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The Re-enchantment of Everyday Life: Restoring Heart and Soul Through Ancient Beauty, Nature, and Craft
Starting from the premise that we can no longer afford to live in a disenchanted world, Thomas Moore, author of the #1 New York Times bestselling classic Care of the Soul , shows us that a profound, enchanted engagement with life is not a childish thing to be put away with adulthood, but a necessity for one's personal and collective survival. With his lens focused on specific aspects of daily life such as clothing, food, furniture, architecture, ecology, language, and politics, Moore describes the renaissance these can undergo when there is a genuine engagement with beauty, craft, nature, and art in both private and public life. Millions of readers who found comfort and substance in Moore's previous bestsellers will discover in this book ways to restore the heart and soul of work, home, and creative endeavors through a radical, fresh return to ancient ways of living the soulful life.
416 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 1996
74 people are currently reading
2039 people want to read
About the author
Thomas Moore
137 books593 followersThomas Moore is the author of the bestselling book, Care of the Soul, Ageless Soul, and fifteen other books on deepening spirituality and cultivating soul in every aspect of life. He has been a monk, a musician, a university professor, and a psychotherapist, and today he lectures widely on holistic medicine, spirituality, psychotherapy, and the arts. He lectures frequently in Ireland and has a special love of Irish culture. He has Ph.D. in religion from Syracuse University and has won several awards for his work, including an honorary doctorate from Lesley University and the Humanitarian Award from Einstein Medical School of Yeshiva University. He also has a B.A. in music from DePaul University, an M.A. in musicology from the University of Michigan, and an M.A. in theology from the University of Windsor. He also writes fiction and music and often works with his wife, artist and yoga instructor, Hari Kirin. He writes regular columns for Resurgence and Spirituality & Health.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
January 7, 2015
So I'm reading books that touch on the concept of living "spiritually" while not necessarily religiously. I started with a clear atheist's POV with Sam Harris' Waking Up and now I've traveled over to the other side with a former priest in training/monk/disillusioned catholic gone psychotherapist and "non-denominational theologian." Moore makes a case that all of our societal ailments are due to a loss of "magic" and "enchantment" in our lives. He draws on history, mythology and sociology to make his case which, for me, was about 50% "that's a cool angle" and 50% "fuck off, that is horseshit."
This guy believes in angels and crap, I don't.
He thinks we need more religion-based morality in politics and society, I don't.
He also at one point shunned sex and that shit is just crackers to me. I have a hard time trusting anyone that takes a vow of celibacy like...ever.
HOWEVER...I liked his carefully crafted prose and his outlook on the world around us. For example, he draws interesting parallels between the ancient idea of talismans and the jewelry and adornments we wear now. He suggests injecting a hot dose of magic into every day choices like what to wear by wearing things, colors and symbols that mean something to you. Same for the home, the workspace, etc.
Like most mindfulness manifestos, the big message here is to be present and create your own sacred routines that nourish the soul. This was a fast audiobook listen and, even for the religiously void, contains some nuggets of wisdom to carry with you. Even if it's as simple as lighting a candle before you sit down to write or paint, a little magical thinking can enhance life on this steaming pile of shit we call a planet.
Still don't believe in angels though, dawg.
This guy believes in angels and crap, I don't.
He thinks we need more religion-based morality in politics and society, I don't.
He also at one point shunned sex and that shit is just crackers to me. I have a hard time trusting anyone that takes a vow of celibacy like...ever.
HOWEVER...I liked his carefully crafted prose and his outlook on the world around us. For example, he draws interesting parallels between the ancient idea of talismans and the jewelry and adornments we wear now. He suggests injecting a hot dose of magic into every day choices like what to wear by wearing things, colors and symbols that mean something to you. Same for the home, the workspace, etc.
Like most mindfulness manifestos, the big message here is to be present and create your own sacred routines that nourish the soul. This was a fast audiobook listen and, even for the religiously void, contains some nuggets of wisdom to carry with you. Even if it's as simple as lighting a candle before you sit down to write or paint, a little magical thinking can enhance life on this steaming pile of shit we call a planet.
Still don't believe in angels though, dawg.
May 11, 2011
I have read "Care of The Soul", "Soul Mates", and now "The Re-Enchantment of Everyday Life", by Thomas Moore. He writes beautifully, and with such depth and understanding.The Re-Enchantment of Everyday Life, explores restoring the heart and soul of work, home and other things.Good for the heart.
October 19, 2014
I stubmled onto this at a library book sale having never heard of Thomas Moore. It's one of the most serendipitous discoveries I've made. "The Re-Enchantment of Everyday Life" is poetic, vivid, wise. It offers insight into the sickness of the modern psyche and describes a variety of practical steps we can take, collectively and individually, to recover a more holistic, healthy, enchanting experience of life.
I group Moore with Loren Eiseley, Thoreau, and Montaigne. His prose is grounded yet soulful, never pedantic or pretentious -- it speaks directly to the reader's heart and nourishes deeply.
Many self-help or prescriptive books today call for the reader to adjust to our disenchanted, dehumanized world. Moore is unique in calling for the reader to reject dehumanization and to carve out experiences of profound meaning in our lives. In his discussion of the enchanting, where he honors at times the numinous, the sacred, interiority, intimacy, irrationality, eros, nature, mystery, and reverence toward all things and life in general, Moore identifies what makes us truly human and he helps us to reclaim our alienated humanity.
For all the ground Moore covers, I wish he would have spoken more to the principle of eros and how we treat each other in daily life. Our relationships with friends, family, co-workers, even strangers in the community and beyond are one of the greatest victims of the desiccated spirit in contemporary society, and repairing these could go a long way toward re-enchanting our lives. I was also hoping Moore would say a few words about death, as our mortality is too often neglected in the modern world while, when honestly confronted, it provides us with another anchor to our humanity and authentic living.
At times the book feels too long and repetitive, but this is also part of its charm -- it's not direct or efficient, like the cold objectivity of modern life that Moore critiques -- it meanders, like a path through a forest, occasionally looping back on itself. It enchants, like the tide pulsing on the beach, like a symphony returning to central themes and motifs.
It's a restorative, healing read, one of my favorites, one to return to again and again.
I group Moore with Loren Eiseley, Thoreau, and Montaigne. His prose is grounded yet soulful, never pedantic or pretentious -- it speaks directly to the reader's heart and nourishes deeply.
Many self-help or prescriptive books today call for the reader to adjust to our disenchanted, dehumanized world. Moore is unique in calling for the reader to reject dehumanization and to carve out experiences of profound meaning in our lives. In his discussion of the enchanting, where he honors at times the numinous, the sacred, interiority, intimacy, irrationality, eros, nature, mystery, and reverence toward all things and life in general, Moore identifies what makes us truly human and he helps us to reclaim our alienated humanity.
For all the ground Moore covers, I wish he would have spoken more to the principle of eros and how we treat each other in daily life. Our relationships with friends, family, co-workers, even strangers in the community and beyond are one of the greatest victims of the desiccated spirit in contemporary society, and repairing these could go a long way toward re-enchanting our lives. I was also hoping Moore would say a few words about death, as our mortality is too often neglected in the modern world while, when honestly confronted, it provides us with another anchor to our humanity and authentic living.
At times the book feels too long and repetitive, but this is also part of its charm -- it's not direct or efficient, like the cold objectivity of modern life that Moore critiques -- it meanders, like a path through a forest, occasionally looping back on itself. It enchants, like the tide pulsing on the beach, like a symphony returning to central themes and motifs.
It's a restorative, healing read, one of my favorites, one to return to again and again.
August 12, 2013
The Re-enchantment of Everyday Life is one of those rare books that makes you really think about how you view yourself, your world, and your spiritual life. Thomas Moore helps you to see that enchantment is everywhere around you (past, present and future) if you just look. In our effort to explain everything away scientifically or to tie everything to a specific religious practice, we have lost that magical connection with the stars, nature, and ourselves. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to feel more deeply and passionately. Initially, I got this book from the library but after reading it, I knew there was a lot I needed to highlight and re-read!
February 22, 2010
I don't know if this was good or not. I just didn't want to read a long refrigerator magnet.
November 13, 2012
The first half of this book is of dubious quality. The author's criticisms of science are flawed by his ignorance of the fullness of scientific history, including the histories and thoughts of scientists themselves. He asks for more enchantment in science but it's there in the literature and essays - in short, Moore's criticisms of science appear to be based off of religious stereotypes of science rather than the field itself. (For some examples of enchantment in science, see the writings of Carl Sagan, Stephen J Gould, and Pierre Teilhard de Chardin.) (EDIT: Moore actually mentions Teilhard later in the better half of the book.)
Additionally, the author's ideas are further weakened by his ignorance of the subjects he speaks about. For example, at the beginning of the chapter on food, he states, "I have yet to see a study of the health effects of spices...." However, a glance through the spice pages on the World's Healthiest Foods webpage shows multiple scholarly references to the healthful effects of herbs and spices, and many of these sources are from this book's publication date or earlier, meaning the author didn't do his homework. Such mistakes are repeated throughout the book and lessen Moore's credibility.
A major criticism I have for the first half of this book is its apparent classism. Moore's ideas seem most beneficial and appreciated by the middle class, who can afford luxurious travel and to slow down time. For the economically oppressed, many of the ideas in this book are laughably beyond reason, in the realm of fantasy.
Despite all this, the book is useful and refreshing. Moore shows great imagination in each section, as he takes his ideas to fanciful (and often impractical) extremes. However, I don't fault him for this as it works to involve the reader's imagination in his ideas, which leads to more fruitful communication and engagement on the reader's part. The first 4 chapters (Nature-World) are mediocre, but the last half of the book is intelligent and engaging. Perhaps the best chapter of the book is the one on dreams, where Moore argues convincingly that dreams can be approached not as windows to the inner workings of the psyche, but as mysterious aspects of ourselves we can tend and enjoy without dissecting. While not an amazing book, it is inspiring and stimulating.
Additionally, the author's ideas are further weakened by his ignorance of the subjects he speaks about. For example, at the beginning of the chapter on food, he states, "I have yet to see a study of the health effects of spices...." However, a glance through the spice pages on the World's Healthiest Foods webpage shows multiple scholarly references to the healthful effects of herbs and spices, and many of these sources are from this book's publication date or earlier, meaning the author didn't do his homework. Such mistakes are repeated throughout the book and lessen Moore's credibility.
A major criticism I have for the first half of this book is its apparent classism. Moore's ideas seem most beneficial and appreciated by the middle class, who can afford luxurious travel and to slow down time. For the economically oppressed, many of the ideas in this book are laughably beyond reason, in the realm of fantasy.
Despite all this, the book is useful and refreshing. Moore shows great imagination in each section, as he takes his ideas to fanciful (and often impractical) extremes. However, I don't fault him for this as it works to involve the reader's imagination in his ideas, which leads to more fruitful communication and engagement on the reader's part. The first 4 chapters (Nature-World) are mediocre, but the last half of the book is intelligent and engaging. Perhaps the best chapter of the book is the one on dreams, where Moore argues convincingly that dreams can be approached not as windows to the inner workings of the psyche, but as mysterious aspects of ourselves we can tend and enjoy without dissecting. While not an amazing book, it is inspiring and stimulating.
April 23, 2015
As I've been pondering the nature of spirituality, I've been reading some new things, but also returning to books that have moved me in the past. This re-read was particularly helpful, as Moore touched on some things that have been percolating in my own thoughts. Again and again he returns to some key concepts with regard to mystery and sanctuary (or temenos, sacred spaces) that resonated with my own concerns and desires. One element of this is the idea that to be open to creating and loving others, we need to be open to not having easy answers, and not just accept that, but embrace it. As Moore talks about the ways in which modern life has not just obscured the idea of enchantment, but vilified it, I find myself nodding my head. And thinking, more deeply than ever, about ways to make a sanctuary for myself and those I care about, where we can feel free not just to exist as ourselves, but create.
November 24, 2021
About 2/3 of this book is 5 stars. Utterly delightful, highly intelligent, secure in deep enchantment. The other 1/3 is a hot mess. Perhaps it is because I am reading it so long after it was originally published in the 1990’s. I understand books don’t always stand the test of time. But I’m simply not sure if it is dated or if it was also a hot mess back when it was written. Either way, I’m glad I read it, I thoroughly enjoyed 2/3’s of the book, and I’m also glad it’s over!
December 21, 2019
I’m on a Moore kick and I love his stuff. This one is a short reflection on how to bring “soul” back to our personal spaces, architecture, community, etc.
December 26, 2012
Have you ever felt stuck?
Everything has gone wrong in your life?
You have no friends?
Your life is nothing more than a faded smudge
of something even you don't have the time to try and explain?
...Until you come not to the grip of life...no...
Enter into the re-enchantment of life!
Remember the magic is you!
Everything has gone wrong in your life?
You have no friends?
Your life is nothing more than a faded smudge
of something even you don't have the time to try and explain?
...Until you come not to the grip of life...no...
Enter into the re-enchantment of life!
Remember the magic is you!
January 16, 2024
The author presented an eclectic bag of ideas that I definitely had to sort through. But all in all, I found some good and interesting information.
July 26, 2011
This book will teach you how to look at our current world and find the soul in it. It will teach you that even boring objects and place have spirit, if you are willing to look at it through open eyes. This book helped me to be more soulfull.
August 11, 2011
A lucid persuasion of the utility inherent in living a considered life, made possible by accepting the "supernatural" emanations gifted to us by the everyday.
An invitation to participate in Beauty, both passively and actively.
An invitation to participate in Beauty, both passively and actively.
October 24, 2008
I keep re-reading this wonderful book.
April 7, 2016
A beautiful book that does exactly what the title says; enchants.
February 18, 2019
Oh dear heavens... There are some interesting ideas in this book, however, I found Moore's writing style a slog to read hence the 3 star rating.
June 2, 2023
A sweet treatise on aesthetics and imagination, helpful for enhancing one's existence.
October 11, 2020
I loved the first half, but the second half seemed to go on forever; I think it was a bit too long, but overall I really enjoyed the themes and "advice" of sorts the author provides.
August 14, 2021
I've had this book from years, a friend had gifted it knowing it would be my cup of tea. Indeed it was.
I dipped in and out of this read over the past 14 months. It's one of those books that I feel is most helpful if digested in small bits.
While I loved, loved the underlying premise I found some parts to be a bit of a slog. My absolute favorite bit was the first section on Nature. If I had read just that piece, I would have been satisfied.
I was challenged a bit by Merton's writing style; he's tends toward the esoteric. Not a complaint, of course, it just became a slower read for me and my brain style.
As I continue down this Path of Life, I will attempt to retain this passage from Merton's concluding chapter:
"...modest, regular exposure to an enchanted world provides a light touch and a deep desire to live a full life."
I'll keep mulling on what I consider to be enchanting. I should say I'll continue to keep mulling as I feel this is something I've done the whole of my adult life.
I dipped in and out of this read over the past 14 months. It's one of those books that I feel is most helpful if digested in small bits.
While I loved, loved the underlying premise I found some parts to be a bit of a slog. My absolute favorite bit was the first section on Nature. If I had read just that piece, I would have been satisfied.
I was challenged a bit by Merton's writing style; he's tends toward the esoteric. Not a complaint, of course, it just became a slower read for me and my brain style.
As I continue down this Path of Life, I will attempt to retain this passage from Merton's concluding chapter:
"...modest, regular exposure to an enchanted world provides a light touch and a deep desire to live a full life."
I'll keep mulling on what I consider to be enchanting. I should say I'll continue to keep mulling as I feel this is something I've done the whole of my adult life.
April 24, 2025
I first purchased Thomas Moore’s The Re-Enchantment of Everyday Life as I had mistaken him for Thomas Merton—another Catholic monk—and because I found the title to be inspiring. I’ve always believed that meaning is found in the small things in life so why not seek enchantment in every moment? Anyways, I was pleasantly surprised by Moore’s writings. I found it just incredible how he breathes enchantment into our world not just through the words of Christianity but by drawing from a number of spiritual traditions such as Zen Buddhism, astrology, divination, and paganism.
During our digital age, I believe that his reflections are more powerful and more relevant than ever before. We have just one life to live to its fullest. Well worth the read, regardless of your religious background.
During our digital age, I believe that his reflections are more powerful and more relevant than ever before. We have just one life to live to its fullest. Well worth the read, regardless of your religious background.
December 20, 2023
I picked up this book in a Little Free Library. I have been reading it in more of an oracle-like manner; flipping to a random page & taking in the words as a daily wisdom. Sure, there may be some things that are a bit out-dated, or things I don't 100% agree with, but that is a part of the medicine! We are meant to have our minds bent by the reflections of others. We are meant to view things objectively, with discernment, while also obtaining new views-which are just another reflection of the whole. I absolutely adore this book, as someone that is very much attuned to enchantment. It reminds me that there are others in this world that feel as I do, while also offering me new wisdoms.
May 9, 2017
I read this book when it was first published 20 years ago and I loved it all the way through both readings. It's original, inspiring and beautifully written. Enchanting!! My life is richer because of it. One little thing - and it took nothing away from the quality of the book - I wish the author had included Judaism even a LITTLE!! There were so many missed opportunities, and with Moore being so connected to Catholicism, along with a PhD in religion, I would have expected a little knowledge here. Jesus is not the "king of the Jews" and our God is not "Yahweh".
August 9, 2022
I listened to an abridged audiobook. I wish I’d been able to find the whole thing recorded. This is a great introduction to a refreshed view of the world that will be more conducive to fulfilling my needs and achieving my goals.
March 25, 2024
spiritual and enchanting! very intuitive to follow and some surprising elements. voiced concepts like tawakkul and tasawwuf in a western way. i was also continually intrigued because the author is a therapist! feel good book for sure but also unnecessarily long.
February 26, 2025
Enchantment drips off every page like magical honey, and is still somehow incredibly grounding. I could drink this piece of art up over and over again. Moore is brilliant and his work is important. My new favorite.
June 5, 2022
This book just was not for me. The title drew me in but the content was too new age for me.
October 16, 2022
First read in the mid 90s. One of my all time favorites and revisiting now decades later.
June 6, 2024
brb becoming more mystical and whimsical
he was kinda giving welcome to nightvale character at parts in this
he was kinda giving welcome to nightvale character at parts in this
June 19, 2024
A basic overview of how important it is to be in touch with nature and the elements how they may effect someone in the challenge of creativity and sometimes referring to history and the bible
July 29, 2025
Great tool in developing a renewed appreciation for life.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews