(Found) 1970s/80s novel-our minds chatter or are like monkey mind because space creatures invaded them. Going into space finally minds become quiet.

[skydancer]

This is a novel that describes what makes human minds so busy and noisy as tho it comes from some kind of space creatures, rather than being inherent to the human mind when left to its own devices. I enjoyed this book before I practiced meditation--it was this book that gave me hope that the mind could become quiet / peaceful. Hope you have suggestions for the title or author!

 

[Danny McG]

I got vague memories of me asking something a bit similar in here once.
I think the answer I was given was The Brains of Earth (or very close to that)
Update:

(Found) mega octopoid brain controllers

This was a LOT of years ago (early seventies ?) and what I remember is the protagonist, using some invention, could suddenly see these metaphysical cords reaching down into people's brains and controlling/ feeding off their energy. I think he could see massive shapes in deepest space sending...

www.sffchronicles.com

 

[skydancer]

Thanks so much -- but this isn't it. It was not a fear-inducing kind of book. It was one that engendered hope. here's a link for the book you mentioned, but this is definitely not it: The Brains of Earth - Wikipedia

 

[royheil]

This description rings a bell for me. I don't remember the details well, but I recall reading two different novels, unrelated, but with similar motifs, both by Colin Wilson, "The Mind Parasites" and "The Philosophers Stone". Both involved researchers being able to expand their minds. Both, were strongly influenced by H. P. Lovecraft, and one for both of them made several references to his works. Your description of human minds being hindered by alien minds makes me think of "The Mind Parasites", and it may be that they left earth to escape the parasites influence (but my memory is not clear about that piece).

 

[skydancer]

That's it! Colin Wilson, "The Mind Parasites". Thank you! What a fabulous site. Had been trying to remember the author and title for days. And they did go into space to escape the influence of the parasites: Haven't yet looked at the book (which you can get on kindle) but read a review by WIlliam Burroughs at Mind Parasites by Colin Wilson | RealityStudio "In Mr. Wilson’s narrative it is a space voyage that finally defeats the parasites. They cannot survive in space. As the space craft travels further and further from the earth the parasites, still lurking in the crew, are in a panic. “Now they felt their psychic links with the earth stretching and growing weaker and they were frightened. We now understood the nature of ‘space fever’ that had so far frustrated all men’s efforts to penetrate further into space.” And when they reach a certain distance from earth, their minds are free.

 

[HareBrain]

I've heard of The Mind Parasites but had no idea what it was about -- but this thread title made me think of Wilson because it's a major theme of his non-fiction/philosophy.