Thoughts for the Free Life: Lao Tsu to the Present [Paperback]

Rabindranath Tagore (Author), Lao Tsu (Author), E.E. Cummings (Author), Robert Frost (Author), Pablo Neruda (Author), H.D. Thoreau (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 6, 1997

From 25 centuries and many cultures, quotes from Cervantes, Tagore, Neruda, and others, on the art of living. Two indices: authors and 29 languages of origin.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Among the gems from five continents, ideas on Free Thought, the Natural Way, the Art of Living: quotes from May Sarton, Cervantes, Tagore, Pablo Neruda, Palestinian, American Indian. A peacemaking book. --M. Grierson.

Product Details

• Paperback: 120 pages
• Publisher: Oyster River Press; 3rd edition (April 6, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1882291565
• ISBN-13: 978-1882291564
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.4 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,870,175 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars compact wisdom, April 16, 2007

By 

Du Fu - See all my reviews

This review is from: Thoughts for the Free Life: Lao Tsu to the Present (Paperback)

This is a delightful little book, full of insights from poets and philosophers who span more than 20 centuries and as many languages. While most of the authors are famous, most of the quotations are not, so you can expect surprises. Simple line-drawn illustrations by the editor, Cicely Buckley, add to the charm of the volume. This timeless classic will make a great gift for anyone you care about, no matter their age.

4 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A peace making book; wisdom of the ages with original langua, August 3, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Thoughts for the Free Life: Lao Tsu to the Present (Paperback)

Margaret Grierson, archivist at Smith College, wrote of the jewels in this collection from 25 centuries and 5 continents, on the Art of Living, Freedom from Oppression and the Natural Way, by LAO TSU, haiku, and Persian poets. With index by authors and original languages, which are often included with the English translations: the Greeks and Romans (Pericles and Robert Kennedy share a page on war); Isaiah and Palestinian poets and JFK speak of the children. Antonio Machado and a Japanese proverb remind us that "we make our own way as we go...se hace camino al andar", Rabelais says laughter is the essence of man while Camus turns a corner to discover the beauty of morning dew. A Finnish proverb says "when you drink the water, think of the well", while the Russian version says "remember the well-digger." Harlan Ellison (script writer of one of the memorable Star Wars scenarios) gives the worst case scenario for the world, against which Eluard's Seasons and Asian wisdom from Persia and the far East shine, while Thomas Hardy reminds us, in planning, to take a good look at the worst. Listen to Cervantes: La musica compone los animos descompuestos ~ Music restores broken souls and lightens the worries of the mind. Heed the advice of a Nigerian proverb: The biting fly gets no satisfaction on the back of a turtle. Scott Momaday and other native Americans wisely propose what it takes to make a beautiful day. 3rd edition now includes e.e.cummings, Thoreau, Wordsworth, Paul Eluard.