The Four Purposes Of Life: Finding Meaning and Direction in a Changing World

Millman, author of Way of the Peaceful Warrior, shares more of the ideas that are central to his way of life%E2%80%94and well being%E2%80%94in the hopes of leading others onto their true path. Millman's system ("Life-Purposes") is simple: self-examination; goal-making; decision-making; finding a passion; and conscious living. Relying on the words of philosophers both current and historical (Oprah and Kierkegaard both appear), the author finds a new twist for this addition to the genre he knows so well. The "School of Life" he argues, has only 12 subjects, among them self-worth, courage, sexuality, and service. He shares ways to earn a "Pass" grade from that great campus called Earth. Finding a calling is a more profound challenge than advancing career or finding "satisfying" work, and Millman doesn't make this distinction often enough. One purpose finds the author re-imagining the western horoscope; birth numbers can help us reach our life's purpose, he argues somewhat unpersuasively. And finally, despite all the talk of the subconscious mind and mental time leaps, Millman arrives at this chestnut: live in the moment. (Apr.)