Desmond Tutu (1931–2021)

A friend gave me ‘The Book of Joy’ as a birthday present and told me she had found it life-changing. I can certainly see why - it’s an extraordinary and moving book, and one that I immediately want to recommend to others. In a series of discussions, revolving around ways in which humanity can live joyfully, the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu manage the feat of transcending religion to find an underlying spirituality. The recommending friend is Christian and found the book’s show more philosophy deeply appealing; I’m an atheist and so did I. I saw strong echoes with the Stoic philosophy of Epictetus ([b:Discourses, Fragments, Handbook|18189134|Discourses, Fragments, Handbook|Epictetus|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1373585681s/18189134.jpg|45849302]) and the practise of mindfulness ([b:Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Finding Peace in a Frantic World|11281104|Mindfulness A Practical Guide to Finding Peace in a Frantic World|Mark Williams|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1347862381s/11281104.jpg|47822196]). Moreover, I appreciated that the wisdom of the two men was never abstract, but grounded in experience, practise, and their relationship. They have a truly lovely friendship and the dynamic between them gives the book a wonderful feeling of affection and humour. I found the comments on humour particularly striking, actually. It’s very important to be able to laugh at ourselves, at difficult situations, and at unfairness. As the book points out, humour is powerful against injustice, as it reveals the inherent absurdity and nonsense of discrimination. The quote that stuck with me most, though, is this one:

”You must not hate those who do harmful things,” the Dalai Lama has explained. “The compassionate thing to do is everything you can to stop them.”

I think that encapsulates beautifully that hating people is pointless, as well as reminding me of my favourite line from [b:The Leopard|625094|The Leopard|Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1376481466s/625094.jpg|1132275] by Giuseppe de Lampedusa: 'Nothing could be decently hated except eternity.' ‘The Book of Joy’ also has wise words about gratitude, humility, and forgiveness, amongst other topics. I found it a moving, thought-provoking, and life-affirming read. The chapter at the end about the birthday party made me cry. I used to meditate regularly and ‘The Book of Joy’ has inspired me to try it again. I already use the gratitude technique of writing down three good things about the day just before going to sleep, which is calming. In this world of relentless social media, 24 hour news, and constant pressure to compete and consume, this book is quietly radical as it promotes community, generosity, and compassion. I felt inspired to live better while reading it and really hope that such good intentions won’t be swept away by daily distractions. show less

What an eye-opening book. I grew up Buddhist and have always been a fan of the Dalai Lama and his wisdom. But I never knew much about Archbishop Desmond Tutu. But I definitely have a newfound respect for both of these amazing world leaders, who teach us how to be at peace with ourselves, and find happiness in a world full of suffering and negativity. Such inspiring stories of how these two men survived through apartheid and exile, and yet still remain positive and joyful.

These days, we're so show more focused on external stimuli...material goods, making more money, focusing on ourselves. And yet, we're more depressed than ever before, despite the façade of "having everything". They teach in this book that compassion is key, as is giving, even when we have nothing. The eight pillars of joy is something I'll definitely be remembering for a long, long time. And the guide on meditation at the end is just what I needed in these stressful times.

So even though we can't change what's going on around us, or how other people behave, we can change ourselves. And change comes from the inside, and changing our mindset. I've slowly been moving toward this change of mindset myself, and while it's not an overnight change, the words spoken in this book give you plenty to think about. Highly recommended, and I know I'll be referring to this book whenever I need a reminder! show less

What an eye-opening book. I grew up Buddhist and have always been a fan of the Dalai Lama and his wisdom. But I never knew much about Archbishop Desmond Tutu. But I definitely have a newfound respect for both of these amazing world leaders, who teach us how to be at peace with ourselves, and find happiness in a world full of suffering and negativity. Such inspiring stories of how these two men survived through apartheid and exile, and yet still remain positive and joyful.

These days, we're so show more focused on external stimuli...material goods, making more money, focusing on ourselves. And yet, we're more depressed than ever before, despite the façade of "having everything". They teach in this book that compassion is key, as is giving, even when we have nothing. The eight pillars of joy is something I'll definitely be remembering for a long, long time. And the guide on meditation at the end is just what I needed in these stressful times.

So even though we can't change what's going on around us, or how other people behave, we can change ourselves. And change comes from the inside, and changing our mindset. I've slowly been moving toward this change of mindset myself, and while it's not an overnight change, the words spoken in this book give you plenty to think about. Highly recommended, and I know I'll be referring to this book whenever I need a reminder! show less

The world has plenty of freedom fighters, but how do these people act once they're in power? Archbishop Tutu sets an example of incredible forgiveness towards the terrorists and tyrants he opposed, as well as the integrity to criticize and preach to his allies and compatriots.

This book contains an edited selection of writings from several decades of Tutu's career, letting you trace the themes of reconciliation, non-violence and concern for the poor through the many contexts Tutu wrote and show more spoke in. A very powerful book - and a challenge that says "yes, is *is* possible to act this way." show less