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Anyway, The Paradoxical Commandments: Finding Personal Meaning in a Crazy World. Kent M. Keith. (G. P. Putnam's Sons, 2001, 120 pp.) (Reviewer: Al Albrecht)
The author did not go to the top of a mountain to find these Commandments. He found them observing human nature, and recognizing, while yet a young man, that the greatest rewards in life come from doing a good job, doing the right thing. He wrote in his introduction to the book: "I knew that if I did what was right and good and true, my actions would have their own intrinsic value. I would always find meaning. I didn't need glory."
Acknowledging the weaknesses in human nature, the craziness of our world, each of his Paradoxical Commandments offers an attitude for a better society. For example, Commandment number one is "People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered. Love them anyway." And another: "The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway."
Since each Commandment is developed into a relatively short chapter, consisting of illustrations and observations of people he encountered, it may be used as a devotional book. I found it highly inspirational.
An attorney, an educator and a college president who resigned his presidency to do more important things to think and raise a family, Dr. Keith lives by the values he promotes.
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