WAY OF THE PEACEFUL WARRIOR: A Book That Changes Lives

by Dan Millman

Then, to my amazement, Socrates took out a pack of cigarettes and lit one. “Speaking of smoke,” he said, “did I ever mention to you that there’s no such thing as a bad habit?” I couldn’t believe my eyes or my ears. This isn’t happening, I told myself. “No, you didn’t, and I’ve gone to great lengths on your recommendation to change my bad habits.” “That was to develop your will, you see, and to give your instincts a refresher course. You see, any unconscious, compulsive ritual is a problem. But specific activities — smoking, drinking, taking drugs, eating sweets, or asking silly questions — are both bad and good; every action has its price, and its pleasures. Recognizing both sides, you become realistic and responsible for your actions. And only then can you make the warrior’s free and conscious choice — to do or not to do. “There is a saying: ‘When you sit, sit; when you stand, stand; whatever you do, don’t wobble.’ Once you make your choice, do it with all your spirit. Don’t be like the preacher who thought about praying while making love to his wife, and thought about making love to his wife while praying.”