A Quaker Book of Wisdom

The book was enlightening and a very good read. In fact, the book was so well written, it was difficult to put down, once opened. The words of wisdom that are offered, are simply things have become common sense in today's society, but are sometimes forgotten or taken from granted. To read this book is a good reminder of what's important around us, and inside of us. And with all these wonderful things, a story of one man's life as a Quaker, is intertwined. A rich story, at that.

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 So

This is a wonderful book, whjich clearly and poignantly tells what Quakerism means to a first-class educator and a deeply decent man. I am a Quaker myself and it rings true; but readers who know nothing about Quakerism will enjoy it just as well.

This is an excellent book, which I reccommend for anyone, be they Quaker, Catholic, agnostic, whatever. This book simply offers basic ideas for how to live a meaningful life, and the content is truly universal. Far from trying to convert, the author is very open-minded. He doesn't look at the labels people give each others and themselves, but instead looks at what people do.

The wisdom of this book is that it doesn't presume to prescibe solutions that will work for everyone as much as it provides a practical framework for individuals to think about their lives and spirtuality. I found the simplicity of the message to be refreshing and inspiring and would highly recommend this book to anyone who is seeking to uncomplicate his life by first uncomplicating his mind. William Penn, a prominent Quaker, in stressing the need to make one's life speak, wrote that one might be told "Well Done", but not "Well Professed". Mr. Smith has made his life speak and deserves to be told both Well Done and Well Professed!