A Conscious Life: Cultivating the Seven Qualities of Authentic Adulthood

by Fran Cox

This exploration of adulthood and redefinition of the age of consent tosses out the old, generational model and redefines adulthood for our time--according to consciousness rather than chronology. A welcome departure from the accepted norm of guaranteed adulthood at the age of 21, the authors' model offers easily accessible guidelines and suggestions for achieving an examined life.

224 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1995

Reviews

[Chris Germain · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I've read in my lifetime. It's like having all the answers to the test. This book explains beautifully what it means to truly be an adult in a world full of grownups.

[Emily Germain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Real winner. Was beautiful to read this alongside my active experience in therapy. I’ll return to this one again and likely loan it out many times over the years. Would highly recommend!

[Davee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I refer to this book as the Rosetta Stone of adult behavior in the U.S.. The book forewarns the reader about their anticipated desire to put the book down because of how close it will come to identifying behavior within them, which at times can be self affirming but at times quite self defeating. It identifies a pattern of behavior and it's various manifestations in various social situations, that is evolving increasingly fast, in U.S. society. I loaned the book to the head of social service programs at Cecil Williams Glide Community House in San Francisco, just before she took off on vacation. She was so impressed that upon her return she purchased a copy for every staff member. It's just that good. Remarkable in fact.

[M Tremmel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book 29 years ago. I studied it. Underlining and highlighting sections . Practiced and journaled it. Then loaned it to friends and family. My sister gave it back to me a few weeks ago. She read it recently and said it was like peering into the mind of the 20-something me.

I reread it this week. I was surprised at how much this book has impacted my thought, beliefs, and actions. In a good way. And, reminded me to continue to strive to be an adult and not a grown up. Well worth 5 stars.