Some thoughts on becoming eighty-five

by William Z. Shetter

Pamphlet, August 2012

Status

Available

Call number

CP 418 c2

Publication

Wallingford, PA : Pendle Hill Publications, 2012.

ISBN

9780875744186

Description

The experience of long life and spiritual fruits of aging are the focus of this meditative walk through eighty-five years of William Shetter's life experience: among Friends, in relationship, as an ongoing seeker and keen observer of the world. Reflections on death, impermanence, and increasing physical limitation are leavened with humor and a sense of play as Shetter examines the decades of his life. These thoughts on family, wisdom, humor, spiritual community, and the presence of God bring to the reader a distinctively Quaker perspective on the patterns of life and aging. Discussion questions are included to aid further reflection. -- Publisher's description.

User reviews

LibraryThing member kaulsu
The front matter states that Shetter is a member of Bloomington Monthly Meeting (OVYM), which leads me to speculate that he is the author of numerous books on the Netherlands: its history and its language, and that he is a past professor at Indiana University.

I was disappointed in this pamphlet. It
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is wholly composed of thoughts (I won't say "random" since he has put them into a semblance of order) on his experience of aging. With a bit more work (and an editor?) I think it could have been woven into a powerful essay on "aging well" to stand next to Morrison's pamphlets and books.

Perhaps Shetter will take another stab at writing for us at ninety. I am interested to hear, even if it is only thoughts!
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LibraryThing member QuakerReviews
This is a very pleasant collection of the thoughts and questions of a long-time friend on several topics related to aging and spiritual maturity. There is wisdom and insight here, as well as acute observation and conclusion. You can read a chunk of this at a time; this could be good bed-time
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reading.
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Call number

CP 418 c2

Barcode

6546
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