In the Preface to the fifth anniversary edition, Harris addresses what has happened since the first publication of the book in 2014. Harris notes he intended for the “book to be an argument dressed up as a memoir. The argument is that you should meditate” (xix). While his own experiences were essential to him, Harris acknowledges that the audience is more concerned with the practical advice he offers. He notes that there is scientific backing regarding the benefits of meditation and that he is surprised by the book’s success, as well as the popularity of the Ten Percent Happier podcast and meditation app it spawned. Since meditation was so effective in easing his own anxiety, he believes it might work for the reader as well.

In the 2014 Preface, Harris notes how he learned that if we fail to observe our internal monologue, we may be headed for a more difficult life. He knows this because of his own personal journey. He explains that “[o]ur inner chatter isn’t all bad, of course. Sometimes, it’s creative, generous, or funny. But if we don’t pay close attention—which very few of us are taught how to do—it can be a malevolent puppeteer” (xxi).