Tolle is a German author who has written two spiritual self-help books, The Power of Now and A New Earth. Tolle studied at the University of London and the University of Cambridge and worked as a language teacher in London, England prior to his writing and speaking career. His books have been published in 52 languages.

Tolle shares in The Power of Now that a profound spiritual experience as a young adult greatly changed the direction of his life. This revelation occurred during a period of intense depression, leading Tolle to believe that his egoic mind was causing so much suffering that his “true nature” finally rejected it, allowing him to be free of his compulsive thinking and simply experience “Being.” Tolle finally felt inner peace and joy, despite having no meaningful relationships or material wealth. After his spiritual awakening, he began to work in small groups as a spiritual teacher, offering advice to everyday people in meetings at friends’ houses. He consolidated this advice into The Power of Now.

Despite his being a first-time author published by a small company in Vancouver, Tolle’s work caught the attention of Oprah Winfrey, whose recommendation helped popularize his work.