Status
Available
Call number
Genres
Collection
Publication
H J Kramer (1984), Edition: Later Printing, Paperback, 216 pages
Description
Self-Improvement. Nonfiction. HTML: Despite his success, college student and world-champion athlete Dan Millman is haunted by a feeling that something is missing from his life. Awakened one night by dark dreams, he wanders into an all-night gas station where a chance encounter with the enigmatic Socrates starts Dan on a spiritual odyssey, which throws his perfect but shallow life into total disarray. With a unique blend of Eastern philosophy and Western training, Socrates' insight and wisdom help Dan recover from a devastating motorcycle accident and takes Dan on a journey that tests the limits of his mind, body, and spirit. Discovering that he has much to learn and even more to leave behind, Millman's story is a moving tale about the power of human will..… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member Max-Tyrone
I couldn't stomach it. I mean, "A Book That Changes Lives"? I think it's nice that Millman, the writer, fuses creative non-fiction (fiction) with the Socratic method (which is what exactly?). The plot was lacking, the characters are equivalent to minor TV/movie characters, predictable. As
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literature, it really isn't much but an 80's inspirational movie: pretty cheesy, a little off, and you're always expecting "Eye of the Tiger" to start playing somewhere, anywhere. Show Less
LibraryThing member tbert204
Many of the events in this book are said to be true, but the book is fictional. Right from the start, I was yearning to hear Dan Millman's true story, not a fake one. And I never got past that. As a guide to changing lives, as the title suggests, I applaud the author's efforts to introduce
As a novel, the characters are one-dimensional and the dialog clunky and there's not much of a story. It's seems to be stuck between fiction and non-fiction with elements of both mixed together, although we don't know which is which. There doesn't seem much point in reading a fake autobiography unless it has a good story arc. Maybe if the main character's name wasn't the author's name I wouldn't have been so hung up on this. It's kind of Dan Millman's story, but not really. If it's going to be a novel, I would've been more interested in a captivating story that demonstrates spiritual growth and development rather than fictional characters telling me how to do it. However, I'd rather Dan just write a autobiography that's true. Either one would've been better than something in-between.
If a reader wants to learn meditation and an introspective way of living, I'd suggest one of many good authors/teachers in Zen or Work-centered practices. Not this book. However, I gave this book 2 stars because it may lead someone to deeper study in these areas and, for that reason, it would be worthwhile.
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spiritual elements into everyday living. An introspective way of life can be rich and rewarding, and for those searching for deeper meaning this tale points the way. Clearly, many people have found it useful. As a novel, the characters are one-dimensional and the dialog clunky and there's not much of a story. It's seems to be stuck between fiction and non-fiction with elements of both mixed together, although we don't know which is which. There doesn't seem much point in reading a fake autobiography unless it has a good story arc. Maybe if the main character's name wasn't the author's name I wouldn't have been so hung up on this. It's kind of Dan Millman's story, but not really. If it's going to be a novel, I would've been more interested in a captivating story that demonstrates spiritual growth and development rather than fictional characters telling me how to do it. However, I'd rather Dan just write a autobiography that's true. Either one would've been better than something in-between.
If a reader wants to learn meditation and an introspective way of living, I'd suggest one of many good authors/teachers in Zen or Work-centered practices. Not this book. However, I gave this book 2 stars because it may lead someone to deeper study in these areas and, for that reason, it would be worthwhile.
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LibraryThing member Clara53
An exceptionally inspirational book of timeless New Age ideas, based on the experiences of the author in his college days, as a gymnast in mid 1960s, and later on during his spiritual search, including some fictional events that contributed to the book's premise and helped promote its important
I found it hard to rate this book, because the ideas at its core are superior (for lack of a better word) to the plot and the writing. But at the same time, the author's approachable, less esoteric style probably made sure that more people read it, and what can be better. After reading this novel, I came away thoroughly optimistic and thankful for the reinforcement of the long cherished spiritual concepts and mental tools for right living.
"When thoughts touch the present they dissolve" (one of my favorite quotes from the book).
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message.I found it hard to rate this book, because the ideas at its core are superior (for lack of a better word) to the plot and the writing. But at the same time, the author's approachable, less esoteric style probably made sure that more people read it, and what can be better. After reading this novel, I came away thoroughly optimistic and thankful for the reinforcement of the long cherished spiritual concepts and mental tools for right living.
"When thoughts touch the present they dissolve" (one of my favorite quotes from the book).
Show Less
LibraryThing member blake.rosser
What is in this book that wasn't already written a million times better by Castaneda, Pirsig, Hesse, Alan Watts, Tom Brown, or the guy who wrote the Celestine Prophecy?
LibraryThing member Clatters
Why did I feel as though I was clueless in the whole book?
LibraryThing member npbone
I read this book when I was young and impressionable and I think many of my worldviews and beliefs were influenced by this book. The writing is mediocre but the message can be mind opening and mind altering.
LibraryThing member LadyBlossom
This is one of the most inspirational books I have ever read, it has validated many of my personal beliefs leaving me with a knowledge that I am on the right path.
LibraryThing member PurpleV
Great Spiritual ideas told in a wonderful story form.
LibraryThing member haydenth
Millman's book - Way of the Peaceful Warrior - follows the journey and development of the protagonist (Millman himself) as he undergoes a spiritual transformation and "self-realization". Millman uses a mysterious teacher character, Socrates, to convey life's important lessons. The plot is very
It's important that you read the book as an allegory and is only meant to be read semi-literally. This is important because Millman's writing is very rough at times, the dialogue made me cringe, and there are random moments of misogyny. Also, Millman throws in various supernatural events, which gave me a few "Huh?" moments. Towards the end, the book feels like Millman tried to pick up the pace of the novel, which felt ackward given the pace of the first three quarters of the book. So, minus two stars for the bad writing.
Once you can see through the poor dialogue and supernatural events, you can pull out the lessons that Millman is trying to convey:
- Take care of your health and eat well. Your body will reward you.
- Avoid stress and use anger positively. Meditation is a good tool.
- Don't fuss over the past; it's done. Learn and move on.
- Don't fuss over the future; it's too unpredictable.
- Go all-in or don't play at all. Moderation is for bores.
- Life is a journey to understand yourself and in doing so, understand your own way to happiness.
- Live for now and enjoy the present; be aware and avoid passive understanding.
To the informed reader, this novel doesn't really express anything new or ground-breaking; it just bundles some basic advice nicely in a story that is easily read by most Americans. I didn't find this novel life-changing or phenomenal or great but rather a simple suggestion of ways to achieve happiness. Overall, I enjoyed reading the book and thinking about Millman's suggestions but it did not live up to the hype.
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straightforward - it is a standard quest-for-knowledge. Think of the movie, The Karate Kid, and you get the gist of the plot.It's important that you read the book as an allegory and is only meant to be read semi-literally. This is important because Millman's writing is very rough at times, the dialogue made me cringe, and there are random moments of misogyny. Also, Millman throws in various supernatural events, which gave me a few "Huh?" moments. Towards the end, the book feels like Millman tried to pick up the pace of the novel, which felt ackward given the pace of the first three quarters of the book. So, minus two stars for the bad writing.
Once you can see through the poor dialogue and supernatural events, you can pull out the lessons that Millman is trying to convey:
- Take care of your health and eat well. Your body will reward you.
- Avoid stress and use anger positively. Meditation is a good tool.
- Don't fuss over the past; it's done. Learn and move on.
- Don't fuss over the future; it's too unpredictable.
- Go all-in or don't play at all. Moderation is for bores.
- Life is a journey to understand yourself and in doing so, understand your own way to happiness.
- Live for now and enjoy the present; be aware and avoid passive understanding.
To the informed reader, this novel doesn't really express anything new or ground-breaking; it just bundles some basic advice nicely in a story that is easily read by most Americans. I didn't find this novel life-changing or phenomenal or great but rather a simple suggestion of ways to achieve happiness. Overall, I enjoyed reading the book and thinking about Millman's suggestions but it did not live up to the hype.
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LibraryThing member nhimmelrich
This story is a mixture of fact and fiction, leaving you wondering which part it Dan's autobiography and which part is fiction. It takes you on a Journey to connect with your own inner dreams and aspirations.
Dan, the main character, is a college student at Berkeley, University of California, and
This classic tale, told with heart and humor, speaks to the peaceful warrior in each of us, moving readers to laughter and tears -- even to moments of illumination -- as they rediscover life's larger meaning and purpose. The book was written 25 years ago and the film of the book was released last year. Check your local cinema to find out when the film will play in your area.
The new edition of this inspiring book contains hundreds of revisions by the author. It also tells the story behind the book - how it was born, "died," then rose from its ashes to become a word-of-mouth bestseller that continues to inspire millions of men and women of all ages in 22 languages worldwide.
Comments by Dan:
'Way of the Peaceful Warrior began my own journey as a writer and teacher. I've been blessed by thousands of letters I've received over the years. When I wrote it, I had no idea that so many people, young and old, from different walks of life, would find my story so inspiring. Over the years I've asked myself why. I believe it's because my story also touched upon universal themes-our common quest for meaning and purpose and direction. Somehow it reminds readers of what they had always known but forgotten -- the bigger picture and essential perfection of our lives unfolding.'
Dan, the main character, is a college student at Berkeley, University of California, and
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world-champion athlete. He knows that despite his success there is something missing in his life. Waking up one night by nightmares, he wonders down to the gas station, where he meets an old eccentric man. They become friends, teacher and student in a 'course for life'. Socrates, as Dan calls the old man and warrior, teaches him about life, spirit, belief, mystery, success and love in a way that draws you into Dan's character.This classic tale, told with heart and humor, speaks to the peaceful warrior in each of us, moving readers to laughter and tears -- even to moments of illumination -- as they rediscover life's larger meaning and purpose. The book was written 25 years ago and the film of the book was released last year. Check your local cinema to find out when the film will play in your area.
The new edition of this inspiring book contains hundreds of revisions by the author. It also tells the story behind the book - how it was born, "died," then rose from its ashes to become a word-of-mouth bestseller that continues to inspire millions of men and women of all ages in 22 languages worldwide.
Comments by Dan:
'Way of the Peaceful Warrior began my own journey as a writer and teacher. I've been blessed by thousands of letters I've received over the years. When I wrote it, I had no idea that so many people, young and old, from different walks of life, would find my story so inspiring. Over the years I've asked myself why. I believe it's because my story also touched upon universal themes-our common quest for meaning and purpose and direction. Somehow it reminds readers of what they had always known but forgotten -- the bigger picture and essential perfection of our lives unfolding.'
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LibraryThing member SueNehme
I loved this book. It was simply written, with a very good story that kept my attention. The messages are brilliant and Dan Millman is right, this really is a life-changing book.
LibraryThing member Stevejm51
Several weeks ago a library patron asked for Dan Millman’s “Way of the Peaceful Warrior.” Of course, I answered, my voice oozing optimism. The book is a classic. It’s right here on the shelf.
But it wasn’t. The Estes Park Public Library didn’t own the book. After profuse apologies, I
At the beginning of the book, a young Berkeley student wanders into an all night gas station and meets an old man. Although a good student and successful gymnast, the young man feels emptiness, a strange dissatisfaction with life. Thus begins his journey of self awareness with a cigarette-smoking old man Dan calls Socrates. Once he has destroyed Dan’s preconceived notions of academics, athletics and achievement, Socrates shows the value of consciousness over intelligence, strength of spirit over strength of body.
What I enjoyed most about the book is its sense of humor. Like most young college students, Dan is self-absorbed and a little too sure of himself. When Dan pronounces that he understands a concept, Socrates quickly pierces his bubble with another startling insight.
But it wasn’t. The Estes Park Public Library didn’t own the book. After profuse apologies, I
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put in a request and we ordered the book. When it arrived a week later, I checked it out, took it home and read it over the weekend. It had been more than 20 years since I had read the book, and since then I have had some martial arts training and years of life experience. Not surprisingly, Millman’s journey of self discovery still packs a punch after all these years.At the beginning of the book, a young Berkeley student wanders into an all night gas station and meets an old man. Although a good student and successful gymnast, the young man feels emptiness, a strange dissatisfaction with life. Thus begins his journey of self awareness with a cigarette-smoking old man Dan calls Socrates. Once he has destroyed Dan’s preconceived notions of academics, athletics and achievement, Socrates shows the value of consciousness over intelligence, strength of spirit over strength of body.
What I enjoyed most about the book is its sense of humor. Like most young college students, Dan is self-absorbed and a little too sure of himself. When Dan pronounces that he understands a concept, Socrates quickly pierces his bubble with another startling insight.
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LibraryThing member KerryD1971
Quite possibly the worst book I have ever had the displeasure to read. Poorly written and utter nonsense. I couldn't even fake a "It was okay" when I returned it to it's "I'm a big fan" owner.
LibraryThing member Courtney.Francis
I consider it a spiritual self-help book. It’s a search for happiness.
The chapters outline the winds of change: warriors’ training and
unreasonable happiness.
The chapters outline the winds of change: warriors’ training and
unreasonable happiness.
LibraryThing member rrkreads
I personally was not impressed with the book, it seemed like a bad rehash of various books on eastern philosophy. This book might be a good read for people who would like to be introduced to eastern philosophies.
LibraryThing member realbigcat
I found out about this book from Tim Ferris and many of the people he interviews have recommended the book as well. While it’s a bit dated now it is a great story. Great way to get motivated and inspired. I followed the author Dan Millman and listened to him tell the story of the book and his
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life. I would highly recommend this book. Show Less
LibraryThing member rayrod472
People seem to have extreme reactions to this book. They either love it or hate it. After thirty years of experience in the martial arts, I've come to see that most people have a similar view of the martial arts. I don't know that there's necessarily a strong correlation between those who truly
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love the martial arts and those who love this book, but there probably are some similar underlying attitudes. You can't look at this book as a documentary. It's not. It's an exploration into the warrior mind, the eccentric master-disciple relationship that has become somewhat cliche in martial arts, and the ability to break free of the mundane in order to unlock performance. Don't take yourself--or this book--too seriously. If you do, you've missed the point. Show Less
LibraryThing member nixie
Intially i looked at this book sitting on a bookself in hippy shop. A book that says 'a book that changes lives" made me wonder if such a book could live up to this title and if so how possibly would it change a persons life with suggesting ways one could better it. As i started reading the book i
The book is about dan millman whom feels like his life is missing something, through dreams and contact with socrates his life changes forever and as he battles through the realms of light and dark to find his path to find out who he is on a higher level. I liked this book because at some level it reflects the authors life with added twists of fiction. However i like this style. If you are interested in exploring an usual tale of mystery then go for this book.
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still wondered how this book could change lifes, however about midway i started wanting to take on what Dan was going through. I wanted to be healtier, think clearer and wanted to see things differently from all levels. What i don't know is, do i feel this way because of what the subtitle suggests. If the subtitle wasnt there would i of felt that the book has in some way changed my life! I dont know! On a personnal level i am taking a very different approach towards life and somehow i have found the motivation to sick to the goals i am setting myself. The book is about dan millman whom feels like his life is missing something, through dreams and contact with socrates his life changes forever and as he battles through the realms of light and dark to find his path to find out who he is on a higher level. I liked this book because at some level it reflects the authors life with added twists of fiction. However i like this style. If you are interested in exploring an usual tale of mystery then go for this book.
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LibraryThing member Okies
Mmmmmmmmmm. I haven't got far into this but it feels dated - it might be the writing - something is not quite polished about it. Still I wish I'd stick with it to absorb the wisdom...!
Subjects
Language
Original publication date
1980
Physical description
216 p.; 8.4 inches
ISBN
0915811006 / 9780915811007