Abounding Grace An Anthology Of Wisdom

Reading Abounding Grace is like taking a master's level class on "Spiritual Wisdom Through the Ages" taught by the old soul of M. Scott Peck. In editing this anthology Peck assembled what he considered to be the most well written, inspirational, and enlightening quotes that speak to the top 12 virtues--happiness, courage, compassion, purity, perseverance, courtesy, faith, goodness, love, respect, strength, and wisdom. He then wrote an introductory essay on each virtue before presenting his lengthy selections of quotes.

When introducing the virtue of "Happiness," Peck asserts his controversial belief that, "The lie is that we are here on earth to be comfortable, happy and fulfilled.... The truth is that our finest moments are more likely to occur when we are feeling deeply uncomfortable, unhappy, or unfulfilled. For it is only in such moments, propelled by discomfort, that we are likely to step out of our ruts and start searching for different ways or truer answers--or even for God."

He follows this elegant essay with a series of profound, tender, and even playful quotes about happiness, such as "There is nothing more beautiful than cheerfulness in an old man's face." (Jean Paul Richter) "The secret of contentment is the realization that life is a gift, not a right." (Anonymous) As a bonus, Abounding Grace also makes a lasting reference book, one of the best sources of spiritually minded quotes available. --Gail Hudson