Second Innocence: Rediscovering Joy and Wonder: A Guide to Renewal in Work, Relationships, and Daily Life [Paperback]

John B. Izzo (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 9, 2004

John Izzo's concept of "second innocence" means recovering those feelings of enthusiasm, faith, presence, and curiosity associated with childhood and blending them with the knowledge and experience of adulthood. Through a series of compelling stories, he offers a collection of uncommon thoughts on common themes. the author's experience as a minister, teacher, author, corporate advisor, and leader of spiritual retreats provides a wealth of wisdom for this journey. In the spirit of Robert Fulghum and Garrison Keillor, Izzo shows that while love may disappoint, work may not satisfy, and suffering will occur, we can still transform ourselves by applying intentional focus to finding the wonder in the world and staying focused on what really matters.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A profound book that will help you reconnect with the best within you." -- Robin Sharma, author of The Saint, The Surfer and The CEO and The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari

"Izzo’s compelling message in Second Innocence has the potential to profoundly change our approach to life." -- Lloyd Hill, CEO Applebee’s International

"John Izzo shows us how a return to joy and innocence is not only vital but quite possible." --

Raymond P. Davis, President and CEO, Umpqua Bank

"Read this book as soon as you can, then give as many copies as possible to people you care about." -- Tom Morris, author of The Art of Achievement, Philosophy for Dummies, If Aristotle Ran General Motors and True Success

"This is a wonderful book of modern parables and will rekindle your love of life" -- Laurie Beth Jones, Author Jesus CEO

From the Publisher

Second Innocence describes a unique philosophy for turning life’s corners with more enthusiasm, less cynicism and more faith in each other. John Izzo argues that we can have a second innocence in life, but it is not to be confused with the innocence of childhood. This innocence is a chosen one, one that breathes freely despite the scars from life’s mistakes and failures, despite the harder truths that become apparent to us as we become adults.

Second Innocence is not a passive physiology that occurs during our sleep, instead it describes the active choice we can make to reclaim those innocent ideals we had, but somehow lost. The ones we once reached for in daily life, in our careers and work, in our passionate relationships and in our faith.

Second Innocence is a practical life guide that uses the author’s own life stories and those of people he has known to illustrate life lessons that have the power to shape us if we let them. It is about having the wisdom to be an adult while allowing childlike ideals and wonder to re-surface.

Through a series of compelling stories full of insights about life, John Izzo offers a collection of uncommon thoughts on common themes. Having been a minister, a university instructor, an author, a corporate advisor, and a leader of spiritual retreats, Izzo brings a wealth of wisdom to this journey to second innocence. He tackles four key areas of human experience—work, love, faith and daily life—giving readers different perspectives on their lives. In the spirit of Robert Fulgham and Garrison Keillor, he provides thought provoking insights into the daily experience of being human from the unique perspective of reclaiming the innocence and wonder that we often associate with childhood.

Based on his own unique experiences—the death of his father, a rowing trip with his grandfather, his first real job, first love, a family suicide, teachers he remembers for their unique courage, and experiences as a leader, lover, parent, and friend—the themes of Izzo’s stories are in many ways universal. These stories will undoubtedly resonate with readers’ own experiences and encourage readers to reconnect with their own life stories and the lessons they can learn from them.

Izzo’s wisdom inspires readers to rediscover the wonder and innocence of youth while incorporating the wisdom gained from growing older. He shows that maintaining a childlike outlook is not the same as being "childish."

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Product Details

• Paperback: 184 pages
• Publisher: Berrett-Koehler Publishers; 1 edition (February 9, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1576752631
• ISBN-13: 978-1576752630
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #368,519 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

John Izzo is one of North America's most prominent voices on finding more purpose in life and work. His website is http://www.drjohnizzo.com . John is a regular contributor to CSRWire.com .
John has devoted the past 25 years of his life and career to facilitating deeper conversations about values, work, life, leadership and success. He has worked with thousands of leaders, professionals and front-line colleagues to foster workplaces of excellence, purpose, learning and renewal. His clients have ranged from high tech to high touch, hotels to hospitals, and from government agencies to entrepreneurial start-ups. Drawing on his early work in ministry and thousands of programs on creating "Spirited Workplaces," Izzo challenges people to strive to live their values, connect with each other and to humbly balance achievement with fulfillment. Izzo is the author of several books, including the bestselling Awakening Corporate Soul. He has served on the faculties of The University of California -San Diego, and Kent State University.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stop, Look at Life Afresh . . . and Act in Hopeful Ways!, February 3, 2004

By 

Donald Mitchell "Jesus Loves You!" (Thanks for Providing My Reviews over 110,000 Helpful Votes Globally) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 100 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Second Innocence: Rediscovering Joy and Wonder: A Guide to Renewal in Work, Relationships, and Daily Life (Paperback)

Second Innocence is an outstanding book about how to regain our youthful enthusiasm . . . seasoned with our greater knowledge of how to be effective. Unlike many books on this and related subjects, Dr. Izzo provides many excellent questions and exercises to help make the lessons your own. He also tells many stories about his experiences as a minister, consultant, and unsuccessful husband that will resonate with you . . . especially when he talks about where he went wrong. Rather than trying to write a book of original thinking on the subject of becoming more childlike (rather than childish) with age, he has succeeded in writing a book with a universal message contained in many wise and deeply engaging stories.

Let me share the table of contents for the book to give you some idea of its concepts and coverage:

Second Innocence: A Chance to See Goodness

I Rediscovering Wonder in the Daily Journey

1. Most of Life Is Rowing
2. Full Speed Ahead in the Wrong Direction

3. Reclaiming What We Left Behind
4. Detours: They Not What You Expect
5. It's a Great Life if You Don't Weaken
6. Mr. Thom's Lesson: Living Our Ideals
7. Reclaiming Awe and Wonder
8. What Trees Can Teach Us

II Rediscovering the Joy of Work

9. Your Job Is Bigger than You Think
10. What's Wrong with Rose-Colored Glasses?
11. Getting Past Your Expiration Date
12. Bake a Cake for the Office Troublemaker
13. The Leader's Choice

III Rediscovering Innocence in Relationships

14. Finding Perfect Love
15. The Power of Not Now: Love and the Art of Presence

IV Rediscovering Faith

16. My First Funeral
17. What Question Rules Your Life?
18. Miracles, Telephones and Serendipity

V On the Road to Second Innocence

19. The Simplest Wisdom . . . Start
20. What If You Could Change the World?

While many books on this subject seem aimed mostly at the young, Second Innocence seems aimed equally well at all age groups. This is the kind of book that you could share with your whole family and all of your friends . . . and receive great bounty in love and goodness and return.

As I finished the book, I wondered what I could do to pass along its message . . . and I decided to sit down to write this review on the spot.

What can you do to act with awe and wonder now?

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Renewed my Spirit, March 3, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Second Innocence: Rediscovering Joy and Wonder: A Guide to Renewal in Work, Relationships, and Daily Life (Paperback)

Not only did I live through Child abuse, I also lived through Domestic Violence. I found solace in books such as NIGHTMARES ECHO and COURAGE TO HEAL. They gave me hope to try and change my life. SECOND INNOCENCE has given me my soul back. A renewal of my spirit. To let the past die out and begin again..I am so thankful that the three books I mentioned were there for me to move forward with. So grateful that SECOND INNOCENCE was written.I will recommend this book highly.
Fran Dawson-Just a reader

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A New Innocence, March 4, 2004

By 

Sara (Hollywood, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Second Innocence: Rediscovering Joy and Wonder: A Guide to Renewal in Work, Relationships, and Daily Life (Paperback)

This book created a space in my mind, body, and heart for a new lease on life. This has had tremendous spillover effects for the best results in my marriage and relationship with my children. This is a wonderful piece of non-fiction, equally as good and life-altering as the "New Sex Now" DVD and "8 Minute Abs" videos. By all means, get in on this awakening right now!