Most Important Thing I Know

by Lorne A. Adrain

Book Overview

In their own handwriting, some of the world's most influential voices and leaders share their intimate and inspiring thoughts on love, life, success, faith, friendship, family, and more. The entries... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1567313531
• ISBN13: 9781567313536
• Release Date: January 1997
• Publisher: MJF Books
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.3" x 7.3"

Customer Reviews

Best Advice Ever For Students and Teachers

Ever since finding this gem of a book, I have ended each of the over 250 literacy seminars I present across the USA and Canada with selected quotes from this amazing collection of wisdom and sincere advice. From race car drivers to Nobel Prize winners, from Presidents to Special Olympians, the message expressed by so many, in so many different and individual ways, is the same. Persist, work hard, learn from failure and obstacles, use your passions positively, respect people and the planet as much as you respect yourself. What child does not need to hear this often? How many times is too many? How many negative, discouraging messages will be countered by the handwritten, thoughtful responses from the people in this book sharing their path? I logged on today to buy yet another copy, having given another one away to a seat mate on a plane who tearfully asked me for my copy to take home to his fragile teenage son. I love this book and know thousands of teachers do too. And I'll keep buying it.

great inspirational messages

Great thoughts from well-known people from around the world. I would have liked to have seen more biographical information on each person, though. Great variety. Scholars, writers, artists, and also some award-winning teachers, not to mention many Nobel Prize Winners, Presidents, and World leaders. Can't wait for the next one!

Inspiration from the great thinkers

From the Dalai Lama to Barbara Bush and David Packard, The Most Important Thing I Know About provides a survey of reflections on love, family, faith and leadership by leading individuals around the world. Inspiration from the great thinkers is presented in their own handwriting with a facing page providing a few short lines of biography.

Good coffeetable book

I read this book while preparing for the bar exam and it gave me inspiration to keep studying. It's a cutsy book, good for the coffee table. I loved seeing the handwriting of some of the most famous people in the world.

Handwritten and heartfelt inspiration from many we admire

As editor of this book, I thought it might be helpful and interesting to share the history of how it came together. My original intent was to create a collection of thoughts that could be sold to raise money to support many of the community needs I have an interest in. I had early help from my friend Congressman Patrick Kennedy in securing thoughts from Presidents Clinton, Bush and Ford. Having their thoughts, I then compiled a diverse list of folks that might be interesting to hear from. I dug around to find addresses, fax numbers, etc. and sent a fax note requesting "a thought on leadership, excellence and/or service that inspires your life's work". I attached copies of some notable letters I had received. The responses were varied and wonderful - a spontaneous outpouring of heartfelt thoughts that I believe will be inspiring and interesting for all. I am giving all royalties to Rhode Island charities to promote and support community leadership. In buying this book, you are helping me to help my community. Thank you. May you find the book helpful and may you always find vision to lead, courage to create and grace to serve. Best regards, Lorne Adrai