The Prophet's Way: Touching the Power of Life

by Thom Hartmann

Drawing together mysticism and physics, the author describes his own dramatic spiritual journeys in the farthest corners of the earth to illuminate specific techniques readers can use to achieve spiritual transformation. Original. 25,000 first printing. $30,000 ad/promo. IP.

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction, Memoir, Philosophy, Science

Paperback

First published November 13, 2001

About the author

Thomas Carl Hartmann is an American radio personality, author, businessman, and progressive political commentator. Hartmann has been hosting a nationally syndicated radio show, The Thom Hartmann Program, since 2003 and hosted a nightly television show, The Big Picture, between 2010 and 2017.

Reviews

[Synthia Green]

Ask how you'd live your life differently if you knew you were going to die soon, then ask yourself who those people you admire are and why you admire them, and then ask yourself what was the most fun time in your life. The answers to these questions, when seen, heard, and felt, provide us with an open doorway into our mission, our destiny, our purpose.

[Unigami · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this book after watching the documentary "I AM" (which I highly recommend) and being impressed by the thoughtful and intelligent interviews that Thom Hartmann gave.

I became interested in finding out more about his personal philosophy and was excited to find that he has written many books. Well, this book gave me a LOT more than I expected and surprised me in many ways.

I'm still not quite sure how I feel about it.

For example, I expected Hartman to be a liberal...an atheist...and a believer in humanism. I have since read that Hartman describes himself as a democratic socialist and he is definitely NOT an atheist - - this book ABOUNDS with stories of Christian mysticism, strange events, unlikely coincidences, blessings given and prayers answered and what-not. I was very surprised by that, and this is my main problem with the book, (which by the way was written in 1998 - it reminds me of so many other New-Age books that came out in that era). The problem is that I have to believe that Hartmann is being honest and accurate about these experiences, otherwise his credibility is shot - and then the book then means nothing to me, despite the important message that it gives. He clearly admits to being a skeptic, but he also describes himself as a former Hippie and spiritual seeker, so I feel that he is predisposed to looking for experiences like these - and of course they make an interesting story for a book, too.

I wish Hartmann would have spent less time describing the amazing things that have happened to him (even though they ARE interesting) and put more effort into expanding upon his philosophy and how we can put it into practice. Perhaps I'm being narrow-minded, but it is hard for me to accept the fact that the same guy who has had such deep religious experiences is now a major political commentator with a huge radio show, a very commercial-looking blog with podcasts and links to tons of books that you can buy which he has written about ADHD, politics, global warming, democracy, etc. He is definitely a smart guy, but does he really believe in this stuff or is it just a way to earn a living?

So, as I wrote, I'm not sure how I feel about this book or about Thom Hartmann but I am impressed enough with his message and his intellect to follow him for awhile and read more to find out if he is for real or not. I hope he is - I want to believe in this stuff...it's obvious that what we've been doing so far isn't working.

[Fenix Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thom Hartmann is teh host of The Big Picture on the RT network and hosts a talk radio show as well.
I have read a couple of his other books, he writes on ADD and on economic issues.
But this book, his personal narrative of his spiritual journey, really lets you get to know more about the man, who he is.
It is an interesting read.
He has helped so many children all over the world through the Salem Village program.
Salem actually means peace, a mix of the Hebrew and Arabic words for peace, and is not as now is popularized about witches and witch hunts. These villages are actually a bunch of homes for children who have emotional/psychological problems who usually end up institutionalized with no sense of family or belonging. Each home provides parents, who say their parents even after growing up. It isnt like the foster care system that tosses you out as soon as it can and leaves you completely on your own with no home. The meals are all vegetarian. There is a support staff of people from different fields to help provide for these kids needs, assist in their healing and growing. It is quite an amazing program.
I know being an orphan you really have no sense of home, no place you can go back to when life gets rough, no safe haven with people who care and will help you ride the rough storms. You are all on your own. It is so important for kids who have been abused or abandoned for whatever reason or orphaned to have that. Many of us dont ever find that. I am very glad there are people out there helping at least some have a home, a real home.
I also like how it isnt about one religion or tenant of belief. That he shows how each persons spiritual journey is their own, they pave their own road, influenced by their environments and cultures yes, but still is a personal search for G-d and not about following traditions and rules of one religious institution.

[Arianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

inspiring, went to meet the author and the man of the story, very thankful for the chance to share...

[Isaiah Minick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes books come to you when you least expect it.

I was shopping for a friends Christmas book at a used book store and picked up this book. I actually thought it was by the Christian Mystic Thomas Merton, someone who I am inspired to read more of.

So I flicked through some pages and started reading, with the thought it was Merton writing. I was inspired by what I read but put the book down and kept looking.

I later returned to this book almost like an attraction I couldn't really figure out and picked it up and read some more of it. I read the chapter on living close to your edge and felt a lot of resonance and relatability to some person journeys I have recently been on.

So I bought the book and have been so inspired by hearing the life of a man who took his faith seriously, who found a mentor in life and devoted himself to doing good. I could tell the author was someone who touched the same thread of life that I touch sometimes when in deeper meditative or contemplative states.

There's a truth I am starting to recognize, that many of the mystics hold. I cannot really put my finger on the directness of the truth, just that when I read I recognize this common thread.

Someone put it like this, each way of the path is like fingers pointing towards the moon. Spend less time focusing on the finger and spend more time enjoying the moon.

Thom Hartmann's journey is his finger pointing to the moon. He shows us his path to that felt sense of God, and encourages us to find our own way to feel this presence as well.

Reading Christian Mystics interpret the wisdom and love of Jesus with this lens is healing for me, as someone who grew up christian but felt desire to leave the church due to it's focus on making sure everyone followed the right rules, instead of learning how to love like Jesus.

One of the biggest take aways from this book is this:

"Your most powerful weapon: to commit tiny acts of compassion." (specifically when others do not see them, and there is no chance for being honored or repaid for these actions.)

Live with a focus on these tiny acts of compassion, and your life, and the life of others will change.

There's a lot in this book that seems impossible, miraculous even. Those with aversion towards things happening beyond logical reason may struggle with these paths of the stories. I prefer to live in trust, as I am noticing in my life the more I notice the smallest miracles the more I am open to larger miracles showing up.

[Vlad Golgotiu · Rating 1 out of 5]

Do not get fooled by the book's title, it is a scam. It should not be called:
The Prophet's Way: A Guide to Living in the Now,
but instead:
The Prophet's Way: The Holy and miraculous adventures of Thom Hartmann.

There's literally only 5 pages and a half that talks about Living in the Now (from 155 to 160), the rest is only tideous back and forward things like repeating itself non stop, selling everything going there coming back start a new business move to a new location selling everything go back to transquility then again go back to business, I stopped after the Bogota chapter I couldn't take it anymore. Also this guy hopped on a plane more than I ever walked in 30 years.

[John Kaufmann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mixed. I liked the first half (or first third) of the book quite a bit, the second half not so much. The first half seemed more pragmatic, as I could see where the lessons he learned stemmed from. The second half he seemed less evidentially-based, and got into more esoteric beliefs.

[Mounir Bashour · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite influential to me years ago when it came out. It actually convinced me to become a vegetarian (actually pescatarian) for six whole months!

[Susan Schubert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very inlighterning. Some I founf porfound, some laughable..but interesting concepts.

[Debbie · Rating 1 out of 5]

You might like it better than I did if you're into woo.

[Don · Rating 5 out of 5]

An outstanding metaphysical book. Definitely should be read by all.

[Ted · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great memoir if you're looking for something other than a retelling of someone's life. It tells of a spiritual journey.

[Erin Geismar · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found Thom Hartman to be unintentionally pretentious. I realize that his style of writing is to relate his experiences in the first person, as they happened, but it´s hard not to be skeptical of someone who has been miraculously successful at every endeavor all while traveling the world to save humanity. Few people I´ve ever known have had the luxury to run a business only long enough so they can dart from the country, then return to the corporate world to be equally successful at something else. I got tired of hearing how great he was after a while.

Hartman´s philosphies were interesting, and on a much smaller scale I agree with them. It wasn´t one of my favorite books, by far, but even with my criticism, I was able to take something from it. So I guess that´s an accomplishment for Hartman.

[MsBrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Normally autobiographies don’t quite excite me, but this one was just that good (by that I mean not only did I read it but I bought a copy too). Amazon: From the most ancient corner of Jerusalem’s Old City to a candlelit Detroit temple where a teacher heals with his hands, from a famine-plagued refugee camp in Uganda to the bloodied streets of Bogota, Thom Hartmann’s spiritual journey has been a long and fascinating one. This is a really quickpaced book in which Hartmann shares his life journey. It is a great novel and quite inspirational. Everyone I know who’s read this book has said it’s one of the most powerful books they’ve ever read. Check it out.

[Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Am unusual autobiography of a rather remarkable man. He is an accomplished author of serious books on a wide range of subjects (not least the Kennedy assassination). In this book his own spiritual journey is illustrated with fascinating anecdotes. It is worth reading just for the description of how he and his team handled the lack of money in an institution he was running. Talk about trusting the universe. . .

I looked to check the date - and I know I read Hartmann's autobiography when I was in the States with my family, in the '90's. So this was either a time warp or there was a hardback earlier edition. I assume this is the same - but updated.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

Maybe Thom Hartmann writes better when he's more dispassionate and scientific about a topic. He has a really interesting story here, but the way it's written feels so disjointed... "And then THIS happened! Isn't that AMAZING?!? Oh, and then this other time..." I just wanted it to add up to so much more, but I really struggled to get through this.

[Tim Dickenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thought-provoking story that makes you think about what spirituality really means. Thom Hartmann is well-known as a progressive, politically-oriented, radio-show host. It's quiet amazing to hear his own version of his life's story, understand how broad and varied his experience is, and realize how passionate he is about his own spiritual path and views.

[Jim Vaden · Rating 1 out of 5]

I could not finish this book, despite a deep desire to connect. The author has had some significant and transformational experiences, but it was his writing style I found to be laborious, disjointed and shallow, despite the depth of experience and learning conveyed. Both content AND form are needed for a goid read.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Any book recommended by my buddy RP has gotta be good. This one is. I like reading books where the consciousness of the person writing it is innocent, humble, and open. I like learning about different seekers of truth and the paths they follow.

[Aggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Also one of the books that I return to time and time again... this book demonstrated for me how the clearness of life purpose can help manifest what needs to come into your life.

[Daniel Crews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book connects mystical Christianity with charity, environmentalism, anti-consumer culture sentiments, and so on. Hartmann is an entertaining writer and his leftist tendencies resonate with me.

[Caroline Collins]

Quite interesting with a universal philosophy despite the Christian tone.

[Burkey]

very interesting, very new-age but with enough soul to remain honest. while i disagree with certain philosophical points, hartmann would definitely be an interesting cat to sit down and talk with.

[Kev · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most important books for everyone to reaad. Younger culture human being collides with Older culture human being. Read this.

[Vanessa Hall-Belluscio · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book-read it twice-and found it to be profound and spiritually inspiring.

[Mom · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book explains Thom's spiritual grounding.

[Tjoel2 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read January 2011

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very thought provoking book. Loved his thirst for truth and the risks he has taken in his life. Taught me to have more faith than I do.

[Tiffany]

Very strange I remember thinking at the time. Suddenly I want to read it again.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

(read date from diary)