Reviewed By

Kathie Kurtz

In thinking about the simple questions asked by Muller in this book I am reminded of a quote by Oliver Wendell Holmes which I cannot quote exactly. It goes something like this: "I would not give a fig for the simplicity on this side of complexity, but I would give my life for the simplicity on the other side of complexity. Muller points us clearly to the simplicity, the stripping down to essentials, that comes on the other side of complexity.

Most of us struggle with the complexity of a fast paced life that seems to demand more than is possible to give. Living in the midst of such complexity we often feel that we cannot see beyond the demands of the next day or the next week. Muller encourages us to pause and ponder four essential questions that go to the heart of the meaning of our lives. The questions are Who am I? What do I love? How shall I live, knowing I will die? What is my gift to the family of the earth?

To help us ponder our responses Muller draws on the spiritual wisdom gleaned from many centuries of human experience and many religious traditions. He uses stories, poetry and reflections of others to provide many ways for us to think about our own answers to the questions life asks of us. While Muller writes simply he is never simplistic, offering us much to ponder. This book is one to return to again and again.