Gift of Peace

by Ben Stein

Book Overview

In ancient Hebrew prayers, the highest wish that any worshiper can offer to another is that the Almighty will give the worshiper "the greatest of all gifts--the gift of peace." Ben Stein's latest book, The Gift of Peace, comprises more than 500 lessons about how to live life in a state of peace. Drawing from wisdom learned in 12-step meetings and from his own meditations, Stein reveals the guideposts that have taken him (over the last 16 years) to a life incomparably more serene and uncomplicated than it once was. The lessons in The Gift of Peace are about surrender to God, turning envy around, realizing one's own unimportance in the universe, and achieving humility through actions as well as thoughts. Think of this book as a lifetime supply of non-addictive, no-side-effect tranquilizers and antidepressants and you have it just about right. Thorough, repeated readings of these homilies, especially upon waking and at bedtime, offer genuine calm and peace.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1401905145
• ISBN13: 9781401905149
• Release Date: March 2005
• Publisher: Hay House
• Length: 182 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.4" x 7.6"

Customer Reviews

amazing and touching

what can i say, when i am still so stunned by the beauty and depth of this wonderful new book ! mister ben stein, you helped me so much ! thank you

Great Little Book

The Gift of Peace gave me a glimpse of Ben Stein's life journey. It helped me look at my life in a more positive and less fearful way. Most importantly, it gave me hope for peace in my life. When feeling overwhelmed I frequently go back and read Ben's sayings to help me get back on course. A very special little book.

Really like this book

I really like this book. Just received it today, flipping through I found much I can relate to. Now, I will go back and give each one thought. Thank you Ben Stein!

For my sister

I loved this book. When mys siter went into the hospital I gave it to her, and it gave her some much inspiration. Thank you Ben Stein. Patti

Helping us think through what matters and what we can do

This is a handsomely done book that contains more than 500 sayings about living a happier, more peaceful, and less conflicted life. Mr. Stein wrote this from his own experience. He says in the introduction that he had pretty much made a hash of his personal life, was using alcohol and some medicines in unhelpful ways, and eating too much also as a form of self-medication. Many of us recognize those life situations and behaviors. Some friends of his mentioned that he might try a couple of different 12-step programs. Mr. Stein says they helped him change his life. The sayings in this book are based on what he learned and heard in those programs. He states right up front that they are not all original with him, but they are all things he believes and is glad to share. This is a book you could rush through in a couple of hours and you would be cheating yourself. These are not witty aphorisms or principles that are implemented like a recipe. Each one is a sentence or two that you can take some time to ponder and think about throughout a day. You might want to take weeks thinking through this book. Some sayings might not mean anything at first, but they stick in your mind and then a specific situation you experience will provide a flash of insight. Heaven knows we tend to get lost trying to run everything ourselves and holding ourselves responsible for things we have no control over and then not facing up to things we can make choices about. Mr. Stein's thoughts help illuminate how to be at peace by focusing on what matters, what you can actually do today, and letting a whole bunch of stuff go that really doesn't matter. The book can make a very nice gift for anyone you know who is open to spending time thinking about things. As I said, the book is very nice to look at and hold. Enjoy.