Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life

Armstrong outlines 12 compassionate steps to live by to make our lives more meaningful and selfless. Her delivery is boldly profound, making it obvious that her knowledge on the subject of compassion is deep, and her eloquent performance is enhanced by a refined British accent. It's no surprise that Armstrong was awarded the TED Prize for her theories, after which she plunged straight away into working on the Charter for Compassion, a project resulting in a formula to make the world a better place. Armstrong proudly describes how contributors to the charter include influencers from the Christian, Jewish, Islamic, Buddhist, and Hindu religions. Her insights and broad research provides listeners with diverse viewpoints from both ancient philosophers and modern leaders, resulting in valuable life lessons. Armstrong's passionate and intelligent delivery convinces listeners that there's a better way to live and that compassion is the key. B.J.P (c) AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine

December 13, 2010
The prolific, well-informed, and passionate Armstrong (The Case for God) writes a somewhat different book this time out, stemming from her winning a $100,000 prize in 2007 to promote an idea worth spreading. She always has a thesis in her books as she sweeps over the historical development of world religions, but this is a book with an agenda: you ought to be more compassionate, and here’s how. So instead of being her usual somewhat academic teacher of religious history, she is more of a personal spiritual teacher, in the vein of the Dalai Lama. That task, and corresponding tone (“Be patient with yourself during this meditation”), is not her long suit. Still, this slightly self-help-y book is deeply grounded in what Armstrong knows, and presents, well: the core teachings of all religions that can make us better, more compassionate humans. The former nun pulls ideas and references from religions Eastern and Western with aplomb and respect for all sources. This counter to the religion-is-homicidal-and-superstitious school of invective passing for thought is well-informed, welcome, and practical.