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The Power of Kindness: The Unexpected Benefits of Leading a Compassionate Life
by
"A book after my own heart!"--His Holiness The Dalai Lama
The Power of Kindness is a stirring examination of a simple but profound concept. Piero Ferrucci, one of the world's most respected transpersonal psychologists, explores the many surprising facets of kindness and argues that it is this trait that will not only lead to our own individual happiness and the happiness ...more
The Power of Kindness is a stirring examination of a simple but profound concept. Piero Ferrucci, one of the world's most respected transpersonal psychologists, explores the many surprising facets of kindness and argues that it is this trait that will not only lead to our own individual happiness and the happiness ...more
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Paperback, 288 pages
Published
October 4th 2007
by Tarcher/Penguin
(first published November 30th 2005)
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Start your review of The Power of Kindness: The Unexpected Benefits of Leading a Compassionate Life
As I deal with a bit of back-stabbing and the bitterness in my stomach grows, it is this book that helps me strengthen the filter in my brain & NOT actually say the evil thoughts running through my head. It reminds me that compassion is a good thing, that the person not treating me kindly is probably in a very bad place herself. It helps me to remember to "Rise above it all."
A nice, soothing reminder that you shouldn't be a jerk.
or... Cute Stuff My Son Said in the Car the Other Day.
Okay, so to be totally honest. I haven't READ this book. I picked it up for a book club, and sat down to read it, filled with giddy anticipation that it might be like Field Notes on the Compassionate Life (which I LOVED) and instead, I quickly realized that it is just a bunch of shlocky maple syrup doused over whipped cream. I began skimming over pages of sentimentalism and then starting flipping. No matter where I turned, it was still mumbo ...more
Okay, so to be totally honest. I haven't READ this book. I picked it up for a book club, and sat down to read it, filled with giddy anticipation that it might be like Field Notes on the Compassionate Life (which I LOVED) and instead, I quickly realized that it is just a bunch of shlocky maple syrup doused over whipped cream. I began skimming over pages of sentimentalism and then starting flipping. No matter where I turned, it was still mumbo ...more
I was in the need for a spiritual type read and this one hit the spot. It helped re-ground me as I have become too busy and too rushed to really take things in. This reminded me that i talk too much and don't listen enough. It also reaffirmed my belief of the importance of being kind and continuing to give. Good book for my life right now.
This book is a little conflicting for me. It has some wisdom in it, a lot of stories and metaphors, and a few references to the studies it mentions.
I enjoyed the stories, but in a book that is talking about the outcomes that will occur from actions you take (e.g. being kind will make you & others happier), I like to see a bit more research on the subject (including references to the studies) and a lot less anecdotal evidence.
That being said, there were some good bits of wisdom in there and ...more
I enjoyed the stories, but in a book that is talking about the outcomes that will occur from actions you take (e.g. being kind will make you & others happier), I like to see a bit more research on the subject (including references to the studies) and a lot less anecdotal evidence.
That being said, there were some good bits of wisdom in there and ...more
This is an excellent book! It is so full of wisdom that, paradoxically, it's almost a challenge to read and process all of its insight. Piero Ferrucci, the author, is a practicing psychiatrist in Italy who uses kindness as a metaphor to explore the qualities/aspects that make a fulfilling life. In the process, he examines various aspects of kindness - from Honesty to Forgiveness to Trust to Humility to Service, etc. - including how and why they are relevant, how we should conceive of and use
...more
This started out as a 2 star read. The author was taking his views of kindness and supporting it with everything from fiction to history, and fables to ad campaigns. While I can appreciate a certain amount of ingenuity, it seemed like the author was trying to make mere kindness sound like it was elusive.
However, once, I got through the first part where he was trying to explain everything, I felt more impressed with the true message behind his words. And that I could appreciate. I also liked his ...more
However, once, I got through the first part where he was trying to explain everything, I felt more impressed with the true message behind his words. And that I could appreciate. I also liked his ...more
This is a great book to dip into whenever you feel cranky, frustrated, angry, etc. It reminds you of those qualities (patience, generosity, flexibility) that are fundamental to any relationship, at home, at work—anywhere. It goes beyond self-help anecdotes to offer some fascinating science and compelling evidence behind what makes people thrive. I read it on and off for a couple months. And then I gave my copy to someone else. I asked them to give it to someone else when they were done.
I absolutely loved this book!
I think this is one of the books that has everything to do with timing. Had I read it a couple of years ago, I think I’d have found it rather dull and stating the obvious. But the fact that I read this book at this point of my life made it really helpful. It felt like some compassionate voice reminding me of all the ways to be kind, the small things & the big things, and also all the reasons one should be kind, to others surely, but to one’s self as well.
The ...more
I think this is one of the books that has everything to do with timing. Had I read it a couple of years ago, I think I’d have found it rather dull and stating the obvious. But the fact that I read this book at this point of my life made it really helpful. It felt like some compassionate voice reminding me of all the ways to be kind, the small things & the big things, and also all the reasons one should be kind, to others surely, but to one’s self as well.
The ...more
I dipped in and out of this for over a year. I really got into it recently and really enjoyed the different chapters, stories, mythology used to explain the different facets of kindness. A book i'll keep and come back to over the years.
A warm and well read audible book reviewing and reaffirming the many rewards for living a life of kindness. Health, happiness, peace, love and joy fill our lives and all others through simple kindness.
DNF. It feels a bit cruel to leave an unkind review for this book, but here we are. (Note: Has this joke been made multiple times already in the reviews section?) (Update: Only somewhat.) This book didn’t click with me at all and felt way too much like an inspirational page-a-day calendar. I wanted to like it, but I wanted more evidence and less sections that began, “There’s an old Buddhist/Christian/Sentinelese story that goes like this . . .” If you’re going to convince me to chat up strangers
...more
No great revelations.
This is the type of book everyone should read once a year, at least. It's so easy to understand and apply to daily life. I felt optimistic every time I opened it. It's beautiful.
Excellent book. I feel good I'm on the right track but still have work to do especially with patience.
This should be required reading for every human being.
Annual read
This is a book I’ll want to read annually. So much truth and wisdom- I’ll need much more time to soak it in.
This is a book I’ll want to read annually. So much truth and wisdom- I’ll need much more time to soak it in.
"The fabric of our life is made of care, solidarity, mutual service."
"If we give warmth, we do not end up feeling cold. The benefit is symmetrical. In giving our warmth--and so too our vital presence, our positive, nonjudgmental attitude, our heart--we can bring into the lives of those near to us vital, sometimes extraordinary, changes. And we, too, do not remain unchanged."
"Empathy is a prerequisite for communication, collaboration, and social cohesion. If we annul it, we return to savagery--or ...more
"If we give warmth, we do not end up feeling cold. The benefit is symmetrical. In giving our warmth--and so too our vital presence, our positive, nonjudgmental attitude, our heart--we can bring into the lives of those near to us vital, sometimes extraordinary, changes. And we, too, do not remain unchanged."
"Empathy is a prerequisite for communication, collaboration, and social cohesion. If we annul it, we return to savagery--or ...more
I am not a big fan of the Self help genre but this book is quite cute. Filled up with all kinds of multi-cultural and interfaith stories of the power of kindness. Slightly redundant on the health benefits of kindness, but perhaps I just am not as into that. I love how kindness the general term is broken up into all of it's virtuous counterparts, makes you truly realize how profound kindness is! An important part of life to easily overlooked in a sensational and individualistic society. The book
...more
I believe this book should be read every morning for the rest of your life; every chapter has a little excerpt by which to refocus your attention and realign your positive energy with the universe. It is not a book to be read quickly and put on the bookshelf as "finished." It is a book to be read slowly and digested just as carefully until you can in grain it's knowledge into your soul. It is a book about life long learning which can answer some of the most pressing questions about the nature of
...more
Mar 12, 2008
STEPHANIE
rated it
it was amazing
Recommends it for:
anyone, everyone, you, you and you.
Recommended to STEPHANIE by:
checked it out on a whim, then bought it.
Shelves:
my-favorites
I highly recommend this book to anyone who thinks they know about kindness....seriously, I thought that this book wouldn't teach my anything new, but it did. And in many ways.
The author does not incorporate any sort of religious views, so there were some empty spots that I had to fill in myself. However, he does such a wonderful job at explaining how kindness is more than being nice to someone, that it is the underlying theme in many virtues (humility, honesty, forgiveness etc.)
The author does not incorporate any sort of religious views, so there were some empty spots that I had to fill in myself. However, he does such a wonderful job at explaining how kindness is more than being nice to someone, that it is the underlying theme in many virtues (humility, honesty, forgiveness etc.)
Not a terrible book, not a great book. The author uses stories and fables to illustrate his points about kindness. He separates kindness into 18 different attributes. It's a little lengthy and cumbersome but not a terrible read.
This book hasn't inspired any huge revelations in me, and I couldn't read it all at once when I tried. But I find that a chapter once in a while, read to me by my husband at bedtime, is calming and a good reminder of how and why to be more compassionate in everyday life...
Really powerful book on living a life worth loving. Great book, and one that should be reread....
I am not a “self-help” type of reader, I have no reason to read such topics. The book itself does classify as a self-help but I’m a strictly science fiction or generally fiction type of gal. I will admit that this might be the last time I read a self help book, but I'll give Ferrucci a pass. I came across the book by mistake because I had six bucks to waste while online shopping and I thought it was poetry. And what a glorious mistake it was.
While reading , it was as if Piero Ferrucci was ...more
While reading , it was as if Piero Ferrucci was ...more
"When we stroke a purring cat, hold a newborn baby, or help a friend in need, who is gives and receives the tenderness?...Service helps not only the receiver, but also the server"
Written in a language fit for a High Schooler, Pierro Ferucci's The Power of Kindness is a compilation of commiserate ejaculations which follow a moral life of kindness, through the repetition of a self-evident ideal.
The ideal: Kindness and generosity is the way to hapiness and fulfillment, a lifting up out of ...more
Written in a language fit for a High Schooler, Pierro Ferucci's The Power of Kindness is a compilation of commiserate ejaculations which follow a moral life of kindness, through the repetition of a self-evident ideal.
The ideal: Kindness and generosity is the way to hapiness and fulfillment, a lifting up out of ...more
I need to be kinder. Others need to be kinder. But how do we do that with intentionality and sincerity? Without coming across as fake?
This book links the quality of kindness with others...Honesty, Warmth, Forgiveness, Sense of Belonging, Trust, Mindfulness, Empathy, Humility, Patience, Generosity, Respect, Flexibility, Memory, Loyalty, Gratitude, Service, and Joy.
Each chapter deals with one of these qualities, and is a strange combination of scientific studies, personal stories, fables and ...more
This book links the quality of kindness with others...Honesty, Warmth, Forgiveness, Sense of Belonging, Trust, Mindfulness, Empathy, Humility, Patience, Generosity, Respect, Flexibility, Memory, Loyalty, Gratitude, Service, and Joy.
Each chapter deals with one of these qualities, and is a strange combination of scientific studies, personal stories, fables and ...more
"Kindness and compassion are among the principle things that make our lives meaningful. They are a source of lasting happiness and joy. They are the foundation of a good heart, the heart of one who acts out of a desire to help others. Through kindness, and thus through affection, honesty, truth, and justice toward everyone else, we ensure our own benefit. This is a matter of common sense...It is tremendously important that we try to make something positive of our lives. We are not born for the
...more
This reminded me of Dale Carnegie's How to Win Friends and Influence People. It wasn't as good or as much of a necessary read as How to Win Friends and Influence People, but it is definitely worth sitting down and giving each chapter a morning of your life. Have a cup of coffee with Piero Ferrucci, learn the ins and outs of a transpersonal psychologists mind. I will say, this book has a kind of redundancy to it, that could make even the most committed and loyal readers put it down after, say,
...more
This was a lovely book full of great reminders to be kinder and more patient. My only real criticism is the "people were kinder in the good old days" stuff as I'm just not at all convinced that's true. I think it's easy to idealize and romanticize the past but every decade has both positives and negatives including our own. It's easy, especially with all the negative news constantly paraded before us, to think the world is crueler and more harsh than it's ever been but we're less tolerant of
...more
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“Generosity is, by definition, disinterested.” (p.157)”
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“it is clear that our very survival, even today, depends upon the acts and kindness of so many people.”
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