The Bottom Line
This book has some valuable suggestions to offer, but take the advice with a grain of salt. The book has some important insights, but should be tempered by common sense and introspection.
Pros
- It's written simply, discussing deep concepts in easy-to-understand language.
- It gives specific tools to use and provides practical examples of how to use them.
- It shows a clear pathway to being a less stressed, kinder and more enlightened person.
Cons
- It's repetitive in places.
- It may be a little oversimplified; life might not be this black-and-white.
- Taken too literally, it could actually keep you from examining yourself and growing.
Description
- Simply written
- Complex themes
- Good suggestions for managing stress
- Potentially limiting introspection and personal growth
Guide Review - The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
This book provides a new paradigm through which to view life and its difficulties, and supplies four ‘rules to live by’ that can reduce the level of stress and ‘drama’ you experience as you go through life. Because of its simplicity and depth, it’s received quite a bit of attention since its publication in 1997, even drawing a coveted endorsement from Oprah!
Working with the premise that we have accepted as true many perceptions about life that really aren’t true, and these misperceptions are causing us unnecessary pain and ‘drama’ in our lives, this book shares ancient Toltec wisdom that can help you to live more responsibly, create less pain for yourself, and feel better about your life, among other things.
The recommended ‘agreements’, or rules to live by, are as follows:
- Be Impeccable With Your Word
- Don’t Take Anything Personally
- Don’t Make Assumptions
- Always Do Your Best
For a more thorough review of each ‘agreement’, and insights into each (including which ones may be flawed), read the full review.
