A Life at Work

December 24, 2007
In this slender volume, bestselling spiritual guru Moore (Care of the Soul
) says that finding the right work, finding one's vocation, is also part of the care of the soul. Often Moore proves astute; for instance, he urges people to think about having not just one but a variety of callings. His consideration of the pleasures and foibles of friendship in the workplace is especially insightful. Although confident that even the most mundane job can be enjoyable and life-giving, Moore sets the question of vocation in a broader frame, suggesting that it is best addressed as a part of fashioning lives that are organically whole and meaningful. Though still influenced by Jung, Moore draws inspiration from a delightful array of sources, including Yeats, Socrates, and Rapunzel. The book's governing metaphor, alchemy, is often apt; Moore notes that both alchemy and finding a life's work require patience through a long refining process, and both are about the process, not just the end result. Often the comparison works; at other times, it's heavy-handed, and Moore also lapses into clichés (“take the past and own it”). Nonetheless, this will be of use to many people who seek joyful work and integrated lives.

March 1, 2008
In his latest book, Moore addresses what might be termed the question of vocationsomething beyond mere work or tasksas one of the deep, important, and shaping mysteries of life. It is not easy to work out exactly what Moore is saying here, except that finding a life's work is challenging and important. While "Life's Work" is not written with the urgency that made Moore's boffo best seller "Care of the Soul" so engaging, readers will respond to his consistent warmth.

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