Description:
Editorial Reviews
Reviews:
5.0 out of 5 stars Welcome in paperback - a good gift in hardcover!
This book speaks for me, a relatively new Quaker without the family support mechanisms birthright Friends might take for granted! My own friends and family members ask me why I chose to become a Quaker; acquaintances and curious visitors sometimes ask me what Quakers believe. The former is easier to answer than the latter, but this little book explains Friends in a welcoming manner that is easy to understand.Robert Smith touches on the history of Quakerism, his grandparents and growing up in Moorestown, New Jersey. He wrote the book because he believes there is a need in the world today for what he calls the compassionate Quaker message.The author voices his belief that "Quaker values of simplicity and silent contemplation, truth and conscience, seem more important now than ever before." He explains further. "To Quakers simplicity does not mean turning the clock back on progress or rejecting the benefits of modern science and conveniences of modern technology. Nor does it mean casting off one's possessions and embracing a life of poverty. And it certainly does not mean casting off joy."With all the currently popular books on Simple Living and spirituality, Smith's book stands out, speaking briefly and clearly in chapters titled Silence, Worship, Truth, Simplicity, Conscience, Nonviolence, Service, Business, Education and Family. In these brief chapters, he covers more issues than I can fit into this review -- Quaker history, his own military part in World War II, intermarriage, the internet, and more are within these pages. He weaves in quotes from Jesus, Martin Luther King Junior, Shakespeare, Rabindranath Tagore, as well as those from Friends past and present.The chapters fit together like quilt squares. Any one could be read and comprehended by itself, but as pieces of a whole, they reveal much more. A simple lifestyle, not necessarily "forsaking worldy goods" is connected with silent worship, bare walls, and simple folks. He tells us of his own childhood, of Quaker cousins who had more toys and possessions than he had, and of his own 'un-Quakerly jealousy." A trip to Toys 'R Us to buy a checker set with his grandson brings them down the action toys aisle, and leaves us to guess which his grandson found more appealing. He recognizes that there are increased difficulties these days when trying to sort out for children -- and for ourselves -- what is necessary from what is desired. The answer is the same as it has always been."'What do I need?' is simplicity's fundamental questions, a question that rubs against our natural proclivity for acquiring things, a question few of us feel ready to address. America's favorite weekend activity is not participating in sports, gardening, hiking, reading, visiting with friends and neighbors. It's shopping." (pg. 54)He does not preach or focus on the Bible, but writes in an open and inclusive way about the variety within the Religious Society of Friends."But for all their differences, Meetings for Worship are fundamentally the same. At each Meeing, a group of individuals gathers and, open to the word of God, waits in attentive,expectant silence for a spark of the divine in their midst. Sometimes it comes in words; sometimes in silence. The language of truth can often be heard in silence, if only we know how to listen." (p. 29)He closes the book with Ten Life Lessons, with explanations of each: Seize the Present; Love Yourself, whatever faults you have, and love the world however bad it is; Stop talking and listen to what you really know; Play soccer; Accept the fact that our lives are only partly in our hands; Believe in the perfectibility of yourself and society; Make your love visible in the world through your work; Seek justice in the world, but not in your own life; Look for the Light of God in everyone; Let your life speak."
5.0 out of 5 stars Everyday Christianity
Ultimately, Christianity should be a simple way to live. This simple but deep guide makes that true. A living exposè of the Sermon on the Mount.
4.0 out of 5 stars Simple and powerful points of wisom
Smith's work still resonates with wonderful personal anecdotes and advise for all.JB Symons, Ph.D. author of Getting to Why
5.0 out of 5 stars Informative and a fun read
I'm no Quaker, but I enjoyed reading this book. It provides solid insight into the life of the author and their beliefs. I'm a huge fan of studying different perspectives regarding faith, and this book did not disappoint. If you are interested in the life of a Quaker, I recommend reading it.
5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting book on being Quaker
No matter what your religious affiliation or lack thereof I found these life lessons on Simplicity and Service useful. A quick short read well worth the time.Our small men's group enjoyed the book as a group read.
5.0 out of 5 stars Nice Book
A Quaker Book of Wisdom is a delightful, simply worded, autobiography of a Quaker. Smith explains through the recounting of his life what it means to be a Quaker. As a very small minority within the religious landscape, Quakers are misunderstood by the mainstream and few Americans understand the great contributions they have made to our society. The prohibition of slavery, the humane treatment of the mentally ill, the advocacy of the rights of prisoners, opposition to war, and opposition to the death penalty are all manifestations of the Quaker faith which have helped shape our world.Smith conveys his personal experiences and insights on what it means to be a Quaker in simple worlds, gentle prose, and honest introspection. This book is an enjoyable read for people of all faiths and non-faiths alike.
5.0 out of 5 stars Terrific Spiritual Guide for Christians in the 21st Century
As a person who was raised in a fundamentalist Christian background in the Bible Belt until his teenage years but who has received a terrific education and who has been exposed to many influences outside of both this area and outside of Christianity, I have spent many years trying to reconcile my Christian faith to the beliefs that I truly hold dear in my heart. I believe in a loving God who does accept all of his children now and will someday accept all of them into heaven. This is what my heart tells me; in other words, the "inner light" that both George Fox and the author of this book speak of is what is telling me this. The author said that Quakers think that the "inner light" comes before everything else, and considering the fact that the Bible (while important!) is filed with contradictions, this makes perfect sense to me. I believe that this book has helped me to finally reach a peace that I had been unable to attain. God is love, and the author promotes this view through the ideas that he presents and explains. For me, this book has been a blessing. I think that the Quakers have the right ideas.
3.0 out of 5 stars A worthy read
Liked the book fine. Have plans to read through it again. It is an easy, quick read. Certainly does offer some insights into the Quaker faith, but not quite enough to get me to put up a 5. Guess I was expecting more direct insight into the faith and while I understand it s different than other protestant denominations I'd have liked more insights.
Clear , concise .
This book is very good for anyone who seeks integrity , reflexion , a fuller life based in secular values wich if understud and put into practice will invariably leed to a centered full filling life . Written by a a quaker descendent . It can help anyone (not just quakers) , wich by the way is an excellent way of living a cristhian life . Very good !
Thank you for safe delivery Amazon
I went to a Quaker School in the North of England so this is of particular relevant these days for anyone seeking peace in their life and our World, simplistic common sense that is often over looked.
Thoroughly enjoyable
Although I do not attend a Quaker meeting since moving back to South Wales I love reading their books, my paternal grandmothers family were Quakers, my father followed their ways and that means a lot to me as I find him in Quaker readings
A Quaker Book of Wisdom
It truly seemed to me to contain the wisdom of the Quakers. If all read it and lived by its wisdom, the world would be a much better place.
Very informative
It’s a good read.
Visit the William Morrow Paperbacks Store
A Quaker Book of Wisdom: Life Lessons In Simplicity, Service, And Common Sense
AED8934
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Order today to get by 7-14 business days
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Visit the William Morrow Paperbacks Store
A Quaker Book of Wisdom: Life Lessons In Simplicity, Service, And Common Sense
AED8934
Quantity:
Order today to get by 7-14 business days
Delivery fee of AED 20. Free for orders above AED 200.
Imported From: United States
At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.
BOLO is not an authorized or official retailer for most brands, nor are we affiliated with manufacturers unless specifically stated on a product page. Instead, we source verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.
Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.
If you ever have concerns regarding the authenticity of a product purchased from us, please contact Bolo Support. We will review your inquiry promptly and, if necessary, provide documentation verifying authenticity or offer a suitable resolution.
Your trust is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in every transaction.
All product information, images, descriptions, and reviews originate from the manufacturer or from trusted sellers overseas. BOLO is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an authorized retailer for most brands listed on our website unless stated otherwise.
While we strive to display accurate information, variations in packaging, labeling, instructions, or formulation may occasionally occur due to regional differences or supplier updates. For detailed or manufacturer-specific information, please contact the brand directly or reach out to BOLO Support for assistance.
Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.
BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.
All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.
All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.
Description:
Editorial Reviews
Reviews:
5.0 out of 5 stars Welcome in paperback - a good gift in hardcover!
This book speaks for me, a relatively new Quaker without the family support mechanisms birthright Friends might take for granted! My own friends and family members ask me why I chose to become a Quaker; acquaintances and curious visitors sometimes ask me what Quakers believe. The former is easier to answer than the latter, but this little book explains Friends in a welcoming manner that is easy to understand.Robert Smith touches on the history of Quakerism, his grandparents and growing up in Moorestown, New Jersey. He wrote the book because he believes there is a need in the world today for what he calls the compassionate Quaker message.The author voices his belief that "Quaker values of simplicity and silent contemplation, truth and conscience, seem more important now than ever before." He explains further. "To Quakers simplicity does not mean turning the clock back on progress or rejecting the benefits of modern science and conveniences of modern technology. Nor does it mean casting off one's possessions and embracing a life of poverty. And it certainly does not mean casting off joy."With all the currently popular books on Simple Living and spirituality, Smith's book stands out, speaking briefly and clearly in chapters titled Silence, Worship, Truth, Simplicity, Conscience, Nonviolence, Service, Business, Education and Family. In these brief chapters, he covers more issues than I can fit into this review -- Quaker history, his own military part in World War II, intermarriage, the internet, and more are within these pages. He weaves in quotes from Jesus, Martin Luther King Junior, Shakespeare, Rabindranath Tagore, as well as those from Friends past and present.The chapters fit together like quilt squares. Any one could be read and comprehended by itself, but as pieces of a whole, they reveal much more. A simple lifestyle, not necessarily "forsaking worldy goods" is connected with silent worship, bare walls, and simple folks. He tells us of his own childhood, of Quaker cousins who had more toys and possessions than he had, and of his own 'un-Quakerly jealousy." A trip to Toys 'R Us to buy a checker set with his grandson brings them down the action toys aisle, and leaves us to guess which his grandson found more appealing. He recognizes that there are increased difficulties these days when trying to sort out for children -- and for ourselves -- what is necessary from what is desired. The answer is the same as it has always been."'What do I need?' is simplicity's fundamental questions, a question that rubs against our natural proclivity for acquiring things, a question few of us feel ready to address. America's favorite weekend activity is not participating in sports, gardening, hiking, reading, visiting with friends and neighbors. It's shopping." (pg. 54)He does not preach or focus on the Bible, but writes in an open and inclusive way about the variety within the Religious Society of Friends."But for all their differences, Meetings for Worship are fundamentally the same. At each Meeing, a group of individuals gathers and, open to the word of God, waits in attentive,expectant silence for a spark of the divine in their midst. Sometimes it comes in words; sometimes in silence. The language of truth can often be heard in silence, if only we know how to listen." (p. 29)He closes the book with Ten Life Lessons, with explanations of each: Seize the Present; Love Yourself, whatever faults you have, and love the world however bad it is; Stop talking and listen to what you really know; Play soccer; Accept the fact that our lives are only partly in our hands; Believe in the perfectibility of yourself and society; Make your love visible in the world through your work; Seek justice in the world, but not in your own life; Look for the Light of God in everyone; Let your life speak."
5.0 out of 5 stars Everyday Christianity
Ultimately, Christianity should be a simple way to live. This simple but deep guide makes that true. A living exposè of the Sermon on the Mount.
4.0 out of 5 stars Simple and powerful points of wisom
Smith's work still resonates with wonderful personal anecdotes and advise for all.JB Symons, Ph.D. author of Getting to Why
5.0 out of 5 stars Informative and a fun read
I'm no Quaker, but I enjoyed reading this book. It provides solid insight into the life of the author and their beliefs. I'm a huge fan of studying different perspectives regarding faith, and this book did not disappoint. If you are interested in the life of a Quaker, I recommend reading it.
5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting book on being Quaker
No matter what your religious affiliation or lack thereof I found these life lessons on Simplicity and Service useful. A quick short read well worth the time.Our small men's group enjoyed the book as a group read.
5.0 out of 5 stars Nice Book
A Quaker Book of Wisdom is a delightful, simply worded, autobiography of a Quaker. Smith explains through the recounting of his life what it means to be a Quaker. As a very small minority within the religious landscape, Quakers are misunderstood by the mainstream and few Americans understand the great contributions they have made to our society. The prohibition of slavery, the humane treatment of the mentally ill, the advocacy of the rights of prisoners, opposition to war, and opposition to the death penalty are all manifestations of the Quaker faith which have helped shape our world.Smith conveys his personal experiences and insights on what it means to be a Quaker in simple worlds, gentle prose, and honest introspection. This book is an enjoyable read for people of all faiths and non-faiths alike.
5.0 out of 5 stars Terrific Spiritual Guide for Christians in the 21st Century
As a person who was raised in a fundamentalist Christian background in the Bible Belt until his teenage years but who has received a terrific education and who has been exposed to many influences outside of both this area and outside of Christianity, I have spent many years trying to reconcile my Christian faith to the beliefs that I truly hold dear in my heart. I believe in a loving God who does accept all of his children now and will someday accept all of them into heaven. This is what my heart tells me; in other words, the "inner light" that both George Fox and the author of this book speak of is what is telling me this. The author said that Quakers think that the "inner light" comes before everything else, and considering the fact that the Bible (while important!) is filed with contradictions, this makes perfect sense to me. I believe that this book has helped me to finally reach a peace that I had been unable to attain. God is love, and the author promotes this view through the ideas that he presents and explains. For me, this book has been a blessing. I think that the Quakers have the right ideas.
3.0 out of 5 stars A worthy read
Liked the book fine. Have plans to read through it again. It is an easy, quick read. Certainly does offer some insights into the Quaker faith, but not quite enough to get me to put up a 5. Guess I was expecting more direct insight into the faith and while I understand it s different than other protestant denominations I'd have liked more insights.
Clear , concise .
This book is very good for anyone who seeks integrity , reflexion , a fuller life based in secular values wich if understud and put into practice will invariably leed to a centered full filling life . Written by a a quaker descendent . It can help anyone (not just quakers) , wich by the way is an excellent way of living a cristhian life . Very good !
Thank you for safe delivery Amazon
I went to a Quaker School in the North of England so this is of particular relevant these days for anyone seeking peace in their life and our World, simplistic common sense that is often over looked.
Thoroughly enjoyable
Although I do not attend a Quaker meeting since moving back to South Wales I love reading their books, my paternal grandmothers family were Quakers, my father followed their ways and that means a lot to me as I find him in Quaker readings
A Quaker Book of Wisdom
It truly seemed to me to contain the wisdom of the Quakers. If all read it and lived by its wisdom, the world would be a much better place.
Very informative
It’s a good read.
Similar suggestions by Bolo
More from this brand
Similar items from “Faith”
Share with
Or share with link
https://www.bolo.ae/products/U0688172334