The Four Agreements by don Miguel Ruiz

The Four Agreements
by don Miguel Ruiz

  • Nonfiction, Psychology, Self-Improvement
  • 12+ for complex ideas and theories
  • Published November 7, 1997 by Amber-Allen Publishing

Summary

     "In The Four Agreements, don Miguel Ruiz reveals the source of self-limiting beliefs that rob us of joy and create needless suffering. Based on ancient Toltec wisdom, the Four Agreements offer a powerful code of conduct that can rapidly transform our lives to a new experience of freedom, true happiness, and love. The Four Agreements are: Be Impeccable With Your Word, Don't Take Anything Personally, Don't Make Assumptions, Always Do Your Best." - Goodreads

Review

     As someone who struggles in day to day life with finding happiness based on myself rather than others, I was actually hoping this novel would help me. I chose it from my summer reading list skeptically, but after my grandmother had only good things to say, I was hoping it would be good. I found myself entranced immediately and for the first time in a month, I genuinely wanted to keep reading. This continued throughout the book and I ended up finishing the book in less than 12 hours, something I haven't done in quite a while now. I actually have to write an essay about the novel, and I'm finding that I'm genuinely excited about it! I want to relate all the ideas and theories to my everyday life, as well as put them into  Surprisingly, the book lived up to my expectations and I loved it.
   
     Now, for a review that relates to other people. The writing is really easy to understand, something that's rare in nonfiction literature. Also, it seems religious at first, but ultimately it's not and when it is, it's inclusive of everyone, rather than exclusively focusing on one religion. Throughout the novel, there are great examples to clarify what the topic means and how it applies to ordinary life. These examples range from things everybody has experienced to things that one specific person may have experienced but everyone can understand. Also, the use of we when explaining things helps to eliminate the feeling of attack we typically get when criticized, allowing for better understanding of the book in the process. Overall, The Four Agreements is well written and can help many of us change our day to day lives for the better.

 Recommendation

     I recommend everybody read Ruiz's work at some point in their young lives, as it can help teenagers who are going through the hardest point in their lives and struggle to find happiness and inner peace. However, if you're older and feel it's too late to read this book, don't fret. Anybody can read this book at anytime in their lives, as we always have room for improvement. Whether you're 19 or 91, it doesn't matter. Honestly, I can't think of anyone that shouldn't read it other than young children because they probably wouldn't understand it. But you know what? You can teach them to follow this path from a young age, and then they won't know any other way. I feel that the targeted audience of the novel is people who rely on others for validation, but can recognize the issue. Truthfully, I didn't fully realize that I had this issue until I started reading the book, at which point I had a little bit of an "aha!" moment. I plan to begin applying the aspects of this novel to my day to day life, and invite others to join me. If you want to join just comment below or tweet me @book_attic and I'd be happy to have some company in this!

About The Author

     "Don Miguel Ruiz is a renowned spiritual teacher and internationally bestselling author of the “Toltec Wisdom Series,” including “The Four Agreements,” “The Mastery of Love,” “The Voice of Knowledge,” “The Four Agreements Companion Book,” “The Circle of Fire,” and “The Fifth Agreement.” The Toltec Wisdom books have sold over 10 million copies in the United States, and have been published in 40 languages worldwide. 

don Miguel has spent the past three decades guiding students to personal freedom through his profound insights regarding the nature of human reality. His newest book, THE TOLTEC ART OF LIFE AND DEATH: A Story of Self Discovery (HarperElixir/HarperCollins) written with Barbara Emrys was published October 27, 2015.

The youngest of thirteen children, don Miguel Ruiz was born in rural Mexico to parents who were healers and practitioners of ancient Toltec traditions. As a young adult, he graduated from medical school in Mexico City and practiced neurosurgery with his older brother in Tijuana. A near-fatal car crash forever changed the direction of his life, however, causing him to leave medicine and to examine the essential truth about life and humanity. With his mother’s help, and through her ancestral teachings, he discovered his own path to awareness, which evolved into a deep understanding of the physical universe and the virtual world of the mind.

Combining Toltec mythology and scientific perspectives, don Miguel has been able to merge ancient wisdom with modern physics and practical common-sense, forging a new philosophy for seekers of truth and personal authenticity. His landmark bestselling book, The Four Agreements, contains practical steps for long-term, personal transformation and has been read by millions around the world.

First published in 1997, The Four Agreements has since sold over six million copies in the United States and seven million worldwide. It has been translated into 40 languages, appeared on the New York Times bestseller for nearly ten years, and was the 36th bestselling book of the decade. Don Miguel is also the author of The Mastery of Love, The Voice of Knowledge, Prayers, and the New York Times bestseller, The Fifth Agreement, a collaboration with his son, don José Ruiz. Each of his books are international bestsellers.

The wisdom don Miguel has brought to the world has earned him respect around the globe. He has dedicated his life to sharing his message through practical concepts in order to promote transformation and ultimately change lives for the better. Don Miguel is the recipient of numerous recognitions, including a U.S. Air Force ‘challenge coin’ engraved with “The Four Agreements.” He is the recipient of an Honorary Degree in Cultural and Social Education from the American Cultural Institute of Mexico, and referenced as a “national treasure” in his native country.


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