Personhood: The Art of Being Fully Human

Leo had the courage to look at the world how it could be instead of the way it is, one relationship at a time. I'm sure many people told him he was a "kook" because he always had his head in the clouds. He also showed us the way, a kinder and gentler way. He wasn't afraid to ask the questions, when many in conventional religion are sure they have all the answers. Jeffrey McAndrewauthor of "Our Brown-Eyed Boy"

As I mentioned in a review of another Buscaglia book I feel like I need to preface my comments with saying as a Christian I am in disagreement with a Buddhist such as Buscaglia on religion. With that statement made I can say he has some insight in this book that causes one to take a fresh perspective. For example, he writes "I learned to feel passionately and express it without shame. I learned to laugh. I learned to see. I learned to care." He goes on to describe his passion for living. Relationships are important to him and he makes the point that a life of zest includes the cultivation of relationships. In some places he irritates me by the statements he makes on religion with which I strongly disagree. In other places he makes valid, perceptive points such as his statement "each of our acts makes a statement as to our purpose." I would recommend this book with caution. Ignore his religious sermonizing and take only the portions on living with passion.

This was the first book I ever read on my own, cover to cover. It changed my entire philosophy about life. Of course, I was 18 and hadn't yet established a concrete philosophy to begin with, but I went on to read other Leo Buscaglia books and from there I built my foundation. I suggest this book for everyone but especially for those entering into adulthood with no clue where to begin.