The Most Important Thing I Know: Life Lessons fromColin Powell, Stephen Covey, Maya Angleou and 1 Other Emine

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.

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.

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