The Five Things We Cannot Change: And the Happiness We Find by Embracing Them

By David Richo

Book Overview

"A lucid, thought-provoking, and illuminating" guide to finding fulfillment and "fluid acceptance of life as it is" (Martha Beck, life coach and New York Times-bestselling author) Why is it that,... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1590302095
• ISBN13: 9781590302095
• Release Date: January 2005
• Publisher: Shambhala
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 0.94 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.3" x 0.7" x 6.2"

Customer Reviews

SO wonderful, the title doesn't do it justice !

I've been on a path of personal self-discovery & healing for many years, and like many, also have a full bookcase to attest to the journey. Without exaggeration, this book rests at the top 5 of that (very) substantial number ! There are passages and practices presented by Richo that are astonishing in their beauty and ability to touch at the deepest level. Similar to Brother David's praise on the back cover, I found that I've "dog-eared" virtually every page of this wonderful book and have also bought copies for friends of all stripe and age. A genuine gift to be read again & again.

Most People Learn These Lessons the Hard Way

This isn't a feel-good self help book. It is a realistic look at certain "givens" in life that must be addressed by anyone who wants to live a REAL life. Many people don't want to accept ideas like, "Life isn't always fair." When I was younger, I didn't want to accept this type of thinking myself, but over time, I have learned that each of the 5 things the author mentions are true. I appreciated the candor with which the author delivered these truths and the solutions that were offered to help accept the positive and the negative aspects of existence. This is not a main stream, positive thinking piece, but I think it helped me to develop a more healthy attitude about the aspects of life that are difficult, if not impossible to change.

Most helpful book ever read

I have read one to many self-improvement books and thought I could not possibly discover anything new. This is absolutely the most insightful book I've read so far. Once I finished it, I immediately began to read it again; there is so much to digest. I was especially touched by the fact he uses quotes from poets since I am a poet myself. It leaves you with the feeling of acceptance and guidance. I recommend this book to everyone and am buying each of my 3 children a copy. Such a gem!

Richo writes another winner

This book is so helpful. If you are like me -- caught in the web of fear and mad as hell that the world doesn't go the way I want it to -- this book points the way to liberation! Richo blends buddhism, wisdom teachings, and Jungian psychology together with poetry, literature and humor to get the point across. Lots of charts and bullet suggestions help the info sink in. I'm going to have to read it again because there is so much in it. Richo makes it easy to understand and take action.