What do you think?
Rate this book
Before I Go: Letters to Our Children about What Really Matters
Most parents have no trouble telling their children how to dress, drive, study, or shave, but struggle to talk with them about how best to live―about real love, faith, integrity, values, true enrichment, and success. In the tradition of Tuesdays With Morrie , Catholic philosopher Peter Kreeft shares with us the wisdom that he has compiled for his children as his best gift to them. Readable and browsable, these heart to heart chats present priceless truths to live by in a casual yet compelling way.
264 pages, Hardcover
First published December 25, 2007
40 people are currently reading
567 people want to read
About the author
Peter Kreeft
193 books1,063 followersPeter Kreeft is an American philosopher and prolific author of over eighty books on Christian theology, philosophy, and apologetics. A convert from Protestantism to Catholicism, his journey was shaped by his study of Church history, Gothic architecture, and Thomistic thought. He earned his BA from Calvin College, an MA and PhD from Fordham University, and pursued further studies at Yale. Since 1965, he has taught philosophy at Boston College and also at The King’s College. Kreeft is known for formulating “Twenty Arguments for the Existence of God” with Ronald K. Tacelli, featured in their Handbook of Christian Apologetics. A strong advocate for unity among Christians, he emphasizes shared belief in Christ over denominational differences.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
May 4, 2023
Over the years I have sat with many people as they draw close to the end of their life, and I have noticed that several find themselves frustrated by the short time they have left to say the final, important things to their loved ones. And as I continue to grow older I find myself pondering and asking, more and more, what I should hand on to my children, what valuable things do I want them to hear from me and take to heart. Peter Kreeft has launched a preemptive strike at that moment for his family by writing his short 244 page, readably warm hardback, “Before I Go: Letters to Our Children about What Really Matters.” Kreeft states that this book, written to his grown children, is simply a “word-insurance policy,” since it is “a way of speaking even after you are dead” (4). These are words written against the day when he may no longer be able to say what he deems important, to speak clearly before he goes.
Kreeft teaches philosophy at Boston College, which shines through in several chapters, particularly in the superb craftsmanship with which he is able to hone an idea down to its primary point, like the following; “Worship God, love people, and respect stuff” (54). He is also a loyal Roman Catholic who knows what he is and what he’s about. Both of these characteristics fill the creative reservoir out of which he is able, with wit and brevity, to refresh and regale the reader.
The short chapters in “Before I Go” are normally succinct, and last anywhere from three sentences to three pages. But the depth of insight vastly surpasses the quantity of ink and paper. For example, in one short chapter, he poignantly reveals to his offspring the two categories into which he sees that people generally fall, “There are only two kinds of people: sinners, who think they’re saints, and saints, who know they’re sinners. There are only fools, who think they’re wise, and the wise, who know they’re fools” (51). It becomes clear as one reads further that the writer is skilled at writing and skilled at writing in a memorable fashion. I found myself struggling to put the book aside because each chapter enticed me to jump to the next.
“Before I Go” covers a wide range of subjects. The author tackles life, death, marriage, procreation, hope, idolatry, motivations for doing and not doing things, prayer, understanding versus toleration, gratitude, real mysticism, and the list runs on through 162 petite pieces. Each of these subjects is personal, precise, perceptive, and piercing. As an example in Chapter 162, “The Last Word,” Kreeft deftly drives home his point, “No philosophy is worth your attention if it can’t be professed on your deathbed. No philosophy is as important as a person. And there is only one person who has the answer to death. You know His name. May His name be your last word, as it shall be mine” (254).
Kreeft’s realism pulsing through “Before I Go” is a two edged sword. The down-to-earth way he airs his thoughts makes him easily grasped and heartily appreciated, as can be seen in statements like this one: “We strut and fret and preen and pose, but only God can make a rose” (86). Yet his earthy approach may well catch some completely off guard, especially as he uses expletives on occasion. These are never gratuitous, but serve to drive home a valuable, salient point.
Reading this book will be a pure pleasure for the thoughtfully reflective, and a valuable gift for many parents to use in passing on wise words to their children before they lose the ability to say those final, important words. I warmly and heartily recommend this book.
(This review is an expanded and revised version of one done for Reader Views, November 2007. Mike)
Kreeft teaches philosophy at Boston College, which shines through in several chapters, particularly in the superb craftsmanship with which he is able to hone an idea down to its primary point, like the following; “Worship God, love people, and respect stuff” (54). He is also a loyal Roman Catholic who knows what he is and what he’s about. Both of these characteristics fill the creative reservoir out of which he is able, with wit and brevity, to refresh and regale the reader.
The short chapters in “Before I Go” are normally succinct, and last anywhere from three sentences to three pages. But the depth of insight vastly surpasses the quantity of ink and paper. For example, in one short chapter, he poignantly reveals to his offspring the two categories into which he sees that people generally fall, “There are only two kinds of people: sinners, who think they’re saints, and saints, who know they’re sinners. There are only fools, who think they’re wise, and the wise, who know they’re fools” (51). It becomes clear as one reads further that the writer is skilled at writing and skilled at writing in a memorable fashion. I found myself struggling to put the book aside because each chapter enticed me to jump to the next.
“Before I Go” covers a wide range of subjects. The author tackles life, death, marriage, procreation, hope, idolatry, motivations for doing and not doing things, prayer, understanding versus toleration, gratitude, real mysticism, and the list runs on through 162 petite pieces. Each of these subjects is personal, precise, perceptive, and piercing. As an example in Chapter 162, “The Last Word,” Kreeft deftly drives home his point, “No philosophy is worth your attention if it can’t be professed on your deathbed. No philosophy is as important as a person. And there is only one person who has the answer to death. You know His name. May His name be your last word, as it shall be mine” (254).
Kreeft’s realism pulsing through “Before I Go” is a two edged sword. The down-to-earth way he airs his thoughts makes him easily grasped and heartily appreciated, as can be seen in statements like this one: “We strut and fret and preen and pose, but only God can make a rose” (86). Yet his earthy approach may well catch some completely off guard, especially as he uses expletives on occasion. These are never gratuitous, but serve to drive home a valuable, salient point.
Reading this book will be a pure pleasure for the thoughtfully reflective, and a valuable gift for many parents to use in passing on wise words to their children before they lose the ability to say those final, important words. I warmly and heartily recommend this book.
(This review is an expanded and revised version of one done for Reader Views, November 2007. Mike)
May 16, 2011
The premise is 5 star - what do we want to say to our children, the innocent next generation, those we love, out of the wealth of experiences we have gained? And so Peter Kreeft writes out of evident sincerity with his Catholic faith as his foundation, and his intellect and experiences as the rich well to draw from.
The outcome is mixed however, which shouldn't prevent anyone from gaining real value from the read. The trouble is, perhaps, that Kreeft as a philosophy professor, and one accustomed to precise and careful thinking, sometimes comes across too concisely. Issues are black and white, as well as conclusions, and often way too neat and tidy. This may be just perfect for the young who also think that way, so it may just be me wallowing in grayness and shades and remembering exceptions to nearly every pearl of great advice and wisdom that I've come across.
Kreeft covers death, love, jealousy, forgiveness, many lists of "nevers" & "always," setbacks, "why be good?" and play along with 140+ other topics. For each of these 162 short chapters or reflections, one sets the book down, and informally rates Kreeft's thoughts as trite, profound, amazing, simplistic, nonsensical, too logical, don't agree, or "I'm so overwhelmed with the possibilities I can't think about these anymore. Good night." I suppose that really represents pretty powerful communicating ...
Two examples - Chapter 74. IF
"If spouses were as polite to each other as they are to strangers ... If we were as good to each other as our own dogs are to each other ... If we were as good to each other as we are to our dogs ... If we were as careful for our souls as we are for our bodies ... If we were as careful for our bodies as we are for our money ... why then, we would almost be sane."
Chapter 75 is titled "Life is a Fish Fry" followed by Chapter 76 "How to get Peace and Social Justice"
"Some say the road to peace is justice. Some say the road to justice is peace. I say the only way to justice, between nations in the world or between individuals in families, is to stop demanding justice and seek forgiveness instead. Seek it and also give it. It's hard to get from injustice to justice in places like Palestine, but its always possible to get to forgiveness. ... The more we demand justice, the more we demand our rights, the harder it will be to achieve them, except by force. The only road to peace is radical forgiveness. Jesus didn't talk about justice, He talked about forgiveness." And this particular reflection runs a couple pages further.
So, the reader is left to label away, dissect, and/or get a headache or a meaningful insight. Be prepared to be exasperated on one page, provoked on the next, chuckling on the third, bewildered next, and emotional on the following.
The outcome is mixed however, which shouldn't prevent anyone from gaining real value from the read. The trouble is, perhaps, that Kreeft as a philosophy professor, and one accustomed to precise and careful thinking, sometimes comes across too concisely. Issues are black and white, as well as conclusions, and often way too neat and tidy. This may be just perfect for the young who also think that way, so it may just be me wallowing in grayness and shades and remembering exceptions to nearly every pearl of great advice and wisdom that I've come across.
Kreeft covers death, love, jealousy, forgiveness, many lists of "nevers" & "always," setbacks, "why be good?" and play along with 140+ other topics. For each of these 162 short chapters or reflections, one sets the book down, and informally rates Kreeft's thoughts as trite, profound, amazing, simplistic, nonsensical, too logical, don't agree, or "I'm so overwhelmed with the possibilities I can't think about these anymore. Good night." I suppose that really represents pretty powerful communicating ...
Two examples - Chapter 74. IF
"If spouses were as polite to each other as they are to strangers ... If we were as good to each other as our own dogs are to each other ... If we were as good to each other as we are to our dogs ... If we were as careful for our souls as we are for our bodies ... If we were as careful for our bodies as we are for our money ... why then, we would almost be sane."
Chapter 75 is titled "Life is a Fish Fry" followed by Chapter 76 "How to get Peace and Social Justice"
"Some say the road to peace is justice. Some say the road to justice is peace. I say the only way to justice, between nations in the world or between individuals in families, is to stop demanding justice and seek forgiveness instead. Seek it and also give it. It's hard to get from injustice to justice in places like Palestine, but its always possible to get to forgiveness. ... The more we demand justice, the more we demand our rights, the harder it will be to achieve them, except by force. The only road to peace is radical forgiveness. Jesus didn't talk about justice, He talked about forgiveness." And this particular reflection runs a couple pages further.
So, the reader is left to label away, dissect, and/or get a headache or a meaningful insight. Be prepared to be exasperated on one page, provoked on the next, chuckling on the third, bewildered next, and emotional on the following.
October 12, 2025
May I be honest with you all?
This was on the backseat of the toilet in my parents room. So growing up it if I wanted a more luxurious bathroom experience than normal I would head into my parents room and I would give this a read.
Definitely powerful thought provoking ideas abound in between the cover of this book.
Memento Mori my friends!
This was on the backseat of the toilet in my parents room. So growing up it if I wanted a more luxurious bathroom experience than normal I would head into my parents room and I would give this a read.
Definitely powerful thought provoking ideas abound in between the cover of this book.
Memento Mori my friends!
July 3, 2009
How much more SINCERE can something get than a book written by a father for his children? How much more LOGICAL than one authored by a renowned philosopher?
Peter Kreeft has received honors such as the Woodrow Wilson, Yale-Sterling Fellowship, Newman Alumni Scholarship, Danforth Asian Religions Fellowship, and Weathersfield Homeland Foundation Fellowship.
Spectacular. But I think I'm safe in guessing his greatest achievement to date includes his children, for whom this book is written.
Kreeft saves his best nuggets of wisdom for his latest, easiest-to-digest work. Whether you want to know the four most imporant choices in your life (I'm not going to spoil it but they're simpler than you think), how your life is art, or how simplicity can literally change the world, you'll find it in the pages of BEFORE I GO.
Treat yourself to this gem of a publication. It's one you'll likely want to pass on to YOUR children as well.
Peter Kreeft has received honors such as the Woodrow Wilson, Yale-Sterling Fellowship, Newman Alumni Scholarship, Danforth Asian Religions Fellowship, and Weathersfield Homeland Foundation Fellowship.
Spectacular. But I think I'm safe in guessing his greatest achievement to date includes his children, for whom this book is written.
Kreeft saves his best nuggets of wisdom for his latest, easiest-to-digest work. Whether you want to know the four most imporant choices in your life (I'm not going to spoil it but they're simpler than you think), how your life is art, or how simplicity can literally change the world, you'll find it in the pages of BEFORE I GO.
Treat yourself to this gem of a publication. It's one you'll likely want to pass on to YOUR children as well.
February 20, 2021
Unless I'm mistaken this was one of Kreeft's last books, and sadly it does show a decline, sometimes even a downward spiral. There are nuggets here and there, but the book was too nugget-driven, as if bumper stickers were the goal instead of a proper book. Even the style seemed bumper sticker-like, sometimes witty or funny, even bitingly so, but not the typical Kreeft.
November 2, 2011
A succinct, accessible and humorous collection of wisdom across a range of everyday topics. It's the perfect book to give someone who is open to pondering the meaning of life, who appreciates practical wisdom and has a sense of humour.
July 15, 2021
Although I believe much of what Dr. Kteeft writes in his letters, I found that most of his nuggets of wisdom I have heard before from others. Not a lot new here.
March 20, 2024
A sweet and endearing read. I got many chuckles. It's a book worth reading slowly with a cup of tea.
July 23, 2021
Good tips, however nothing novel to discover in my opinion.
June 1, 2017
I read this book because my mom got me this book for my confirmation. This book was about small chapters that talk about lessons in life. The lessons are very interesting ann very truthful. I really enjoyed this book because like I said it gives many lessons that most people did not know about. I would recommend this book to anyone that learns how to read because the lesson in this book are like 'what is love' or ' what does family mean' just those kind of little lesson gave truly change the way you think.
January 20, 2015
My good friend lent me this sweet book for a lite read to begin 2015—just a couple of pages each night to lull me off to sleep. And wow—this was so much more than I bargained for. As I flipped through the first few pages, I quickly realized this author is a philosopher who is down to earth. I would be reading along and would come across a deep piece of philosophy and stop to think, “wait, what?!?” and have to go back and read it again. But despite his deep thoughts and sharp intellect, I never felt inferior as a reader because his musings also highlight that he is a normal person on top of being a super smart philosopher. His witty one liners at the end of each musing make me realize that he is part philosopher, part comedian…but aren’t those really just the same thing? (Look at that…Maybe I’m a philosopher too?!)
I loved what he had to say about all topics and found myself basically underlining the entire book so I wouldn’t forget meaningful quotes. A great read and a great book to pass along and share with others.
I loved what he had to say about all topics and found myself basically underlining the entire book so I wouldn’t forget meaningful quotes. A great read and a great book to pass along and share with others.
August 21, 2015
Str. 13- Če bi vedel, da imam na voljo le še minuto za pogovor z vami, po tej minuti pa se na tem svetu ne bomo videli nikoli več, kaj bi bila tista ena stvar, ki bi vam jo najraje povedal in jo tudi slišal iz vaših ust?
"Rad te imam," seveda. Obenem pa tudi "Odpuščam ti". KAJTI LJUBEZEN IMA SOVRAŽNIKE, ODPUŠČANJE POPA VSE TE SOVRAŽNIKE IZNIČI.
Str. 15- Ne le da je ljubezen vse, VSE JE LJUBEZEN.
Str. 64- Trije najbolj priljubljeni maliki so DENAR, SPOLNOST IN OBLAST. Trije najbolj smrtonosni izmed sedmih smrtnih grehov so POHLEP, POHOTA IN NAPUH.
Str. 123- Vendar, če še niste spravljeni sami s seboj, ne morete hoditi po poti MIRU, ki je odpuščanje. Namesto tega boste vojno, ki divja V VAS, PRENESLI NA DRUGE.
July 21, 2008
i was dissapointed since i compared it to the Last Lecture, and it was stupid to me. I didn't even finish reading it all, but glanced through sections that seemed interesting to me. I liked pg 125 "our souls are boxers, too, and need hard times to spar with. The muscles of the soul are courage and character. They get stronger only through struggle and pain. In fact, they get strong only with some defeats, because strength of soul means wisdom, and wisdom comes from suffering." There was a good one on kids and how you love your kids, and another on "reasons" other than that I was pretty dull to me. I felt like Peter Kreeft was just trying to earn money.
July 1, 2016
A great book for what it is--small little musings a parent might want to share with an almost-adult child (or upper high school). Take a few a day for the best reading. Could be an appropriate gift for high school or college graduation. NOT for young children. Lots of good things to think about and catch the mind for a few minutes or longer. Some are more interesting than others, but overall I am glad I read it and will pass it along to my high schooler.
October 5, 2008
An excellent series of vignettes on living the Catholic life. Philosophical realism, practical morality, proverbs, and prayers all adorn the pages of this book. It is well worth reading, and if you do not have the time to read it, it is well worth skimming, because even in skimming it you can take something away from it.
September 2, 2008
This book has many thought-provoking chapters that make you stop and think about the decisions and priorities in your own life. What do we want our children to learn about life and how can we as parents help mold some of these valuable lessons? Worthwhile read for all parents of children!
June 6, 2012
This book as very insightful and thought provoking. I loved that each chapter was only a page or a few pages. After each chapter you could spend some time really contemplating what was written and how you could incorporate that chapter into you daily life.
April 22, 2016
A simple but profound wisdom in this book.
Nothing new you will learn from this book but it will remind you of how foolish you become as you grow old and you start taking everything for granted.
This book is a necessary reminder on what really matters in our everyday life.
Nothing new you will learn from this book but it will remind you of how foolish you become as you grow old and you start taking everything for granted.
This book is a necessary reminder on what really matters in our everyday life.
July 31, 2009
This book has many great letters from the author to his children that are food for thought (and action!) for all. I could have done without the foul language sprinkled in some letters though.
Read
May 19, 2010Peter Kreeft is a saint!
July 24, 2010
Profeessor Kreeft wrote this book for his four children. It's wise words that any parent would want to tell their children. I'm planning on giving my daughter a copy soon.
December 20, 2011
Brims with wisdom. This is one of those books that could potentially change your life.
recommended
January 20, 2012Recommended by our youth minister.
January 15, 2013
Much truth, wisdom, wit, and whimsy in one small tome. Well done!
January 6, 2013
A good book to read a few pages at bedtime for perspective. I also used it for my perpetual adoration hours.
February 6, 2015
a gem I look forward to reading again and again!
January 7, 2025
In my top ten.
March 28, 2023
"Before I go: letters to our children about what really matters", de Peter Kreeft, é uma obra excepcional que oferece profundas reflexões sobre a vida e seus valores. O livro é um conjunto de cartas que o autor escreveu para seus filhos, em que ele compartilha suas experiências, sabedoria e as lições aprendidas ao longo da vida. O autor explora temas essenciais para a vida, como a importância da família, da fé, do amor, da coragem, da amizade, da gratidão e da humildade. Ele nos incentiva a buscar a verdadeira felicidade, que não se encontra em bens materiais ou prazeres momentâneos, mas sim em coisas como conexões pessoais profundas, realização pessoal e espiritualidade. Além disso, Kreeft também aborda as ilusões que podem nos desviar do caminho certo, impedindo-nos de viver plenamente a vida. Ele nos lembra que é fácil nos distrairmos com coisas triviais, perdendo de vista aquilo que realmente importa. O livro é escrito de forma simples e acessível, tornando-o apropriado para crianças e adultos de todas as idades. As mensagens atemporais presentes nas cartas são relevantes para qualquer pessoa que esteja buscando uma vida mais significativa e intencional. Recomendo vivamente esta obra a todos que procuram inspiração para viver uma vida mais plena e satisfatória.
May 20, 2025
Peter Kreeft likes the ocean!
I initially thought I would rate this book a 4, because of how disorganized it is. It’s a philosopher’s journal of random thoughts, directed towards his children at the end of his life. It’s difficult to find a good reading pace, because each “chapter” is a paragraph, short in words but long-living in thought.
Multiple times during reading this book, I found myself pulling it out of my purse at a get-together to share a bit of wisdom with someone else. Most of the book is how to view life through the lens of the “common sense” Catholic approach to life, however there are more than one entries that made me go, “Wow, I never thought of it in THAT perspective!” (the Dying is Easy chapter, especially).
I initially thought I would rate this book a 4, because of how disorganized it is. It’s a philosopher’s journal of random thoughts, directed towards his children at the end of his life. It’s difficult to find a good reading pace, because each “chapter” is a paragraph, short in words but long-living in thought.
Multiple times during reading this book, I found myself pulling it out of my purse at a get-together to share a bit of wisdom with someone else. Most of the book is how to view life through the lens of the “common sense” Catholic approach to life, however there are more than one entries that made me go, “Wow, I never thought of it in THAT perspective!” (the Dying is Easy chapter, especially).
July 1, 2018
Before I Go is one long love letter from a father to his children, and I loved it.
Peter Kreeft has a gift for packing great mountains of wisdom into small, lucid paragraphs, and his love for Faith and Family is truly inspiring. I would recommend that anyone take the time to receive the humble life advice and wisdom that Kreeft offers in this book.
Peter Kreeft has a gift for packing great mountains of wisdom into small, lucid paragraphs, and his love for Faith and Family is truly inspiring. I would recommend that anyone take the time to receive the humble life advice and wisdom that Kreeft offers in this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews