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Few writers approach the topic of life purpose with the clarity of Dan Millman, whose prior book The Life You Were Born to Live has reached more than a million readers worldwide. In The Four Purposes of Life, Millman distills decades of exploration and experience into a concise map of what we’re here to accomplish on our life’s journey.
This book is for anyone seeking deeper insight into themselves and their lives, but especially for those at a crossroads, facing a challenge or change, when past approaches no longer work.
These four purposes — learning life’s lessons, finding your career and calling, discovering your life path, and attending to this arising moment — will bring your life into sharper focus by revealing:
* the value of everyday challenges in relationships, health, work, and money
* how to make wiser decisions in career and relationships
* our twelve required courses in the school of life
* a mysterious system that clarifies your hidden calling
* keys to mastering the most important purpose of all
The Four Purposes of Life can generate a quantum leap in self-knowledge, insight, and wisdom. The seeds planted will bear fruit for years to come.
This book is for anyone seeking deeper insight into themselves and their lives, but especially for those at a crossroads, facing a challenge or change, when past approaches no longer work.
These four purposes — learning life’s lessons, finding your career and calling, discovering your life path, and attending to this arising moment — will bring your life into sharper focus by revealing:
* the value of everyday challenges in relationships, health, work, and money
* how to make wiser decisions in career and relationships
* our twelve required courses in the school of life
* a mysterious system that clarifies your hidden calling
* keys to mastering the most important purpose of all
The Four Purposes of Life can generate a quantum leap in self-knowledge, insight, and wisdom. The seeds planted will bear fruit for years to come.
99 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2011
102 people are currently reading
934 people want to read
About the author
Dan Millman
115 books1,172 followersDaniel Jay Millman is an American author and lecturer in the personal development field. He is best-known for the movie Peaceful Warrior, which is based on his own life and taken from one of his books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
October 12, 2017
Not much here, except for a lot of Dan and anecdotes of some random people he happens to know. The numerology section is absolutely non-credible bs, and the zen/mindfulness section is mostly valid and important.
One valuable quotation:
“There is truly nothing other than the single purpose of the present moment. A person’s life is a succession of moment after moment. When one fully understands the present moment, there will be nothing else to do and nothing else to pursue.” Hagakure, The Book of the Samurai. (p119)
One valuable quotation:
“There is truly nothing other than the single purpose of the present moment. A person’s life is a succession of moment after moment. When one fully understands the present moment, there will be nothing else to do and nothing else to pursue.” Hagakure, The Book of the Samurai. (p119)
January 2, 2014
This is an incredible book. It serves almost as an guide on how to live life while also retaining its self-help-esque style and values. I loved this book a great deal and would recommend it to anyone who's currently living life as I'm sure many of you are. One of the most empowering and fulfilling books I have read in a long time.
June 26, 2011
An overviw of Millman's other books, I thought this might be a good introduction to his work. While there were a few insights worth remembering, I felt like this was a too-shallow treatment of a deeper subject.
April 13, 2020
Excellent book that help in reconciliation of the importance of the present moment. As Dan says that, there is nothing as 'now', this now becomes past as you utter these letters. And the other thing is future, and thinking all time about future and destroying your present peace isnt a good thing to do. Past is actually what you hav experienced before... In the arrows of time, just make decisions about the present situation and think about the moment in hand. This is the only way we can grab past, present and future. And more than this, we can attain contentment and peace of mind, the prime purpose of life now a days..
June 4, 2021
I read this as part of a Book Club. It was the first book we took on. It was worth its salt. We treated chapter 3 differently though. For us, as Christians, that was a no-no to astrology and its likes.
We are starting on our second book this Sunday, 6th June. We will be reading Jaime Kearn Lima's new book, "Believe It!."
We are starting on our second book this Sunday, 6th June. We will be reading Jaime Kearn Lima's new book, "Believe It!."
April 26, 2014
A waste of a book in my opinion. A rehash of concepts and no actionable advice.
December 12, 2019
An inspiring and impelling book especially for people who are unsure of what to do in the future or hesitate to decide what kind of person they want to be. Like the author mentioned in the prologue section--'living on purpose'. Rather than wishing good things to you, do you best on the career you are doing now, to become a better yourself!
The birth digit number part has intrigued me a lot, to find out the potential strength and hidden calling of yourself (the Nine Life Paths). Believe in or not, interesting to read thou.
Another thing I have learned from this book is 'Purposes tied to the past or future have no reality, they are phantom concepts conjured by the mind. Handle just what is in front of you.'
I am sure we will find the indeed calling inside us and better ourselves in the next wave!
The birth digit number part has intrigued me a lot, to find out the potential strength and hidden calling of yourself (the Nine Life Paths). Believe in or not, interesting to read thou.
Another thing I have learned from this book is 'Purposes tied to the past or future have no reality, they are phantom concepts conjured by the mind. Handle just what is in front of you.'
I am sure we will find the indeed calling inside us and better ourselves in the next wave!
February 24, 2023
In the path of my life I always thought that the reason for my existence, my learning was to lose fear. Today I no longer have my primary fears, but I worry about my loved ones. Is it healthy to lose those fears?
If this is no longer the way, what is the purpose of my life?
This book tells us about four purposes in life:
1. Learn (socially, in privacy, in our feelings, etc.)
2.- Know your values and what to dedicate yourself to in life. A career that suits you.
3.- The deep reason for your existence (I didn't like this part very much because it talks about numerology: can your date of birth define the deep reason for your existence?).
4.- Be and enjoy the now.
A short and motivating book, very illustrative.
If this is no longer the way, what is the purpose of my life?
This book tells us about four purposes in life:
1. Learn (socially, in privacy, in our feelings, etc.)
2.- Know your values and what to dedicate yourself to in life. A career that suits you.
3.- The deep reason for your existence (I didn't like this part very much because it talks about numerology: can your date of birth define the deep reason for your existence?).
4.- Be and enjoy the now.
A short and motivating book, very illustrative.
December 10, 2018
“Life reveals that we have more control over our behavior than we do over transient emotions or thoughts.”
*
The Four Purposes of Life was one of those books that had me distractedly flipping pages thinking, I’ve heard all this said more eloquently elsewhere already — then once in a while I’d hit a sentence that would make me pause and think and feel. Takeaways: Feelings pass — so don’t let them determine your actions. Also, once a decision is made, go all in — stop waffling because that’s misery-making!
*
The Four Purposes of Life was one of those books that had me distractedly flipping pages thinking, I’ve heard all this said more eloquently elsewhere already — then once in a while I’d hit a sentence that would make me pause and think and feel. Takeaways: Feelings pass — so don’t let them determine your actions. Also, once a decision is made, go all in — stop waffling because that’s misery-making!
February 6, 2021
This book is an invitation to examine your life, no matter your current life path; young or old; starting college or having been in a practice for a lifetime. The book offers insights, as outlined by your birth order. This order is not set in stone. Each of us have a “power” which can be used for good or evil - which one do you feed? I highly recommend it. Reading it will change the way you approach life, the way you make decisions and the way you live. It is only after you start to practice living, that you begin to truly live.
September 17, 2017
It was OK. Not quite what I expected and not as powerful as Way of the Peaceful Warrior. It served a purpose for me in the few days it took to finish. It would be great for recent college grads to read. I did underline many passages, so worth it, but is not quite what I was hoping for at this time. Yet, it still got the job done of changing my focus back to being spiritually based again from my mind running amok in trying to make sense of it all. The present moment is all we have...oh yeah!
September 1, 2018
it seems the author wrote this for the sake of writing and make a side income instead of enlightening people. there are irrelevant content for the theme (eg. leadership) and filled with unnecessary details of how he come up with the theory. chapter one wasn't too bad, bad the second half of chapter 2 onwards is a pain to read.
January 20, 2022
We must feel the attractive force of purpose, the meaning of our life beyond the crossroads. It’s the purpose of our existence exist that hints at the direction we need to take and, thanks to our virtues and amid a thousand adversities, gives us the pleasure of providing meaning to our existence.
Inspiring book!
Inspiring book!
February 27, 2022
I remember The Peaceful Warrior having a profound impact on me. It re-opened me up to the mystical and spiritual world. It is a book that I have gifted often in the past. I was excited to read this book and was left unfulfilled. It was a mishmash and rehash of concepts, some which resonated and some which did not.
September 24, 2023
A Short, but definitely an interesting and eye-opening read !
My key takeaways
- Learn as you travel along the life journey
- In spite of your work / profession, spend time for your "calling" - that act/hobby/passion that satisfies your soul
- Life happens here & now - The past and future exists only in our imagination. There is no point worrying about those.
My key takeaways
- Learn as you travel along the life journey
- In spite of your work / profession, spend time for your "calling" - that act/hobby/passion that satisfies your soul
- Life happens here & now - The past and future exists only in our imagination. There is no point worrying about those.
November 22, 2019
Great to the T
Another fascinating trip into the thoughts and mind of Dan mi!!man. I have thoroughly enjoyed the teachings as well as the events seen through your eyes. Thank you is all I can say.
Another fascinating trip into the thoughts and mind of Dan mi!!man. I have thoroughly enjoyed the teachings as well as the events seen through your eyes. Thank you is all I can say.
December 6, 2022
I was very inspired and impressed with this, until the epilogue. Then he started on God and how you need religion, which ruined the overall experience for me. Otherwise good tips on making your life mindful and a great experience. You don't need religion to be spiritual, in my opinion!
August 20, 2023
Transcending in My Practice
After reading Dan Milkman’s books, this one will resonate over time. It will define be a reread. I encourage everyone to read this book and practice life while transcending in to every moment.
After reading Dan Milkman’s books, this one will resonate over time. It will define be a reread. I encourage everyone to read this book and practice life while transcending in to every moment.
February 17, 2020
A random wondering-the-stacks-read. I didn't know what I was getting into and it was a quick and easy read.
April 26, 2020
This is a quick and easy read with a few powerful takeaways that people from all different backgrounds can find meaning in. I enjoyed it and it’s a book I will keep and read again.
August 30, 2022
He's had some better books, still a quick good gem.
September 2, 2022
I really just enjoyed this book, it was easy.
May 7, 2019
Endorsements:
“Once again, Dan Millman provides us with keys to a well-lived life. This is a lovely read, filled with meaningful insight.”
— Marianne Williamson, author of A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of "A Course in Miracles"
“A wonderful book with extremely helpful practices for finding one’s authentic purpose. Highly recommended!”
— Ken Wilber, author of A Theory of Everything: An Integral Vision for Business, Politics, Science & Spirituality
“Dan’s new book offers concise and practical guidance for living a meaningful life with a clear sense of purpose.”
— Deepak Chopra, author of The Soul of Leadership: Unlocking Your Potential for Greatness
“Leave it to Dan Millman to come up with a way of making purposeful decisions and helping us see deeply into the center of each moment...a graceful and wise book.”
— Elizabeth Lesser, cofounder of Omega Institute and author of Broken Open: How Difficult Times Can Help Us Grow
“A refreshingly practical yet profound approach to living your sacred calling.”
— Peter Russell, author of From Science to God: A Physicist's Journey into the Mystery of Consciousness
“Dan Millman reminds us of the power of our essential humanity, how to touch it and use it to make this a better world.”
— Thom Hartmann, author of The Last Hours of Ancient Sunlight: The Fate of the World and What We Can Do Before It's Too Late
“This book skillfully delivers on its promise of bringing renewed meaning and purpose — for anyone seeking clear directions at one of life’s crossroads.”
— Ken Dychtwald, author of A New Purpose: Redefining Money, Family, Work, Retirement, and Success
“During one of the darkest periods of my life, Dan’s writing in Way of the Peaceful Warrior extended a hand to me and helped pull me into the light. Dan is the personification of ‘love, laugh, live, and give,’ as you will see in his new book, The Four Purposes of Life. In this book, he does it again as only he can.”
— Quincy Jones
“Dan Millman, a great teacher, shares important rules to help people everywhere improve their lives, find their passion, do what they love, and live with inspiration.”
— Don Miguel Ruiz, author of The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom
“Once again, Dan Millman provides us with keys to a well-lived life. This is a lovely read, filled with meaningful insight.”
— Marianne Williamson, author of A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of "A Course in Miracles"
“A wonderful book with extremely helpful practices for finding one’s authentic purpose. Highly recommended!”
— Ken Wilber, author of A Theory of Everything: An Integral Vision for Business, Politics, Science & Spirituality
“Dan’s new book offers concise and practical guidance for living a meaningful life with a clear sense of purpose.”
— Deepak Chopra, author of The Soul of Leadership: Unlocking Your Potential for Greatness
“Leave it to Dan Millman to come up with a way of making purposeful decisions and helping us see deeply into the center of each moment...a graceful and wise book.”
— Elizabeth Lesser, cofounder of Omega Institute and author of Broken Open: How Difficult Times Can Help Us Grow
“A refreshingly practical yet profound approach to living your sacred calling.”
— Peter Russell, author of From Science to God: A Physicist's Journey into the Mystery of Consciousness
“Dan Millman reminds us of the power of our essential humanity, how to touch it and use it to make this a better world.”
— Thom Hartmann, author of The Last Hours of Ancient Sunlight: The Fate of the World and What We Can Do Before It's Too Late
“This book skillfully delivers on its promise of bringing renewed meaning and purpose — for anyone seeking clear directions at one of life’s crossroads.”
— Ken Dychtwald, author of A New Purpose: Redefining Money, Family, Work, Retirement, and Success
“During one of the darkest periods of my life, Dan’s writing in Way of the Peaceful Warrior extended a hand to me and helped pull me into the light. Dan is the personification of ‘love, laugh, live, and give,’ as you will see in his new book, The Four Purposes of Life. In this book, he does it again as only he can.”
— Quincy Jones
“Dan Millman, a great teacher, shares important rules to help people everywhere improve their lives, find their passion, do what they love, and live with inspiration.”
— Don Miguel Ruiz, author of The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom
July 25, 2021
Really puts things into perspective. Really good read.
April 15, 2012
Most of us tend to focus our energy in one or maybe two avenues. We see things in a very either/or way. Either we make family a priority or we build a successful career. Either we make money or we follow our calling. Balancing what we have is difficult enough so doing it all seems rather unrealistic.
The Four Purposes of Life tells us that not only is having it all possible but having a balance between all the parts of our lives is crucial. The book looks at the four purposes and is taught in stages or levels. For instance, in the first stage, we learn all the basics such as self- discipline, well-being, money, intuition, feeling, courage, love, knowing yourself, etc. From here, the other three purposes are more about finding your calling and providing service.
I’m thinking that the average person would be lucky to gain even a foundational understanding of half of the basics. Mastering these would probably take more than a single lifetime. I guess it’s a journey not a destination.
The Four Purposes of Life tells us that not only is having it all possible but having a balance between all the parts of our lives is crucial. The book looks at the four purposes and is taught in stages or levels. For instance, in the first stage, we learn all the basics such as self- discipline, well-being, money, intuition, feeling, courage, love, knowing yourself, etc. From here, the other three purposes are more about finding your calling and providing service.
I’m thinking that the average person would be lucky to gain even a foundational understanding of half of the basics. Mastering these would probably take more than a single lifetime. I guess it’s a journey not a destination.
March 18, 2012
If you’re feeling a little lost, don’t know what to do with your life, you have no direction and wonder ‘what’s it all about?’, then this may be just the book for you. Dan Millman who also wrote “The life you were born to live”, has distilled a lifetime of experience into this concise volume. He defines our four main purposes: learning life’s lessons, finding your career and calling, discovering your life path, and, attending to this arising moment. ‘The four main purposes’ allows the reader to bring their life into focus, to develop the insight and self-knowledge to face life’s challenges and ultimately to recognise what makes us happy. It is also a timely reminder that we are human beings, not human ‘doings’, and sometimes its ok to take time out and just ‘be’. ‘The four purposes of life is a quick read - a small book with a big message.
February 25, 2016
Dan Millman knows how to provide information in a succinct, easy to understand, simple to do manner. Getting to the heart of the purpose of life is no easy task. Reading this book brings it all into focus so the reader can get a clear vision of what to look for and do. He offers stories that are real and relatable. Everyone will benefit from reading this book and once read, you will notice changes for the better. He gets to your heart, you FEEL the content in a way that for me, I normally do not get from reading a book. That alone brings about change. The shift is subtle but very beneficial. I will add that if you opt to go to his site, you will find a plethora of information that is both valuable and affordable. Kudos to Dan for once again sharing his wisdom and insights so we all may learn and grow.
Read
May 15, 2016I read this book upon a friend's mention on life path numbers and how the author deals with that. The numerology part on life paths were much realistically handled than many other sources did on the subject, since it is easy to go hoaxing and selling self-confidence statements. It rather tells you to, well, go do it. The rest of the book sounded like a crash course on being productive existentialists who can cope with global stress-life with a flavour of numerology for the confused, well-civilized professional/waged laborer/citizen of the Global North (and those thinking they lead Global Northern lives): a call for taking responsibility for one's actions and decisions, to stop deferring and procrastination, valuing time (the most delicate resource of the capitalist world) and being aware of limitations and advantages of the world.
April 4, 2013
life is a journey.. famous chinese traveller Fa-Hien who travelled to 4 countries by foot, well said about our life.
The Four Purpose of Life by Dan Millman aims to find meaning in our life. It tells us how life teaches us lessons, and repeats them till we learn them. It clarifies to maintain balance between career and calling (our interest). Dan also talks about our hidden calling, that makes our mountain path of life challenging. Dan tells how we accept our situation, and the things which are coming in our path.
It is must read book who're confused about their life or career or to pursue their interest.
The Four Purpose of Life by Dan Millman aims to find meaning in our life. It tells us how life teaches us lessons, and repeats them till we learn them. It clarifies to maintain balance between career and calling (our interest). Dan also talks about our hidden calling, that makes our mountain path of life challenging. Dan tells how we accept our situation, and the things which are coming in our path.
It is must read book who're confused about their life or career or to pursue their interest.
February 14, 2014
Amazing book , recommend it to any person feels lost or disappointed
these are some of its amazing words i liked
*Earth is a perfect school, and daily life is the classroom
*Lessons repeat themselves until we learn them
*If we don’t learn the easier lessons, they get harder.
*We learn and grow through challenges, and every adversity has hidden gifts.
*Life is an experiment, a laboratory of self-exploration
*Fulfillment lies not in the work itself but in the quality and care you bring to it.
*Tyrants, dictators, and despots may be powerful rulers yet poor leaders.
these are some of its amazing words i liked
*Earth is a perfect school, and daily life is the classroom
*Lessons repeat themselves until we learn them
*If we don’t learn the easier lessons, they get harder.
*We learn and grow through challenges, and every adversity has hidden gifts.
*Life is an experiment, a laboratory of self-exploration
*Fulfillment lies not in the work itself but in the quality and care you bring to it.
*Tyrants, dictators, and despots may be powerful rulers yet poor leaders.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews