How to Live

Starred review from February 26, 2018
In this accessible guide to the good life, journalist and poet Valente (Atchison Blue) illustrates how St. Benedict’s sixth-century monastic manual for healthy communal living can address contemporary conundrums, such as the echo chamber of social media, information overload, and the challenges of “Workaholism and Over-Achieverism.” In 21 short chapters, Valente highlights key selections from the Rule of St. Benedict, analyzing how ancient directives on topics such as paying attention, living fully, silence, humility, prayer, forgiveness, trust, and leadership can strengthen relationships and communities. Valente picks out the Mount St. Scholastica Benedictine Monastery in Atchison, Kans., for their guidance on cultivating harmony: “Before you open your mouth to speak... ask yourself three questions: Is what I am about to say true? Is it kind? Is it necessary?” Valente argues that contemporary workplaces could benefit from Benedict’s management model, which mandates hours for leisure and gives workers opportunities to request help or work reassignment, allowing them to “serve without distress.” While acknowledging that many businesses lack the time required for monastics’ consensus-building, she posits that the rule’s emphasis on transparency and openness to multiple viewpoints promotes sound decision-making. These astute reflections on the rule’s tools for nurturing community provide valuable guidance for those seeking balance in a conflict-ridden world.

February 1, 2018

Suddenly, St. Benedict of Nursia, who lived 1600 years ago, is popular again. First was Rod Dreher's The Benedict Option, which encourages a reinvigorated faith based on classic Christian values as illuminated in the Rule of Saint Benedict. This similar work by journalist and media personality Valente is liberally peppered with Benedict's Rule, which she asserts provides "a veritable guarantee of the good life" in its focus on a balanced personal humility and individual spiritual growth. This is not a cry for retreat from the world; rather, Valente's own harried personal life serves as a microcosm through which to understand the value of everything in moderation, while focusing on simplicity and silence. The author finds that "silence sets down a place for wisdom to find a home" and with insight suggests that "sooner or later, we all need to let our souls catch up with the rest of our lives." VERDICT Comforting words for anyone in need of a period of reflection, for both individuals and book groups.--Sandra Collins, Byzantine Catholic Seminary Lib., Pittsburgh

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