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Paperback
Publisher: HarperOne
The author of the New York Times bestseller The Good Book champions the recovery of the Western moral tradition.
Peter J. Gomes believes that today's college students have it in them to be the greatest generation. The Good Life, a manifesto by the minister at Harvard University, debunks the idea that today's college students are spoiled, materialistic, and morally complacent. Reflecting on 30 years of ministry to undergraduates, Gomes writes, "What has impressed me ... about these young people ... is their moral curiosity, their desire to know, to be, and to do good." Drawing on stories of Gomes's relationships with students, as well as his knowledge of philosophy, theology, and the Bible, The Good Life offers guidance for finding the treasure promised by its title. Some readers will question how much Gomes's personal experience really says about American culture at large (the first chapter begins, "Harvard Yard is never more grand than it is on Commencement Day."). But much of The Good Life is of near universal value, such as Gomes's distinction between "plausible lies" that define the good life in secular culture and the "fantastic truths" that bring true joy. --Michael Joseph Gross
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| hard to start book |
| Customer Rating: 2 out of 5 |
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i have read a couple of his other books and loved them "the Good Book" and "The Scandalous Gospel of Jesus Christ", however this one i'm having a hard time getting into and i'm not sure why.
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| Rediculously Overwritten |
| Customer Rating: 3 out of 5 |
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I found Mr. Gomes book incredibly overwritten, if such a word exists, but inspiring nonetheless. His approach to the subject was straight forward and simple to follow. However, I found his explanations and justifications began clearly and then wandered. At times it seemed that he was name dropping, and often bragging about the grandeur of alternatively: Harvard, New England, Harvard Presidents, Harvard Students, Hahvad, Hahvad, Hahvad....I was caught betweeen wanting more of his homilies and interpretations of Biblical passages, and disgusted with his constant engrandizement of all things New England. His descriptions of hope and faith, however, were excellent and have inspired contemplation. I encourage anyone with an open heart and mind to enjoy the book for the some well needed enlightment in an overindulged world, but be willing to indulge the author his vices.
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| Simple But Not Easy |
| Customer Rating: 5 out of 5 |
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What Peter Gomes is trying to impart in his book, The Good Life, is a simple message, unfortunately we live in a complicated world. This book does require careful, thoughtful reading as Mr. Gomes weaves in and out of the complex falsehoods we live with today. If you are looking for a simple answer it is here, if you are looking for a quick fix, go elsewhere. It is not the fault of Peter Gomes that society, and all it has to offer, has woven a perilous web through which all must find their way. This book offers simple answers but they are not easy answers to own up to. This book offers one an opportunity to untangle the web of falsehoods which keep us from the simple truth. Simple does not equal easy, and the truth is rarely easy to take. I highly recommend it!
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| How To Make the Good Life A Drudge |
| Customer Rating: 2 out of 5 |
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Peter J. Gomes starts off with a great hook, 'The Good Life, Truths That Last In Times of Need.' However, other than reading about the moral curiosity of the best and brightest at Harvard, and these new yearnings for meaning and purpose in his student's life, this book presents great but simple ideas in a complicated mixture of long-winded chapters. The essence of great truths is that they are simple. Gomes forgets this. His book reads more like a text book than a help to renewal or reawakening of morality. Yes, he mentions all the great and good truths. But his writing lacks the simiplicity, elegance and structure of these truths. He asks the questions, 'What do I need to be good? How can I truly be happy? To whom or to what dare I give my ultimate loyalty, my deepest love, my full and total service? There are profound but easily assimilated answers to all of these questions. Gomes spends too much time giving erudite, long-winded answers, when the answers could be as elemental, explicit and beautiful as the Beatitudes. Blessed are they who write about great issues with delicacy, wisdom and discipline, rather than heavy, weighty prose. I was disappointed in his book. Great truths are profound. But when the virtues are fairness, justice, temperance and fortitude, and the theological virtues of faith, hope, and love, then the Bible, Sunday School quarterlies, and everlasting hymns still say it best -- and without the scholarly overkill.
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