The Sage's Tao Te Ching: Ancient Advice for the Second Half of Life

Lao Tzu, the "OldBoy", isn't called the master of paradox for nothing. This is a great book for the "OldBoy" in all of us. Though it is directed towards the older in years among us, it is applicable to anyone that has tired of the rat race of modern life and just wants to sit back and relax a while. Sit back and contemplate the mystery of life. Maybe even sit still long enough to hear the still small voice of our inner being. To be an old boy or girl again, only without the naivete of youth. As William Martin titles the first lesson of his beautiful little book, "Older or Wiser?"; and I quote: Growing older either reveals or hides the mystery of existence. If you are becoming a sage you are growing in trust and contentment. You will discover the light of life's deepest truths. If you are merely growing older, you will become trapped by fears and frustrations. You will only see the darkness of infirmity and death. The great task of the sage is learning to see in the darkness and not be afraid.

An author who can hear the profound in the subtle risks being drowned out in the sonic boom of consumer culture. THE SAGE'S TAO TE CHING appears at first glance to be as weighty as a dandelion puff -- and those for whom futures trading is the anti-oxidant of middle age will likely scoff at the material valuelessness of this book. But in the genial wisdom of these chapters you will find a bouyancy born of a breadth of experience, of one who wears his age with wit and compassion. What separates a geezer from a sage? Read further, my child.

This little book is dynamite in disguise. If you are anywhere near middle age, buy this book and let its words of wisdom on becoming a sage soothe and strengthen your soul!!! Our youth-oriented society does nothing to help us as we grow older. In fact, it perpetuates the myth that we all want to be eternally young. NOT!! Aging gracefully is an art and this book will help you tremendously on your life's path.The power behind each verse is awesome, empowering, enlightening and luminous. For instance, this second half of Verse 25 entitled, 'We Are A River', sums it up beautifully and poetically:Don't accept the modern myths of aging.You are not declining.You are not fading away into uselessness.You are a sage,a river at its deepestand most nourishing.Sit by a riverbank some timeand watch attentively as the rivertells you of your life.

Several weeks after my mother passed away, my husband was off fishing and I was attempting to come to terms with becoming the matriarch of my family...a difficult task! I wandered into a small bookstore in Weaverville, CA and this book jumped out at me. It brought me a sense of the peace and a meaningful goal, achieving "sagehood" or is it "sagedom." I read a selection or two each night. I am still a long way from reaching my goal, but the challenge makes me feel alive. I recommend it to all "of a certain age."

read no further!! Warning!! danger ahead. If you have come this far and still want a Christmas present for that old person you know, you better know what you are doing. Don't waste your money unless this person is open, friendly, lively, alert, happy, honest, intouch with themselfs and is full of joyfull life. If they fit all the above and more, then search their bookshelfs and their bedside table because they probably already have this. This is a wonderful book! Reading the first page I found this great quote "The great task of the sage is learning to see in the darkness and not be afraid" and this " Enjoy the monents given you. Love the people around you. Live the life offered you." Need I say more. Now, If your like me, old and full of life, I keep my copy close to my reading glasses.