Making the Good Life Last: Four Keys to Sustainable Living

By Michael A. Schuler

In our materialist culture, the idea of "the good life"--fancy cars, designer clothes, once-in-a-lifetime vacations--leaves even those few who can afford it feeling anxious, empty, and dissatisfied.... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1576755703
• ISBN13: 9781576755709
• Release Date: May 2009
• Publisher: Berrett-Koehler Publishers
• Length: 248 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.5" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

Making the Good Life

When we hear the word sustainability, we tend to think of the environment. Now more than ever, we are seeing the need for environmental sustainability. We are realizing that it's up to us as individuals to do what we can to make a better future for our children and grandchildren. Is environmental sustainability enough? What about other aspects of our lives? Can we truly sustain a life of disposability, fast food, and chaotic schedules? Making the Good Life Last looks at sustainable living. The author makes very clear that what feels good in the moment or is convenient isn't always the best choice. It's important to see the big picture. Sometimes, commitment, patience, and prudence are all that's needed. In the end, it all comes down to the things that are most important in life.

Perfect for any library considering modern social issues and values

MAKING THE GOOD LIFE LAST: FOUR KEYS TO SUSTAINABLE LIVING comes from the leader of the nation's largest Unitarian Universalist congregation and discusses short-term gratification, long-term denial, and the paths that lead to strong communities and restorative activities. Sustainability is promoted as a path to building core values, with chapters discussing four basic behavioral principles for living a sustainable lifestyle. Perfect for any library considering modern social issues and values.

A perfect match for challenging times

Who doesn't want to live the good life? And who hasn't gotten confused or fooled about what this requires? Thanks to Rev. Schuler, we now have a thoughtful and practical guide to help us prioritize and preserve what matters the most during our time on this planet. Inside "Making the Good Life Last" is solid and timeless advice, with an eco-friendly and values-driven mindset, from an ordained minister who is effective because he persuades through gentle nudging instead of righteous preaching. Adults of any age and any religious denomination (or lack thereof) will find useful perspectives to ponder.

Live a more abundant life

I definitely enjoyed Michael Schuler's Making the Good Life Last with his four keys to sustainable living. His suggestion to pay attention, especially how paying attention to diet and exercise to minimize health problems, to family and friends can actually encourage enduring relationships and make the good life last. The author's suggestion to stay put. Especially staying put to become competent at our work and to develop a sense of neighborhood and a church that sustains us. His suggestion to exercise patience. Especially exercising patience to slow down in life and not overdo our busyness. You don't have to reach your goal tomorrow. With parents from New England, I especially enjoyed the author's suggestion to practice prudence. I was always taught to spend less than I earned so practicing prudence has made it possible for me to avoid the overspending that has caused our current recession and to have a bit of a surplus to retire and with practicing continuing prudence enjoy a sustainable good life. I highly recommend everyone to read this book, to think about its many recommendations, and follow them to live a more abundant life.

By Turns, Inspiring and Thought Provoking

Sometimes when we hear about adopting a sustainable lifestyle, it seems we have to sacrifice in one way or another. However, the premise of this intriguing and very well written book shows that this is not the case. It explores the values, attitudes, and behaviors that comprise a good life. Then it demonstrates that these are also what lead us to want to live in a way that contributes to the sustainably of our communities, country, and world. The author recognizes that we are all in this together and that by looking out for that of which we are a part, we look out for ourselves as well. The book includes an intriguing chapter that explores the things get in the way of making sustainable choices. These include what the author calls "The Christian Conundrum," "Humanism's Unconfirmed Optimism," the compromises of capitalism, and the "Broken Promise of Technology." It's not a critique of these broad themes of modern life, but a look at how, unexamined, they lead us to do damage to our communities and our own well being. The heart of the book is the author's four keys: pay attention, stay put, exercise patience, and practice prudence. He explains each of these concepts, synthesizing writings from a wide variety of thinkers and doers. It's really stimulating stuff. He is asking us to act like adults, take responsibility for our actions, and, by the way, create more fulfilling lives for ourselves. I especially enjoyed the last chapter, "A Sustainable Code of the Soul," where the author reminds us of Teilhard de Chardin's quote, "We are not human beings on a spiritual journey. We are spiritual beings on a human journey." While the focus of the book is clearly on our human journey, it is good to remember that living sustainably, as Schuler explains it, is very good for our souls as well. I highly recommend this book.