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The Two Most Important Days: How to Find Your Purpose - and Live a Happier, Healthier Life
What are the two most important days in your life? -The day you are born and the day you find out why, - Mark Twain famously wrote.
The search for happiness is hardwired in our DNA. It transcends age, gender, geography, vocation, and personal circumstances. But how do you achieve it?
Through inspirational storytelling, scientific evidence, practical advice, captivating exercises, and poetry, Dr. Sanjiv Chopra and Gina Vild present a powerful message that shows you how to achieve happiness no matter the challenges and stumbling blocks you face along the way. They also reveal the best way to be happy: Discover and live your life's purpose. It's a sure path to human flourishing. In fact, you may be surprised to learn that living with purpose can even add years to your life.
Do you know your life's purpose? This book offers a path to discovering it by illuminating the value of gratitude, forgiveness, meditation, music, friendship and so much more. It will set you on the right path and spark sustained happiness, joy and bliss.
“This majestic book has much wisdom to savor and practical steps to help you navigate life's many forks. I promise it will delight!”
—Deepak Chopra
“This delightful book will instruct and entertain. I can’t think of anyone who would not find this useful; for many a reader it will be life- changing.”
—Abraham Verghese, author of Cutting for Stone
“Everyone will find warm, down-to-earth, common-sense approaches to making life richer and more satisfying. You will be inspired as you read it cover-to-cover and then return for practical reminders of what you can do today, in this moment, to bring more joy and meaning to your life.”
—Robert Waldinger, M.D., director of Harvard Study of Adult Development
“This book is a refreshing refuge from simplistic happiness prescriptions. The treasures found here illuminate the moment to moment choices we can make to build immunity and well being as we take a stand on what matters most.”
—Ellen Wingard, Global Leadership Coach for Social Impact
“Radiating a sense of joy and wonder throughout its pages, this book inspires reflection and offers simple yet important changes that will bring renewal and purpose to one’s life. Grounded in science, it illuminates a path forward with practical and engaging exercises and inspirational poetry.”
— Andrew Carroll, New York Times bestselling author and co-founder, with the Nobel Laureate Joseph Brodsky, of the American Poetry & Literacy Project
“Sanjiv Chopra and Gina Vild have gracefully woven the wisdom of generations and recent scientific research into a delightfully practical understanding of how each of us can achieve happiness. And, importantly, how we can share it with others. You will definitely find yourself saying ‘Wow, I can do that!’ And, smiling to yourself.”
—Richard Celeste, former Governor of Ohio and US Ambassador to India
“As the world gets more connected, Sanjiv Chopra and Gina Vild remind us of the most important connection: with yourself.”
—Bharat Anand, Henry R. Byers Professor of Business Administration, Harvard Business School, author The Content Trap
“Dr. Sanjiv Chopra and Gina Vild have created a pith compilation of life meaning and purpose—a book you can open to any page on any day and find ways to manifest your unique path.”
—Kyra Bobinet, M.D. MPH, author of Well-Designed Life, CEO, engagedIN, Consulting Faculty, Stanford School of Medicine
“Vild and Chopra show exactly how to create happiness that is authentic, inspiring, and sustainable for anyone willing to open themselves to ask the questions and take the journey.”
—Mark Bonchek, Ph.D., CEO of Shift Thinking
“Chopra and Vild prescribe a simple recipe of practicing Gratitude, Forgiveness, and Compassion to achieve Happiness. It is hard not to internalize it and accept it by the time you reach the end of the book.”
—Desh Deshpande, serial entrepreneur, founder of Deshpande Center for Technological Innovation at MIT
“The most practical, comprehensive, and evidence-based guide to happiness I’ve ever read! A must-read that can change your life!”
—Elan Divon, author, spiritual teacher, and cofounder of The Einstein Legacy Project and Genius 100 Visions, the world’s first 3D printed book
“This fun book offers practical advice to help you become a happier and more fulfilled person. In the process you may actually end up making the world a better place for all.”
—Peng Fan, M.D., professor of Clinical Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
“A true gift you will both richly enjoy and want to share with others.”
—Lachlan Forrow, M.D., Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, President Emeritus, The Albert Schweitzer Fellowship
“For those who wonder what to do next after hearing Joseph Campbell’s advice—‘find your bliss.’”
—Sum P Lee, M.D. Ph.D, professor emeritus of Medicine, University of Washington; Dean of Medicine, University of Hong Kong
“Chopra and Vild cleverly combine scientific research, poignant stories, and insightful strategies for making the most of your life on earth and being happy.”
—Valerie Mosley, investor, global wealth strategist
“Perfectly inspiring and exquisitely uplifting.”
—Debbie Phillips, founder, Women on Fire®
“A trove of powerful insights, exquisitely chosen poetry, and profoundly instructive quotes that evoke an authentic path to human happiness that I can reference and share for years to come.”
—Christine Roess, cofounder of Cybeleum Consulting
“Takes the reader on an adventurous journey of wisdom, stories and inspirations leaving one with much to reflect on and much to be looking forward to in this world.”
—Zainab Salbi, founder of Women for Women International, author, and media personality
"Read this wonder-filled book and find out why you are here.”
—Scott Snook, MBA Class of 1958 Senior Lecturer of Business Administration, Harvard Business School
“Chopra and Vild bring true happiness within our grasp with simple, wonderfully illustrated steps using self awareness, service, and kindness. A delightful, happy, purposeful read.”
—Venkat Srinivasan, author of The Intelligent Enterprise in the Era of Big Data
“This book is a gem: a timely offering on a timeless topic, chock-full of time-tested ideas. Don’t just read it; inhale it!”
—Vikas P. Sukhatme, M.D. ScD, Victor J. Aresty Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Chief Academic Officer, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
“The book soars high with inspiring philosophy and poetry and at the same time is grounded in fascinating studies, neuroscience, psychology, and surprising facts.”
—Meta Wagner, author of What’s Your Creative Type?: Harness the Power of Your Artistic Personality
“A must-read for anyone committed to their own happiness and the happiness of those they love.”
—Adrian Wilkins, author of The Way of the Superior Dentist
The search for happiness is hardwired in our DNA. It transcends age, gender, geography, vocation, and personal circumstances. But how do you achieve it?
Through inspirational storytelling, scientific evidence, practical advice, captivating exercises, and poetry, Dr. Sanjiv Chopra and Gina Vild present a powerful message that shows you how to achieve happiness no matter the challenges and stumbling blocks you face along the way. They also reveal the best way to be happy: Discover and live your life's purpose. It's a sure path to human flourishing. In fact, you may be surprised to learn that living with purpose can even add years to your life.
Do you know your life's purpose? This book offers a path to discovering it by illuminating the value of gratitude, forgiveness, meditation, music, friendship and so much more. It will set you on the right path and spark sustained happiness, joy and bliss.
“This majestic book has much wisdom to savor and practical steps to help you navigate life's many forks. I promise it will delight!”
—Deepak Chopra
“This delightful book will instruct and entertain. I can’t think of anyone who would not find this useful; for many a reader it will be life- changing.”
—Abraham Verghese, author of Cutting for Stone
“Everyone will find warm, down-to-earth, common-sense approaches to making life richer and more satisfying. You will be inspired as you read it cover-to-cover and then return for practical reminders of what you can do today, in this moment, to bring more joy and meaning to your life.”
—Robert Waldinger, M.D., director of Harvard Study of Adult Development
“This book is a refreshing refuge from simplistic happiness prescriptions. The treasures found here illuminate the moment to moment choices we can make to build immunity and well being as we take a stand on what matters most.”
—Ellen Wingard, Global Leadership Coach for Social Impact
“Radiating a sense of joy and wonder throughout its pages, this book inspires reflection and offers simple yet important changes that will bring renewal and purpose to one’s life. Grounded in science, it illuminates a path forward with practical and engaging exercises and inspirational poetry.”
— Andrew Carroll, New York Times bestselling author and co-founder, with the Nobel Laureate Joseph Brodsky, of the American Poetry & Literacy Project
“Sanjiv Chopra and Gina Vild have gracefully woven the wisdom of generations and recent scientific research into a delightfully practical understanding of how each of us can achieve happiness. And, importantly, how we can share it with others. You will definitely find yourself saying ‘Wow, I can do that!’ And, smiling to yourself.”
—Richard Celeste, former Governor of Ohio and US Ambassador to India
“As the world gets more connected, Sanjiv Chopra and Gina Vild remind us of the most important connection: with yourself.”
—Bharat Anand, Henry R. Byers Professor of Business Administration, Harvard Business School, author The Content Trap
“Dr. Sanjiv Chopra and Gina Vild have created a pith compilation of life meaning and purpose—a book you can open to any page on any day and find ways to manifest your unique path.”
—Kyra Bobinet, M.D. MPH, author of Well-Designed Life, CEO, engagedIN, Consulting Faculty, Stanford School of Medicine
“Vild and Chopra show exactly how to create happiness that is authentic, inspiring, and sustainable for anyone willing to open themselves to ask the questions and take the journey.”
—Mark Bonchek, Ph.D., CEO of Shift Thinking
“Chopra and Vild prescribe a simple recipe of practicing Gratitude, Forgiveness, and Compassion to achieve Happiness. It is hard not to internalize it and accept it by the time you reach the end of the book.”
—Desh Deshpande, serial entrepreneur, founder of Deshpande Center for Technological Innovation at MIT
“The most practical, comprehensive, and evidence-based guide to happiness I’ve ever read! A must-read that can change your life!”
—Elan Divon, author, spiritual teacher, and cofounder of The Einstein Legacy Project and Genius 100 Visions, the world’s first 3D printed book
“This fun book offers practical advice to help you become a happier and more fulfilled person. In the process you may actually end up making the world a better place for all.”
—Peng Fan, M.D., professor of Clinical Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
“A true gift you will both richly enjoy and want to share with others.”
—Lachlan Forrow, M.D., Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, President Emeritus, The Albert Schweitzer Fellowship
“For those who wonder what to do next after hearing Joseph Campbell’s advice—‘find your bliss.’”
—Sum P Lee, M.D. Ph.D, professor emeritus of Medicine, University of Washington; Dean of Medicine, University of Hong Kong
“Chopra and Vild cleverly combine scientific research, poignant stories, and insightful strategies for making the most of your life on earth and being happy.”
—Valerie Mosley, investor, global wealth strategist
“Perfectly inspiring and exquisitely uplifting.”
—Debbie Phillips, founder, Women on Fire®
“A trove of powerful insights, exquisitely chosen poetry, and profoundly instructive quotes that evoke an authentic path to human happiness that I can reference and share for years to come.”
—Christine Roess, cofounder of Cybeleum Consulting
“Takes the reader on an adventurous journey of wisdom, stories and inspirations leaving one with much to reflect on and much to be looking forward to in this world.”
—Zainab Salbi, founder of Women for Women International, author, and media personality
"Read this wonder-filled book and find out why you are here.”
—Scott Snook, MBA Class of 1958 Senior Lecturer of Business Administration, Harvard Business School
“Chopra and Vild bring true happiness within our grasp with simple, wonderfully illustrated steps using self awareness, service, and kindness. A delightful, happy, purposeful read.”
—Venkat Srinivasan, author of The Intelligent Enterprise in the Era of Big Data
“This book is a gem: a timely offering on a timeless topic, chock-full of time-tested ideas. Don’t just read it; inhale it!”
—Vikas P. Sukhatme, M.D. ScD, Victor J. Aresty Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Chief Academic Officer, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
“The book soars high with inspiring philosophy and poetry and at the same time is grounded in fascinating studies, neuroscience, psychology, and surprising facts.”
—Meta Wagner, author of What’s Your Creative Type?: Harness the Power of Your Artistic Personality
“A must-read for anyone committed to their own happiness and the happiness of those they love.”
—Adrian Wilkins, author of The Way of the Superior Dentist
288 pages, Hardcover
Published December 26, 2017
66 people are currently reading
1490 people want to read
About the author
Sanjiv Chopra
29 books31 followersDr. Sanjiv Chopra is Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. For 12 years he was the Faculty Dean for Continuing Education at Harvard Medical School. He is also a bestselling author and sought after motivational speaker. He has seven books, including The Big Five, Live Longer, Live Better, Brotherhood, Leadership By Example, and Dr. Chopra Says. In addition, he has over one hundred publications to his credit and he has received numerous awards including the Excellence in Teaching Award from Harvard Medical School.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 28, 2019
While it's obvious the authors are very well intentioned and passionate about their work, there is little practical advise in this book. There are a lot of antidotes which people may find inspiring, but little instruction on how to use that inspiration to take actionable steps. Scientific studies are just listed out with little more than the headline given out. Too much is oversimplified pop psychology.
The summation of the book is pretty much choose to be happy, choose to be optimistic, always forgive (step one to forgiveness is "get over it"), do things that make you happy, teach your kids to be mindful/grateful/resilient, get a dog, listen to music, do yoga, and meditate. All good things to do, but I think people need more of the how. If it was as simple as deciding to just "be" so, no one would need these personal development books. I think anyone who picks up this book and reads the description would expect more than being told to simply think a certain way and feel a certain way.
The summation of the book is pretty much choose to be happy, choose to be optimistic, always forgive (step one to forgiveness is "get over it"), do things that make you happy, teach your kids to be mindful/grateful/resilient, get a dog, listen to music, do yoga, and meditate. All good things to do, but I think people need more of the how. If it was as simple as deciding to just "be" so, no one would need these personal development books. I think anyone who picks up this book and reads the description would expect more than being told to simply think a certain way and feel a certain way.
December 28, 2017
The Two Most Important Days is a life-changer of a book. It connects happiness with finding your life’s purpose and shows you how to start achieving both. The philosophy and poetry are inspiring, and the book is also grounded in studies, psychology, science, fun facts, and exercises—so it’s a wonderful balance of theory and practice. As an author, I was particularly impressed by how beautifully written it is and the tone it strikes, which is elegant yet accessible. A running theme throughout the book is the importance of gratitude, and I am really grateful for the wisdom and inspiration contained in The Two Most Important Days!
December 30, 2017
A refreshing departure from traditional New Year's "self-help" books, Gina Vild and Sanjiv Chopra have authored a tour-de-force hybrid of science, philosophy, poetry and practical exercises that enhance our capacity to live happier, purpose-oriented lives. Centered around a framework of gratitude, the book is a treasure chest of gems designed to inform and guide our journey through the best possible life we can live. Deeply educational and practically useful, all will benefit from reading this marvelous book.
Order on Amazon: http://amzn.to/2zzz53G
Order on Amazon: http://amzn.to/2zzz53G
March 6, 2018
“The Two Most Important Days”, will have you questioning if you have figured out your life’s purpose and it will deliver the first road map for you to start your journey. It will explain using all sorts of reference from ancient teachings to scientific research. Sanjeev Choppa and Gina Vild are very passionate in sharing parts of their journey of their life’s purpose.
Presenting their information using very practical steps. This is a book that you will find yourself picking up again and again, there is so much information that just one read cannot possibly do it justice.
One of the grandest steps in self aware, self exploration, self transformation books I have ever read. There are over 200 pages of information from all types of sources for you to digest, also a complete notes section with all references for further investigation.
Presenting their information using very practical steps. This is a book that you will find yourself picking up again and again, there is so much information that just one read cannot possibly do it justice.
One of the grandest steps in self aware, self exploration, self transformation books I have ever read. There are over 200 pages of information from all types of sources for you to digest, also a complete notes section with all references for further investigation.
January 3, 2018
A well-researched, thoughtful alternative to the typical self help book, The Two Most Important Days offers poignant insight into how we can all live our lives to the fullest, develop resilience, and unlock the potential within us all. Practical and authentic, this book is a gift to anyone who wishes to strive to be the best versions of themselves. I meant to read a chapter or two and ended up finishing it in a single sitting.
February 26, 2021
While I found the information to be important and well researched, this book felt like reading a laundry list of tasks one might do to seek out happiness in daily life. Though the authors are well intentioned, and the passion for their subject is clear- it was “overhyped” and underwhelming for someone who has learned about the HQ before.
November 30, 2021
It reads so boring I can’t get beyond the second chapter. This book received so many great reviews and I’m sure there’s some great lessons inside, however, I am bored to death.
January 5, 2018
I loved this book. Each page touched my heart and helped to answer my quest for a better more fulfilled life. Ms. Vild and Mr. Chopra have penned a book that offers practical guidelines to achieve purpose in each of our lives and simultaneously happiness - our ultimate goal! You will move smoothly through the pages of this beautiful written book with anticipation as you delight in their language skills and teaching abilities. Quotes from spiritual mentors and expert research models make this more than the usual self-help book. I highly recommend The Two Most Important Days.
March 14, 2018
It was a little cheesy at points (the number of times they used the word "grooving" when talking about music comes to mind) but overall I thought it was pretty helpful. I appreciate the research they used to back up their happiness advice (although some of the research was a little thin, imho) and I've already started working on some of their tips. I would definitely recommend this book to friend.
November 15, 2017
Very interesting read on the eternal search for happiness.
April 5, 2018
This was an enjoyable and easy read. This book gave me realistic was to change my mindset and set me up to live a life with more happiness.
Want to read
August 17, 2020Recommend upgrade podcast
January 9, 2022
Cute little book. A joy to read.
dnf
July 22, 2022I simply found this repetitive to my psychology education and what those books have taught me. Not much more is given within this book. Stopped at 30%
September 9, 2023
nice reading, easy to read and inspirational.
June 2, 2024
Time is currency, and how you spend it and with whom you spend it are the most important decisions you will ever make.
To flourish is to feel a connection with your life in a meaningful way that leads to physical, social and spiritual rewards.
Money can't buy you happiness but it can purchase a relief from stress.
Don't just do something - sit there!
This idea that you can't actually change someone's life is ridiculous. You can provide one small act to one individual person that can change the trajectory of their life.
Every night before I go to sleep I say out loud three things that I'm grateful for.
The wound is the place where the light enters.
You should meditate at least once a day, and if you don't have time to do that, you should meditate twice a day.
Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.
We are all visitors on this planet. We are here for ninety or one hundred years are the very most. During that period we must try to do something good, something useful, with our lives.
To flourish is to feel a connection with your life in a meaningful way that leads to physical, social and spiritual rewards.
Money can't buy you happiness but it can purchase a relief from stress.
Don't just do something - sit there!
This idea that you can't actually change someone's life is ridiculous. You can provide one small act to one individual person that can change the trajectory of their life.
Every night before I go to sleep I say out loud three things that I'm grateful for.
The wound is the place where the light enters.
You should meditate at least once a day, and if you don't have time to do that, you should meditate twice a day.
Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.
We are all visitors on this planet. We are here for ninety or one hundred years are the very most. During that period we must try to do something good, something useful, with our lives.
December 22, 2022
The Two Most Important Days is a literate book that will teach you how to focus on the important and drive away the trivial. Given that our worst enemies are stress and confusion, Sanjiv Chopra and Gina Vild will supply antidotes, along with plenty of anecdotes to enliven the messages. Their advice is replete with common sense, buttressed by scientific research and presented in an elegant style.
Merged review:
This is a thoughtful book that will 1) help the reader figure out what's truly important and 2) attain enough "Zen" to get there. Chopra and Vild back up everything they say with quantitative evidence. This is a clearly written tour de force.
Merged review:
This is a thoughtful book that will 1) help the reader figure out what's truly important and 2) attain enough "Zen" to get there. Chopra and Vild back up everything they say with quantitative evidence. This is a clearly written tour de force.
September 4, 2018
An inspiring and thought provoking book dealing not only with finding purpose, but important topics like resilience and forgiveness. Filled with actionable ideas for living a happier life, I really enjoyed this book.
March 23, 2021
Listened to audio book
3.25/5
Had some nice lists of things to do at the end but was pretty basic otherwise.
3.25/5
Had some nice lists of things to do at the end but was pretty basic otherwise.
January 13, 2018
One good way to start the year. This book is a guide to assist the reader to focus in the important and reals goals in the life. By sharing stories and researches in many domains, the author helps the reader to take conscience of the most important elements of life that are often neglected because by the modern and busy life.
Read
March 15, 2018Lots of happiness statistics from various sources and perspectives of understanding of happiness. Recently I've been in a distinct depressed "funk," which is part of what inspired me to take the time to read/listen to this one. I felt that, given my frame of mind, the book was a bit harsh in its writer's judgement of a person's responsibility to just be happy. There were helpful facts and encouraging/inspirational suggestions, but there was also a hint that anyone who isn't happy is solely to blame for not being able to just "snap out of it." While I appreciate the perspective, I feel that this is an unhealthy perspective for persons in a depressive state.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews