The Majesty of Calmness

by William George Jordan

Nature is very un-American. Nature never hurries. Every phase of her working shows plan, calmness, reliability, and the absence of hurry. Hurry always implies lack of definite method, confusion, impatience of slow growth. The Tower of Babel, the world's first skyscraper, was a failure because of hurry. The workers mistook their arrogant ambition for inspiration. They had too many builders,--and no architect. They thought to make up the lack of a head by a superfluity of hands. This is a characteristic of Hurry.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Spirituality, Psychology, Audiobook, Religion

63 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1900

About the author

Editor of Book Chat magazine 1886-87 and The Saturday Evening Post 1898-99.

Reviews

[Cynthia Egbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

EVERYONE SHOULD READ THIS BOOK. I cannot believe that I have not ever reviewed this book. I love it so much. I find it intriguing that Mr. Jordan wrote this work back in 1896 and used, as a chapter title, "Hurry, the Scourge of America". If he could only see us now! This book is so full of great stuff that I cannot even pull out quotes for this one. It is a small volume that I would encourage everyone to read, repeatedly!

[Catarina · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Fatalist is not calm. He is the coward slave of his environment, hopelessly surrendering to his present condition, recklessly indifferent to his future. He accepts his life as a rudderless ship, drifting on the ocean of time. He has no compass, no chart, no known port to which he is sailing. His self-confessed inferiority to all nature is shown in his existence of constant surrender. It is not,--calmness. (...)
The man who is calm does not selfishly isolate himself from the world, for he is intensely interested in all that concerns the welfare of humanity. His calmness is but a Holy of Holies into which he can retire from the world to get strength to live in the world. He realizes that the full glory of individuality, the crowning of his self-control is,--the majesty of calmness. (...)
Unhappiness is the hunger to get; Happiness is the hunger to give. True happiness must ever have the tinge of sorrow outlived, the sense of pain softened by the mellowing years, the chastening of loss that in the wondrous mystery of time transmutes our suffering into love and sympathy with others.
If the individual should set out for a single day to give Happiness, to make life happier, brighter and sweeter, not for himself, but for others, he would find a wondrous revelation of what Happiness really is. The greatest of the world's heroes could not by any series of acts of heroism do as much real good as any individual living his whole life in seeking, from day to day, to make others happy.
Each day there should be fresh resolution, new strength, and renewed enthusiasm. "Just for Today" might be the daily motto of thousands of societies throughout the country, composed of members bound together to make the world better through constant simple acts of kindness, constant deeds of sweetness and love. And Happiness would come to them, in its highest and best form, not because they would seek to absorb it, but, – because they seek to radiate it."

[Kristie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Majesty of Calmness can best be described as a handbook to Life. Published in 1900, its message is just as relevant today. It should be required reading for everyone, no matter their belief system, as it addresses and is respectful to all. One must read it with the mindset that we all need to improve. Reading it with the mindset that we have Life figured out because of age and experience will erode its wisdom.

The author suggests that Calmness as a state of mind is the ultimate achievement. Others may interpret it as an advanced state of Faith, but still a reachable goal we should all desire.

The author also discusses Happiness, Satisfaction, Contentment, and Pleasure—what they are and what they are not, which is most important, and how to achieve it. That power is innate and has nothing to do with the world’s definition of success. Conversely, the author also addresses Cynicism, Negativity, Failure, and Comparison, their causes and the damage they do if we indulge them.

Self-realization of these things, plus a desire to always be better, helps us to attain that state of Calmness—the umbrella philosophy of the entire book—it becomes our silent companion in the best of times, preparing us for the worst.

The author’s observations of different types of people, emotions, and reactions is incredibly perceptive. He acknowledges that, yes, Life often is unfair and, yes, it seems like wickedness often prevails, but our behavior in challenging situations can still make us victorious, if only in our own minds.

I HIGHLY recommend this book. It’s only $1 on Amazon Kindle. It is subtle but powerful, like a trusted friend helping to center us on a bad day, or a quiet prayer of supplication being answered.

[P · Rating 3 out of 5]

really made me think- well, mostly. some of the parts were downright impractical. 3/5.

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

William George Jordan (1864-1928) writes a collection of essays (circa 1900) describing his vision of "calmness" as a guiding principle for people living with self-directed intention. I listened to the LibriVox recording by Andrea Fiore. In seven chapters, through intentionally inspirational anecdotes, metaphorical imagery, and social criticisms, the author develops different overlapping ideas describing the potential for positive social change through individual action and self-responsibility. The seven chapters include: "The Majesty of Calmness" (finding inner calm helps summon inner strength of life's challenges); "Hurry, The Scourge of America" (US society too greatly values rushing through life); "The Power of Personal Influence" (everyone has social influence & should not take it for granted); "The Dignity of Self-Reliance" (each person is primarily responsible for realizing their social potential); "Failure as a Success" (failures are learning opportunities); "Doing Our Best at All Times" (be ambitious & don't rely on luck or miracles for success); and "The Royal Road to Happiness" (live for today to cultivate inner happiness to give freely to others). While some readers might struggle with the century-old US cultural references, other readers seeking an intentionally inspiring self-help book about the significance of individual self-reliance and self-determination should be satisfied.

[Sotiris Makrygiannis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, this was a fast one, only 1 hour and 30 minutes. Sounded to me like Sunday church but had good point and words of wisdom. Good fast read.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

That was a very calming book indeed..

[John Smart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brief but lovely.

[Eileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars (liked it)

[τ ◔ ɓ Ξ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the way the content calmed me when I am in confusion gave me a chance to recollect myself. Indeed powerful!

[Olivia Cortez · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of those books that finds you when you need it most. Frankly I am surprised I had never heard of this book or its author previously. I just happened to stumble upon it while browsing through audio books and thought it sounded like something I might enjoy in the present moment. So I turned off all the lights and devices, lit a single candle, sat down and meditated while I listened to this book, and I am very happy I did. It was the perfect setting to soak in all the wise lessons contained within those pages. It is probably one of the most 'quotable' books I have ever read or heard. There are a million self-help books out there today, and I have read (perhaps too) many of them, but none have the same touch of elegance and simplicity as this one. Every sentence contains wisdom and an insight to absorb and ponder. While modern day self-help books are mostly made up of pseudo-intellectual excrement this book is the complete opposite, it has genuine and razor-sharp substance to it. I cannot recommend this book enough!

[Abisena Ahmadi Suryo · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Pleasure is temporary, happiness is continous."

"A man who is cynical ought to die, because nothing in this life can make him happy, death would."

"A man who is cynical seeks the negativity in his mind with pride, and thinks he sees the world."

It's a manual for life. This book is incredible and very humane unlike any self-improvement books out there that are either too political, too self-delusioning, full of religious anecdotes, or just straight up scam. Plus it is SHORT, which is a huge point for books like these because there's really nothing new except the delivery and tone of the wisdom. William George Jordan talks the real deal with great and understandable prose. He talks about what is wrong with the society and how we should also see the brighter side of everything despite anything. I love it and would love to revisit this book again.

[ManuMk · Rating 3 out of 5]

As an irritable individual, I have to say that I was intrigued by the title. From start to finish I was fond of the idea that to achieve true happiness is to be calm and satisfied. Unfortunately, I can not say that it helped me find the calmness I was seeking but I can definitely say that it gave me another perspective on the idea of trying to achieve it. I would go as far as to say that the words of the writer gave me the courage I lacked to even try. If you are like I would recommend giving it a try.

[Teresa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was right there with him until he started to preach about how happiness could only be found though serving others. He lures you in with the usually self-help talk then he subtly twists it into altruism. In the end he is little more tolerable than your regular infestation of priests, vicars, rabi, general christians and muslims, or what-have-you.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this quote, "Education, in its highest sense, is conscious training of mind or body to act unconsciously. It is conscious formation of mental habits, not mere acquisition of information."

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

It has a refreshing taste for a quiet afternoon.

[Lindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great little read to help master complex human emotions.

[Doina · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Puterea calmului. Secretul sănătății și al prosperității” este o carte ce merită a fi citită măcar o dată în viață. Cu siguranță, în timp, voi reveni și eu de nenumărate ori la anumite pasaje și idei subliniate.
William George Jordan a structurat-o minuțios, concentrând-o în câteva capitole bine gândite, concise și cu un șir de exemple bine argumentate.
Am perceput-o ca pe un îndemn la evaluarea propriului comportament cu noi înșine, dar și cu cei care fac parte din anturajul nostru. Nu este doar un text ce vine cu niște porunci: “Așa da/Așa nu”. Mai degrabă este o identificare a câtorva puncte, precum: influența personală, fericirea, eșecul ca succes, graba, măiestria calmului, încrederea în sine, care , puse în aplicare, ar fi un prim pas spre satisfacția trupească și cea morală. Niște repere ce necesită a fi filtrate oră de oră, zi de zi, an de an. Și orice om - bogat sau sărac, înalt sau scund, angajat sau liber profesionist, deține în mâinile sale puterea de a decide ce e bine și ce e rău. O alegere personală, venită din adâncul cugetului și însoțită de experiențele trecute care stau la baza echilibrului în viață.

[Neha Thawani · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am moved by his categorisation of humans,when the author is talking about a person's personal influence here is my favourite part of book

There are men who float down the stream of life like icebergs,―cold, reserved,unapproachable and self-contained. In their presence you involuntarily draw your wraps closer around you, as you wonder who left the door open. These refrigerated human beings have a most depressing influence on all those who fall under the spell of their radiated chilliness.But there are other natures, warm, helpful,genial,who are like the Gulf Stream,following their own course, flowing undaunted and undismayed in the ocean of colder waters. Their presence brings warmth and life and the glow of sunshine,the joyous,stimulating breath of spring.

Note to Self :Life is a state of constant radiation and absorption; to exist is to radiate; to exist is to be the recipient of radiations. Man cannot escape for one moment from this radiation of his character, this constantly weakening or strengthening of others.

[Kate Devine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Majesty of Calmness is a life manual that I believe everyone should read. It’s a guidebook for navigating life as an individual in a world that leaves your plights unheeded. The tidbits of advice enkindled a new sense of purpose in me! I found Jordan’s perceptions of the differentiation between self-confidence and self-reliance, life as a state of radiation and absorption, and the overrated nature of contentment to be quite stirring. In the chapter, “Hurry, the Scourge of America”, Jordan comments on how hurry is the antithesis of calmness and nature, and America is embodying hurry to the point of enabling the “modern slaughter of innocents”. This book was published in 1898, and I cannot even begin to imagine Jordan’s disdain if he were to see how hurry has been indoctrinated into the American culture on scales we cannot even begin to explain. This is a book that I’ll carry around with me, as it provides timeless advice on how to live a harmonious life, indifferent to the toxins of current society like competition and hurry.

[Jordie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucid, clear, focused, and timely (even though it was first published in 1900!?)

My favorite chapter was "The Power of Personal Influence" because the author expresses human experience that I intuitively knew yet had not heard described before. Here's a quote I like:

"Into the hands of every individual is given a marvelous power for good or for evil, the silent, unconscious, unseen influence of his life. This is simply the constant radiation of what a man really is, not what he pretends to be. Every man, by his mere living, is radiating sympathy, or sorrow, or morbidness, or cynicism, or happiness, or hope, or any of a hundred other qualities. Life is a state of constant radiation and absorption; to exist is to radiate; to exist is to be the recipient of radiations."

There's much more, but I can't quote the whole chapter; just read it.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Happiness consists not of having, but of being; not of possessing, but of enjoying. It is the warm glow of a heart at peace."

"Man is the creator of his own happiness; it is the aroma of a life lived in harmony with high ideas. For what a man has, he may be dependent on others; what he is, rests with him alone"

"There are times when a man should be content with what he has, but never with what he is."

"The greatest of the world's heroes could not by any series of acts of heroism do as much real good as any individual living his whole life in seeking, from day to day, to make others happy."

[Victor Henrique · Rating 5 out of 5]

This timeless self-improvement book, first published in 1898, offers a philosophical and practical guide to achieving inner peace, resilience, and self-mastery. Jordan emphasizes the power of calmness as a force of strength, not passivity, arguing that true success comes from self-discipline, emotional control, and a composed mind.

The book's concise yet profound wisdom is reminiscent of Stoicism and remains relevant today, especially for those seeking clarity in a chaotic world. While the language is formal and reflective of its time, its message is universally applicable.

[Diana-Alexandra Tira · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nu stiu ce sa zic. Vin dupa Puterea Prezentului de E. Tolle si mi se pare ca pune cam mult accentul pe material, pe cum putem deveni mai buni si mai bogati, chiar spune ca n-ar trebui sa fim niciodata multumiti.
Pe cand, E. Tolle ne sugereaza sa ne delimitam de material si posesiuni si sa ne multumim cu ce avem, sa utitam de ego si sa fim mai impacati cu viata noastra.
Prefer acest punct de vedere, insa Jordan te ajuta sa te motivezi si chiar da exemple frumoasa. Merita citita.😃

[CyGrrl · Rating 2 out of 5]

The overall concept is good and the book has been in print for decades, however, it still had some very dated ideals and the writing was old-fashioned. Encouraging calmness is definitely a worthwhile endeavor, and this book has some good information, unfortunately contemporary readers will likely benefit from more modern prose. Given the state of the world, we could certainly benefit from adopting a calm demeanor.
Recommend for readers of self-help and non-fiction.

[Matt Carpenter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a succinct guide to ordering your emotions. While not explicitly biblical, the Christian principles that fill it were common in the early 1900's. The author reminds me of Dale Carnegie, but without much of the fanfare. It is like the common sense advice you'd receive from a wise uncle when you were growing up.

[Adam · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reads like a self help sermon. Too many references to Christianity. Very vague sentences with no actual meaning that is typical of self help. A poor book. Indicative of many of the things that I dislike about late 1800s-early 1900s America.

His early message that calmness is one of the most important things in life was nice though.

[Kristy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes you read a book at exactly the point in your life when you need it most. A few of the passages were dated, but the sentiment behind them was no less true because of it. I listened to this book, but I wouldn't mind finding a physical copy so I could reread certain parts.

[Brian Wood · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book. It has a lot of useful information in it and it was a good read. I do feel that it is a little scattered and does not really tie all the ends up into a final conclusion that I can see, but still I would read it again.

[Servaich Mangi · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the first chapter the book seemed to be on good foundations. But in the middle book seemed to be little bit unclear on its purpose. But overall it was just a nice short read, which revealed the secrets of calm and happy life...