The Good Life: The Truths That Last in Times of Need - Hardcover

Gomes, Peter

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0060000759 ISBN 13: 9780060000752

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers (Australia) Pty Ltd, 2002

Synopsis

In this text, Peter Gomes calls for the rejection of the prevailing notions of success and happiness and proposes that we anchor our lives instead in the deeper truths of Western moral traditions. Gomes begins with the contemporary crisis of moral education in higher learning and subverts the prevalent assertion that the youth of our colleges and universities are spoiled and lacking in the capacity and desire to become good people and good citizens. Impressed by the sharp moral curiosity of young people, as well as their strong desire to know, to be and to do good, Gomes sets out to reclaim the tradition of virtue he believes can make this a great generation. In this search for a new nobility, he distinguishes between the plausible lies that our culture tells us about the good life and the truths that alone can bring happiness, working through each of the unquestioned values of modern life. Along the way he redefines the central elements of the pursuit of the good life (failure, success, discipline and freedom), then offers a presentation of the four cardinal virtues (prudence, justice, temperance and fortitude) and finally concludes with an argument for the three theological virtues of faith, hope and love.

About this title

Review:

?...This good book about The Good Life is good news... a balanced and profound proclamation.?Tony Campolo, Professor of Sociology, Eastern University ?Peter Gomes is well qualified to cast his net wider to people seeking The Good Life.?Theodore M. Hesburgh, C.S.C., President Emeritus, University of Notre Dame ?With his usual eloquence and insight, Gomes reminds us of truthsthat are now more important to us than ever.?Karen Armstrong, author of The Battle for God ? Highly readable ... as reliable a guide for life as one is likely to find anywhere.?Huston Smith, author of Why Religion Matters ?A wise, timely, and wonderfully readable celebration of the virtues.?Marcus Borg, author of Reading the Bible Again For the First Time ?Peter at his best...he continues as the Master Teacher of truths we could not hear from others.?Alan K. Simpson, Former U.S. Senator to Wyoming ? In writing about things that matter, [Gomes] has written a book that matters.?Booklist ?A worthwhile addition to all libraries, this volume promises to be another best seller.? Library Journal " In writing about things that matter, [Gomes] has written a book that matters."--Booklist ."..This good book about The Good Life is good news... a balanced and profound proclamation."--Tony Campolo, Professor of Sociology, Eastern University "Clearly and persuasively, Gomes tackles themes such as hope, discipline and success."--Dallas Morning News "A wise, timely, and wonderfully readable celebration of the virtues."--Marcus Borg, author of Reading the Bible Again For the First Time " Highly readable ... as reliable a guide for life as one is likely to find anywhere."--Huston Smith, author of Why Religion Matters "A how-to for living a truly good life....simple and sound."--The [New Jersey] Star-Ledger "Peter Gomes is well qualified to cast his net wider to people seeking The Good Life."--Theodore M. Hesburgh, C.S.C., President Emeritus, University of Notre Dame "A worthwhile addition to all libraries, this volume promises to be another best seller."--Library Journal 'Peter at his best...he continues as the Master Teacher of truths we could not hear from others."--Alan K. Simpson, Former U.S. Senator to Wyoming ..".This good book about The Good Life is good news... a balanced and profound proclamation."--Tony Campolo, Professor of Sociology, Eastern University "With his usual eloquence and insight, Gomes reminds us of truths that are now more important to us than ever."--Karen Armstrong, author of The Battle for God

About the Author:

Peter J. Gomes has been minister of Harvard University's Memorial Church since 1974, when he was appointed Pusey Minister of the church, and serves as Plummer Professor of Christian Morals. An American Baptist minister, he was named one of America's top preachers by Time magazine. He is the recipient of thirty-three honorary degrees and an Honorary Fellow of Emmanuel College, the University of Cambridge, England, where the Gomes Lectureship is established in his name.

About this edition

• Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers (Australia) Pty Ltd
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 0060000759
• ISBN 13: 9780060000752
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 384