i have to admit i didn't like this book right from the start when the author's first sentence is a comment (brag?) about winning a TED prize. in case we, the readers, can't see the value of this prize, she then goes on to describe other people that have won the same prize. with the 'wish' that TED will grant, she starts a foundation for compassion - and this is where i really start to dislike the book: she then implies the first step in leading a compassionate life is to log on to her foundation's website (!) and register with their charter! in other words - ok, my words - superficially inflate the author's pet project's statistics. which she'll likely use to request further funding.

although the author is a religious historian that has found value and meaning in every religion she has studied, she does give alot of ink to far east philosophers - specifically Budha and Confucious - and seems to go out of her way to define words in their spirital practises, and then use these words excessively.

but even a bad book can give you insight. so the most useful thing i take away from reading this book is this: when embarking on a discussion/argument, are you ready to switch sides? if you aren't open to that result, you will not truly hear what is being said. good advice.