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The Paradoxical Commandments: Finding Personal Meaning in a Crazy World

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Ever since the 1960s, Kent Keith has doggedly insisted that despite the insanity that seems to consume the world, people can still act honorably and change things for the better. He calls his manifesto the "Paradoxical Commandments," and the very first commandment states: People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered. Love them anyway! Commandment number two asserts: If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives. Do good anyway! Now Keith's Paradoxical Commandments are presented with more detailed explanations, insights into the foibles of human nature, and the uplifting conviction that doing good for its own sake is the right, best, and happiest way to live. The Paradoxical Commandments: Finding Personal Meaning In A Crazy World is aptly divided into three parts: It's a Crazy World; The Paradoxical Commandments; and Living the Paradoxical Life. Each part offers a little more insight into the world we live in, and how to make it a better place. Every few pages features a short proverb of kindly wisdom, such as "Who you are and how you live are more important than who remembers what you did." Highly recommended for students of ethics and spirituality, as well as the non-specialist general reader in search of self-improvement and personal insight.

This fabulous book is packed with wonderful wisdom. The author shares a series of interesting life stories that are enjoyable and convey a deep truth about the human experience. His writing leaves you renewed and inspired, providing a new perspective about the events and people that shape our lives. The main elements are the ten Paradoxical Commandments themselves. They combine to form a positive message about life and the human spirit. This enriching message frees you to be yourself, and give the world the best you have. The Commandments are so powerful that for years they have circled the entire globe, continually passed from person to person. Now, the original author takes you on his path of discovery. I urge you to read this book; it will refresh your soul.

What a joy to read this book. The writing is simple and clear, the stories and anecdotes are relevant. My reaction to each ranged from touching (Seventh Commandment) to anger (Fifth Commandment) to the realization that "Hey, wait, I already do some of these." OK, maybe not all the time, but I have a good headstart and I can do better, starting with my family and friends, then community, and even the world!

I read this book Monday evening, September 10th. On Tuesday, the entire world needed to read this book.

Kent Keith's book is a gift to us all. After reading it, I thought I'd give a copy to each of my sons for the holidays. Now, (since 911) I think that they need it immediately. In a day when we might ask ourselves, "Why should I do something for my brother when I am being hurt?" Keith explains the natural tendency we all have to give, forgive, move-on, and grow. As he wrote, "You shouldn't stop loving and helping others just because others don't seem to appreciate you," a central message of the book. The Paradoxical Commandments is a gem I will treasure and look to repeatedly whenever life gets tough and I feel my compassion depleting, whenever I want more than I already have, and whenever I just want to know that there is someone on this earth who, no matter what, will love me for what I am. This book is ageless, timeless, invigorating, validating, and consoling. Thank you Mr. Keith.

The Paradoxical Commandments is a very powerful book. Don't let its small size fool you. Without hyperbole or padding, Kent Keith delivers life lessons that are extremely relevant and humanly possible. Most inspirational books are written for saints; this one is for each of us. The Paradoxical Commandments is not just a good read, it's a necessary one.

The Paradoxical Commandments should be mankind's handbook in the wake of the horrendous acts that took place 9/11/01. We need to move forward and search for sanity. Kent Keith can be the leader of that movement. The Paradoxical Commandments should be on every night table, and should be placed in every Christmas stocking. Thank you Kent Keith. May people grasp your wisdom and peace come to us all.

How wonderful to find such a compelling book of hope, of comfort, of action -- a clear voice of reason in a confusing and sometimes frightening world. It presents simple principles that are powerful enough to not only affect the way you view life experiences, but change your life if you apply them. The only person over whom each of us can hope to have any control is our own self. This book helps us see the possibilities of taking that control, no matter what else happens around us. And as Lois Wyse expressed, "[I]f one soul awakens, is not the whole world strengthened?" Read the book, then try to live the principles. You'll be happily surprised by the result.

Thank you, Kent, for sharing these eloquent Paradoxical Commandments with us.

One of the best books I've ever read. I normally hate self-help books (not to mention weird, touchy-feely nonsense) and so avoid them like the plague. I had seen these commandments floating around the internet before though, and thought I'd give the book a try. An excellent move and one of the best book-buying decisions I've ever made. If you aren't into self-help books normally and consider yourself a pragmatic, sensible person, then this book is for you. Give it a try; I guarantee that you won't regret it.