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When introducing the virtue of "Happiness," Peck asserts his controversial belief that "The lie is that we are here on earth to be comfortable, happy and fulfilled ... The truth is that our finest moments are more likely to occur when we are feeling deeply uncomfortable, unhappy or unfulfilled. For it is only in such moments, propelled by discomfort, that we are likely to step out of our ruts and start searching for different ways or truer answers--or even for God."
He follows this elegant essay with a series of profound, tender and even playful quotes about happiness, such as "There is nothing more beautiful than cheerfulness in an old man's face" (Jean Paul Richter). "The secret of contentment is the realization that life is a gift, not a right" (Anonymous). As a bonus, Abounding Grace also makes a lasting reference book, one of the best sources of spiritually minded quotes available. --Gail Hudson
But it proved to be much more than just the usual collection of great quotes, or words of wisdom to look at once in a while, or copy onto websites and into newsletters. "Virtue" when served up by M. Scott Peck goes beyond conventional, dogmatic wisdom that sees goodness as something to be applied externally, and medicinally.
Peck thoughtfully reflects on what virtue is, what it means to individuals, how it emerges in each of us, from deep within. Before each section of quotes from a variety of people from different cultures, times, and beliefs, he offers his own reflections and experiences (on light purple paper, so you can easily see where each section begins) about the topic.
We love this book because it gives us all those favorite quotes, and some delicious food for thought. For the M. Scott Peck fan (The Road Less Traveled), this book will be a welcome gift (its on MY list to give and get)!
CHARITY
Posthumous charities are the very essence of selfishness when bequeathed by those who, when alive, would part with nothing.
- Charles Caleb Colton
Charity, to be fruitful, must cost us.
- Mother Teresa
COMPASSION
One cannot weep for the entire world. It is beyond human strength. One must choose. - Jean Anouilh
Being unwanted, unloved, uncared for, forgotten by everybody, I think that is a much greater hunger, a much greater poverty than the person who has nothing to eat... We must find each other.
- Mother Teresa
GRATITUDE
A thankful heart is the parent of all virtues. - Cicero
Into the well which supplies thee with water, cast no stones. - Talmud
No duty is more urgent than returning thanks. - Saint Ambrose
Wise men appreciate all men, for they see the good in each, and know how hard it is to make anything good. - Baltasar Gracian
HAPPINESS
When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us. - Helen Keller
Happiness is itself a kind of gratitude. - Joseph Wood Krutch
I find my joy of living in the fierce and ruthless battles of life, and my pleasure comes from learning something. - August Strindberg
If only we'd stop trying to be happy, we could have a pretty good time.
- Edith Wharton
COURAGE
Often the test of courage is not to die but to live. - Vittorio Alfieri
What is to give light must endure burning - Victor Frankl
Sometimes even to live is an act of courage - Seneca
Courage is like love; it must have hope for nourishment. - Napoleon I
Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. - Muriel Strode
It often takes more courage to change one's opinion than to stick to it.
- George Christopher Litenburg
Why not go out on a limb? Isn't that where the fruit is?
- Frank Scully
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