“The Ten Golden Rules: Ancient Wisdom from the Greek Philosophers on Living the Good Life” by M.A. Soupios, PhD and Panos Mourdoukoutas, PhD is a simple but meaningful little book. The wisdom of the ancient Greek sages is just as relevant and profound today as when first written so many years ago.
The simplicity of this book may make some people think, “Duh, I know that.” However, it is obvious to anyone who examines the current human condition that many people could be living much better lives if they would simply follow these simple, yet profound, ten golden rules. Soupios and Mourdoukoutas have written a little gem that shares wisdom that spans the ages and if we each took the time to reflect and meditate on these rules as the authors recommend we could find ourselves living the good life as presented in this simple little book.
The ten golden rules the authors share are: Examine Life, Worry Only about the Things You Can Control, Treasure Friendship, Experience True Pleasure, Master Yourself, Avoid Excess, Be a Responsible Human Being, Don’t Be a Prosperous Fool, Don’t Do Evil to Other People, and Kindness toward Others Tends to Be Rewarded. I told you they were simple. Yet that does not make them any less profound or meaningful.
The authors present each rule by sharing an ancient quote, such as “The Unexamined life is not worth living” by Plato to open the first chapter. Then the chapter contains a short story or explanation to help you understand and visualize the rule in action. Then the actual rule, which is a bit longer than the chapter title that contains the rule, and then the authors’ commentary on the rule. Finally, each chapter ends with what the authors call the meditation grid, which consists of the points the authors want you to reflect and mediate on to incorporate these rules into your own life.
The authors believe that spiritual living is not an exclusive preserve of religious teaching. An examined life afforded by reason is also a path toward spiritual contentment. These ten rules of spiritual living by reason are not new. They are found within all the great teachings, including the wisdom of the ancient Greek philosophers the authors drew from. Regardless where they come from, these wise truths can be powerful when applied to one’s life. I believe this is an important book for reminding us what is really important. It is a book that will serve many people well as a text to examine once in a while to ensure they are living a life rich from human development. I highly recommend you not only read this simple little book, but incorporate the ten golden rules into your life.
Alain Burrese – Alain Burrese and Burrese Enterprises, Inc. provide entertaining and informative keynote speeches and educational seminars. From success & achievement principles and leadership skills to safety …