner lives. This compelling book explores the intricate connections between our thoughts, emotions, and physical responses through engaging narratives and scientific insights. Ruby Wax, with her characteristic wit and intelligence, reveals how we can become masters of our minds by altering our brain chemistry and breaking free from stress and negativity.

Drawing from her experiences and scientific research, Wax delves into the inner workings of the mind, highlighting why moments of anxiety and negative thoughts are common and how they can be managed effectively. Readers will discover tangible strategies and techniques that foster awareness and mindfulness. These practices help tap into our compassionate selves, allowing us to embrace a calmer, more balanced approach to life's challenges. Sane New World is a transformative guide that offers empowerment and understanding through mindful self-regulation and mental resilience.

In a world that often feels overwhelming, Wax empowers her readers to step back, evaluate their thought patterns, and redefine their emotional regulation. This book stands as a beacon of hope for anyone wishing to break the cycle of stress and find inner peace by leveraging mindful strategies and conscious self-compassion. By the end of this journey, readers gain the tools to handle their challenges with clarity and grace.

Review of Sane New World

Sane New World: Taming the Mind is a fresh take on mental well-being that combines science, humor, and real-life application effortlessly. Ruby Wax's insightful exploration of the brain's wiring and its impact on behavior models a compassionate approach to understanding our minds. With her witty prose and evidence-backed insights, Wax provides a clear view of how negative thinking patterns arise and how they can be disrupted for a healthier mindset.

One of the book's key strengths lies in its simplicity: Wax translates complex neuroscientific concepts into accessible language without losing depth. The practical mindfulness exercises are thoughtfully crafted, offering tangible steps towards building mental resilience and breaking destructive cycles. By infusing humor into her writing, Wax ensures the journey remains inviting, approachable, and realistic for readers from all backgrounds.

Aimed at individuals and professionals alike, the book connects deeply with those battling anxiety or burnout, and anyone yearning for self-compassion. While it details the fascinating intricacies of brain function, the emphasis on emotional intelligence and practical mindfulness makes it universally relevant. Wax provides not just theory but practice, encouraging readers to make small, conscious adjustments towards a more fulfilling mental and emotional landscape. Highly recommended for those keen on enhancing their emotional insight and fostering a more tranquil, vibrant existence.

Who should read Sane New World?

Professionals experiencing burnout and seeking practical tools for stress management will find immense value in Wax's strategies for building mental resilience.
Individuals struggling with anxiety or negative self-talk can benefit from the accessible mindfulness exercises and compassionate self-awareness techniques.
Psychology enthusiasts interested in the brain's functioning and emotional intelligence will appreciate the engaging exploration of these topics.
Readers seeking personal growth and inner peace can explore new mindfulness practices to cultivate self-compassion and mental clarity.
People in caregiving roles or mental health professions will find the book's insights applicable for both personal and professional mindfulness development.

About the author

Ruby Wax is a comedian, writer, and mental health campaigner with extensive experience in television and live performances. She holds a Master's degree in Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy from Oxford University and is an alumna and Honorary Senior Fellow of Regent's University London with an MA in Psychotherapy and Counselling. With over 25 years of experience in television, including her own BBC show, she has also authored several best-selling books, including "Sane New World: Taming the Mind," which offers practical advice on managing mental health through mindfulness. She is also the founder of Frazzled Cafe, a mental health charity providing a supportive community for those feeling overwhelmed.