- Hardcover: 160 pages
- Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers (Australia) Pty Ltd; 1 edition (12 April 2000)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0060195428
- ISBN-13: 978-0060195427
- Product Dimensions: 20.8 x 20.6 x 2 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 553,883 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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More About the Author
Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
The original self is the person "who came into this world full of possibility and destined for joyful unveiling and manifestation," according to bestselling author Thomas Moore. "This is the person who comes to life in us briefly as we get married, start a course in school, or try on a new job--before worry and cynicism have set in."
In essence, it is our soul that Moore speaks of, and it is his unwavering conviction that our greatest task is to stay true to our original selves. Using a highly approachable format of brief essays (2-4 pages), Moore offers his reflections on how to do just that. Each essay leads with a thought, such as "Life needs a point of entry, a crack in our defences," or "Beneath the favourite tale of the moment a deeper story always lies waiting to be told." From there Moore moves into the eloquent depths of his ruminations on the original self--words that are beautiful and provocative, yet never heady or bogged down with self-importance. In fact, his writing manages to be simultaneously poetic and pragmatic--the signature of a great thinker and humanitarian. Each essay is illustrated with a woodblock print, offering further meditation on a theme. Moore openly admits that he hopes this book will become a keeper--one that dwells on a household's shelf of lifetime books. No doubt it will, Mr Moore, somewhere between Emerson and Thoreau. --Gail Hudson
Product Description
One of the most renowned and respected writers on spiritually in the world, Thomas Moore has written extensively on the challenge of living authentically. Here, he has gathered together 50 fresh interpretations of living with originality rather than conformity. There is an edge to these writings, as he counters the prevailing assumptions of the day, offering strikingly unorthodox views on what is virtuous and healthy and opening up possibilities for a renewal of the way we live socially and in our personal lives Among his observations: -- It isn't enough to be tolerant, one has to love differences among people. -- It is at least as important to regress as it is to "grow". -- An inviting, open heart is always more important than understanding. -- Moore's challenging, inspiring interpretation are accompanied by striking woodcut drawings by Joan Hanley. -- Moore's books have sold more than 2.5 million copies.
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First Sentence
Odyssey is a noble image for the mysterious process we call a human life. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Excerpt | Back Cover
Odyssey is a noble image for the mysterious process we call a human life. Read the first page
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
25 of 26 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
For someone who is unfamiliar with spiritual ideas this would be a real eye-opener, but it is not much different from 'care of The soul'. 'Original Self' would be more suitable as a gift. It consists of short essays which address vital topics yet do not require long periods of study. It is well presented, each essay is illustrated with both a woodcut and a quote. Yet it cannot be overlooked that this is quality writing. Moore demonstrates knowledge of themes such as jealousy, patriarchy, gender and memory as well as vision and intelligence in discussing them. The most profound message of the book for me was something that I didn't understand right away. The author tells how at a seminar a woman said "From now on I'm just going to live with what is" to which he replied without hesitation "The trouble is, what is, isn't." Realising what he meant was like solving a Zen koan.
If you haven't already read 'Care of the Soul' by the same author, you should read that instead.
15 of 17 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This book has a lot of wonderful ideas -- some of them contradictory -- presented in short, easy-to-read chapters. It is better than some of Thomas Moore's other books which are long-winded and, well, boring. Moore is a brave and humble man, often contradicting the set theories of psychology and liberal religious thinking. I thank him for this book and recommend it highly. Reading it can be liberating.
An Australian reader in Geneva, Switzerland.
An Australian reader in Geneva, Switzerland.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
14 reviews
103 of 108 people found the following review helpful
Understands and extols the value of paradox
25 April 2000
Format:Hardcover
By an odd chance I read this book right after I finished reading "Tuesdays With Morrie." There is no comparison--where "Tuesdays" is trite and overhyped, dishing out tired truisms as though they were newly discovered insights, this book has so much depth and understated richness that I had to put it down every few paragraphs to allow the words to sink in slowly. It is the opposite of trite in every way.
My only quibble is with the section in which the author discusses depression. He advises not running to a doctor for medication, and instead allowing the pain to teach its lessons. I agree with that in cases where a person is sad or grief-stricken. But in cases of actual clinical depression, that can be dangerous advice. Clinical depression is an illness with a high mortality rate, comparable to tuberculosis, say, or malaria. Would anyone advise a person with the symptoms of tuberculosis to hold off seeking medication?
But the main message of the book is quietly intense. Allowing other people to be different from what we expect them to be, allowing ourselves to be imperfect, not striving all the time, accepting that we are sometimes unloving and needy as well as creative and accomplished--that is powerful and earthy stuff. And it is conveyed without cliche and without sentimentality.
The gentle woodcut illustrations are a perfect addition to the text--both are quiet jewels that shine brighter as time goes on, instead of fireworks that get a lot of adulatory press and then fade from sight forever.
Bravo.
55 of 57 people found the following review helpful
To boldly go where no soul has gone before . . .
24 Mar 2000
Format:Hardcover
Thomas Moore writes with more depth and wisdom than many of the current "writers on spirituality." He gives you no formula, no simple truths. Instead, he takes you to a thought that appears self-evident, and then challenges you to go further, to probe more deeply, to "leave the door ajar" so that soul may slip in. Each essay takes you on a journey that could last an hour, a day, a week, a month. I find that I revisit some of the essays again and again as I dip under the surface a bit more deeply each time. The essays are short and easy to read; the comprehension develops in an ever-deepening spiral of understanding and application.
Each essay carries multiple levels of inspiration and evocation. The quote, the woodcut, the title, and then the text - each conveys a meaning that is both unique and integral to the whole. One is drawn from the image to the poetry, the summative thought, the expanded concept, and then back to the image. At the end of an essay, I often pause and breathe, simply taking it in. I return to the quotes over and over again.
I am curious about the change in wording of the subtitle on the book cover - Living with Paradox and Originality - as compared to the title page - Living with Paradox and Authenticity. One could create an essay on the difference between the two words, and so I wonder about Thomas Moore's "original" intent.
I have already purchased the audiocassette, to play in my car while commuting, as a way to enter and exit the work day with a contemplative focus. I am certain this book will become one that I share with others, offer as gifts, and refer to repeatedly in conversation. Highly recommended, for those who like to dive in more deeply.
42 of 45 people found the following review helpful
Thought-provoking book for all!
24 Mar 2000
Format:Hardcover
In a wonderfully and beautifully written manner, Thomas Moore once again challenges us to question many of the entrapping assumptions we hold onto in our lives -- freeing the unique and individual soul in each of us. The eye-catching woodcuts nicely complement the thought-provoking words. The power of this book's message is found in its layout as well as its words and pictures. My very highest recommendations for readers who are already Thomas Moore fans as well as those who are just becoming familiar with his writings. Just like all of his other books, this is one that can be read, looked at, and experienced over and over again --with new meanings and insights every time.
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