This is such a wonderful book. It reads like a calendar with
an inspirational message for each day of the year. They range from
inspirational messages to questions about our fears and hopes. Each day has a
quote from someone of great accomplishment; J.K. Rowling, Dr. King, Franz
Kafka, Woody Allen (“eighty percent of success is showing up”) and Oprah
Winfrey (who else could inspire so many people?) to name a few.
Take for instance day #142. It begins with a quote from
Washington Irving; great minds have
purpose, others have wishes. The entry proceeds to question the reason why
we wish. Are we fantasizing about things? What do we want them for? What
purpose does it have? This makes sense, because if you want something, let’s
say a well-paid job, then the chances are that you can accomplish it if you
know exactly why you need it.
My only problem is that the book gets a wee bit repetitive after
a while. Some of the entries could’ve consisted of stories about people who
accomplished things. For instance, Ben & Jerry’s started out as just
another ice cream parlor run by two guys with zero talent, and don’t tell me
that’s not inspiring. If you want proof that success is an average person
making above average effort (Colin Powell said that one) then look at Woody
Allen. He made a lucrative career out of portraying himself as a talentless,
ugly, awkward little guy, so damned smart that he can’t see how ignorant he is.
Now who wouldn’t be inspired by that?