The Four Purposes of Life

Well worth readin more than once.

What made the experience of listening to The Four Purposes of Life the most enjoyable?

The way he outlined it, then when deeper into each one.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Socrates is my favorite as I read about him in the"The Peaceful Warrior", and I love sorcerers.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Dan Millman moved me when he relates to what he's been thru.

Any additional comments?

I have read almost all the Carlos Castenada series and Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman. He has a way of showin' thru his own life experiences, the knowledge he's learned.

4 people found this helpful

Really good...and reeeaally not good

Overall, it's worthwhile. If you don't believe in horoscopes. As tempting as it might be to listen to the whole thing yourself...and maybe you should anyway...I would still like to recommend skipping chapter 4 completely. It very easily puts a damper on the insights of the preceeding and proceeding chapters.

The good:
Great thinking from chapters 1-3, 5, and 6.


The really bad:
Chapter 4 was essentially a horoscope. I was hoping it'd get me, or maybe deep down I had already decided it wouldn't. But frankly, I think chapter 4 was straight stupid. It describes how the date of your birth gives insight to your strengths, weaknesses, and purpose. And it goes on to say that it doesn't, but does, but doesn't. It was the silliest thing! Continues to describe similarities between various known people to affirm this "birth number" thing. And doesn't go on to make the point that all these similarities are shared between all the people mentioned regardless of their "birth number."

I suppose I may be in the wrong in possibly misinterpreting this section as well as allowing my interpretation to hinder my perspective on the book, but considering 1/3 of the book advocates the opposite of the whole point...it's pretty ridiculous.

Achieve a higher sense of self and awareness. Then surrender into the idea that the date you were born has some mystical bearing upon your life.

Sure your life would be different had you been born a day sooner or later, and maybe your path and purpose would be different. But arbitrary numbers that represent the day you were born have no significance in the play of your life. That is of course unless you allow it to, I suppose. In which case, more power to you. But in my opinion, that way may lead to success, but is inevitably lesser than if you refrain from silly nonsense. The way I see it, less power to you.

3 people found this helpful

Another enlightening and enjoyable book from Dan

His books are a wonderful reminder about life and always awaken my awareness to the moment and what is truly important in our time here. Thank you again Dan!

My birthday matters???

the first part was okay. Then in the next part, he started using listener's birthday like a fortune teller!! Very disappointed to find this out.