Book Review: The Power of Kindness

The Unexpected Benefits of Leading a Compassionate Life

by Piero Ferrucci

This month’s book The Power Of Kindness by Piero Ferrucci has long been a part of my library. And as I read it again and again, it is just as fresh and useful as it was the first time around. In his book, Ferrucci explores a variety of qualities that make up and contribute to our experience and expression of kindness. He uses personal stories, as well as those from his psychotherapy practice, to demonstrate the power of each of these traits.

Ferrucci describes what he calls a ‘global cooling’, as life speeds up and becomes more and more impersonal. He talks about the importance of coming back to caring for one another. After finishing the book, I am left very inspired by how small acts of opening our hearts can change the world. In the introduction, he tells the story of Aldous Huxley, who spent a lifetime as a pioneer in developing human potential through diverse approaches. Toward the end of his life, he said, “People often ask me what is the most effective technique for transforming their life. It is a little embarrassing that  after years and years of research and experimentation, I have to say that the best answer is-just be a little kinder.” With a recommendation like that, may we all join with the Dalai Lama and declare, “My religion is kindness."

Review by Rev. Ruth Barnhart, a staff minister at Center for Spiritual Living Santa Rosa.

The Power of Kindness is available from Stepping Stones Books and Gifts.