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10 Great Souls I Want to Meet in Heaven
Mormon's teaching to "lay hold upon every good thing" and the Doctrine and Covenant's injunction to "seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom" serve as an invitation to study truth from all cultures and all people. From great individuals of the past we gain valuable insights and cultural perspectives, and we are inspired by their triumphs over life's challenges.
In 10 Great Souls I Want to Meet in Heaven, author S. Michael Wilcox profiles the lives of his "best friends history," ten individuals who have tutored his soul as well as his mind and whom he wants to meet in the hereafter.
The list includes Saint Patrick, the slave who was not Irish; Saint Francis of Assisi, the son of a wealthy Italian merchant who became a Catholic friar; Joan of Arc, a French peasant who became a national heroine; Mencius, a Chinese philosopher; Khadija and Aisha, wives of and helpmeets to the prophet Mohammad; Siddhartha, who became the Buddha; Charles Darwin, the English scientist and naturalist; Sir Ernest Shackleton, who spend much of his life as a polar explorer; George MacDonald, the Scottish author, poet, and Christian minister who inspired, among others, C.S. Lewis; and Elizabeth Barrett Browning, the prominent English poet, whose love for her husband, Robert Browning, and its reciprocation, are the stuff of Legend.
In 10 Great Souls I Want to Meet in Heaven, author S. Michael Wilcox profiles the lives of his "best friends history," ten individuals who have tutored his soul as well as his mind and whom he wants to meet in the hereafter.
The list includes Saint Patrick, the slave who was not Irish; Saint Francis of Assisi, the son of a wealthy Italian merchant who became a Catholic friar; Joan of Arc, a French peasant who became a national heroine; Mencius, a Chinese philosopher; Khadija and Aisha, wives of and helpmeets to the prophet Mohammad; Siddhartha, who became the Buddha; Charles Darwin, the English scientist and naturalist; Sir Ernest Shackleton, who spend much of his life as a polar explorer; George MacDonald, the Scottish author, poet, and Christian minister who inspired, among others, C.S. Lewis; and Elizabeth Barrett Browning, the prominent English poet, whose love for her husband, Robert Browning, and its reciprocation, are the stuff of Legend.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2012
41 people are currently reading
871 people want to read
About the author
S. Michael Wilcox
53 books143 followersS. Michael Wilcox is an instructor at the institute of religion adjacent to the University of Utah. A frequent speaker at Brigham Young University Education Week, Michael also conducts tours of the Holy Land, Church history sites, Europe, China, and Central America. He received a bachelor’s degree in English literature from Brigham Young University, a master’s in media from the University of Arizona, and his Ph.D. from the University of Colorado in educational philosophy. He is the author of House of Glory and When Your Prayers Seem Unanswered.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews
July 6, 2013
Five stars doesn't do this book justice. I didn't just read it, I relished it! I love S. Michael Wilcox as an author, a speaker, and a teacher, and this is perhaps my favorite of all his works I've read or listened to. Brother Wilcox gives a biographical sketch of 10 of his favorite historical figures, hailing from different cultures and time periods, but who were all divinely inspired in how they taught, wrote, and/or led. His subjects range from military leader and saint, Joan of Arc to 19th century Christian writer George MacDonald, to Catholic Saints Patrick and Francis of Assisi, to Islam-founder Mohammad and his wives, to explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton.
Every chapter was good. I was very touched by the love story between poets Elizabeth Barret Browning and Robert Browning, which Brother Wilcox so sweetly ties into his relationship with his own wife who recently passed away from an illness. But what I enjoyed the most were the chapters about Mencius, the philosopher and sage, and Siddhartha (Buddha) who's philosophies and spiritual discoveries founded a major world religion. I've always been fascinated by Eastern culture, particularly their art and spiritual practices. Brother Wilcox points out how valuable and applicable these practices are. For example, in our western religions we emphasize the importance of controlling our thoughts and putting off the natural man, but it is really the Easterners who have mastered this concept through the practice of meditation.
The notion that God has shown his influence and inspiration through figures of all civilizations, races, and cultures is the crux of the book, and one I really agree with. He uses Chinese philosopher, Chuang-tzu's analogy about the frog in the well to illustrate how we can be like that frog, completely content with the narrow scope of truth we have been given, or we can search out an entire ocean, vast and deep with knowledge and insight that have been gifted in different forms to all of God's children.
Every chapter was good. I was very touched by the love story between poets Elizabeth Barret Browning and Robert Browning, which Brother Wilcox so sweetly ties into his relationship with his own wife who recently passed away from an illness. But what I enjoyed the most were the chapters about Mencius, the philosopher and sage, and Siddhartha (Buddha) who's philosophies and spiritual discoveries founded a major world religion. I've always been fascinated by Eastern culture, particularly their art and spiritual practices. Brother Wilcox points out how valuable and applicable these practices are. For example, in our western religions we emphasize the importance of controlling our thoughts and putting off the natural man, but it is really the Easterners who have mastered this concept through the practice of meditation.
The notion that God has shown his influence and inspiration through figures of all civilizations, races, and cultures is the crux of the book, and one I really agree with. He uses Chinese philosopher, Chuang-tzu's analogy about the frog in the well to illustrate how we can be like that frog, completely content with the narrow scope of truth we have been given, or we can search out an entire ocean, vast and deep with knowledge and insight that have been gifted in different forms to all of God's children.
December 17, 2021
S. Michael Wilcox's book entitled 10 Great Souls I Want to Meet in Heaven is a very interesting and, in some ways, poignant collection of life sketches of some of the heroes, one might say, he has admired through his life. That list includes Saint Patrick, Joan of Arc, Saint Francis of Assisi, Mencius, Charles Darwin, George MacDonald, Ernest Shackleton, and Elizabeth Barrett Browning, to name a handful. When I began the book, I struggled a bit with the writer's style and, possibly, his intention as to the organization and purpose of this volume. In many cases, I found the prose cumbersome, but I believe much of this was my own fault for not reading these sketches in a quiet place and transporting myself into the person's life. The writer admits that these lives of which he touches on could be better described in larger volumes dedicated specifically to each individual, but he wants to tell those stories for more reasons than to just provide a biography. He wants to tell why it was that he admired these great people so much, and how they are personal in his own life.
For years Mr. Wilcox had kept this personal admiration to himself, probably only discussing it with his wife, who he loved very much, and family, but his wife continued to encourage him to write about these personages that had inspired and changed his life. Sadly, the author's wife passed away, and probably from that devastating experience he was prompted, through her, to undertake the writing of this volume of life sketches. As he states, "I have made the attempt because my late wife so wanted me to write it; the stories and truths call out to be told and retold."
This is a volume that tells the goodness of people, and how they were able to influence others through their inspirational qualities, whether it was from their illimitable support of others, their unending love, their courageous commitment, their continual desire to learn, their incessant patriotism, or any other of many redeeming traits. Whatever they were, as I read these sketches, they inspired me to be a better person, as it will with anyone who reads this volume with an open mind.
As the author admits, these sketches aren't perfect. At one point, he says "I have wanted to write this book for many years, but have always hesitated. I don't consider myself proficient and knowledgeable enough to write on the level each deserves." I consider that humility one of the strengths that speaks volumes in this book, as the author pours out his heart in creating these sketches and telling the story of each of these people that he not only admired, but personalized throughout his life. I suppose, that was what made the book so impressive is that it wasn't simply a volume that was written to tell a story, or to make a dollar. It was a book that was written as a message from the heart. I, for one, am very glad I took the time to read it.
For years Mr. Wilcox had kept this personal admiration to himself, probably only discussing it with his wife, who he loved very much, and family, but his wife continued to encourage him to write about these personages that had inspired and changed his life. Sadly, the author's wife passed away, and probably from that devastating experience he was prompted, through her, to undertake the writing of this volume of life sketches. As he states, "I have made the attempt because my late wife so wanted me to write it; the stories and truths call out to be told and retold."
This is a volume that tells the goodness of people, and how they were able to influence others through their inspirational qualities, whether it was from their illimitable support of others, their unending love, their courageous commitment, their continual desire to learn, their incessant patriotism, or any other of many redeeming traits. Whatever they were, as I read these sketches, they inspired me to be a better person, as it will with anyone who reads this volume with an open mind.
As the author admits, these sketches aren't perfect. At one point, he says "I have wanted to write this book for many years, but have always hesitated. I don't consider myself proficient and knowledgeable enough to write on the level each deserves." I consider that humility one of the strengths that speaks volumes in this book, as the author pours out his heart in creating these sketches and telling the story of each of these people that he not only admired, but personalized throughout his life. I suppose, that was what made the book so impressive is that it wasn't simply a volume that was written to tell a story, or to make a dollar. It was a book that was written as a message from the heart. I, for one, am very glad I took the time to read it.
March 14, 2022
This book is a great way to get a brief overview of the lives of some extraordinary individuals in history. The author has researched each of their lives in depth and has a firm understanding of their accomplishments and contributions to humanity. This is a very refreshing read with great optimism and enlightenment.
August 31, 2019
This book helped me broaden my world-view and consider truth as I never have before. I found myself talking about it with everyone and thinking about it all the time. Definitely one I’ll read again. I’d recommend to everyone.
February 15, 2013
Sorry this review is a bit longish. But here it goes:
I love the premise of this book: God speaks to people in all places and times. The truth, in its purest form, is found within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but Mormons certainly need not be smug or self-righteous. We can learn much from, and certainly be humbled by, the amazing people written of here. They include among others St. Patrick, Buddha, George MacDonald, Joan of Arc, and Mohammad's two favorite wives (although I think Wilcox slips in a couple of extra "great souls" here, since two wives plus Mohammad would equal 12). Wilcox gives short, biographical sketches combined with comparisons to Latter-day Saint history and theology. Doing so gives you the wonderful sensation that God did indeed inspire and reveal all He could to these people.
The one that is the most surprising in here is Charles Darwin, since in the end he just couldn't figure out how God fit into things. And yet, I am impressed at what a wonderful, fascinating person he really was.
I suppose this book might seem a bit disjointed since it covers so many divers people. Wilcox makes it work, however, by tying in his personal thoughts.
I love the premise of this book: God speaks to people in all places and times. The truth, in its purest form, is found within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but Mormons certainly need not be smug or self-righteous. We can learn much from, and certainly be humbled by, the amazing people written of here. They include among others St. Patrick, Buddha, George MacDonald, Joan of Arc, and Mohammad's two favorite wives (although I think Wilcox slips in a couple of extra "great souls" here, since two wives plus Mohammad would equal 12). Wilcox gives short, biographical sketches combined with comparisons to Latter-day Saint history and theology. Doing so gives you the wonderful sensation that God did indeed inspire and reveal all He could to these people.
The one that is the most surprising in here is Charles Darwin, since in the end he just couldn't figure out how God fit into things. And yet, I am impressed at what a wonderful, fascinating person he really was.
I suppose this book might seem a bit disjointed since it covers so many divers people. Wilcox makes it work, however, by tying in his personal thoughts.
April 4, 2016
Great souls. Not great author.
October 28, 2020
Because I was actually reading this book and not listening to it while I work it took a really LONG time. Many wonderful insights into some of this world's most incredible people. Sometimes I felt as if it dragged a bit but mostly really insightful. Sir Ernest Shackleton, Polar explorer, was fascinating.
January 8, 2021
I have attended many of S. Michael Wilcox's lectures, have read his books and studied his insights. He is one of my very favorites. A friend gave me "10 Great Souls I Want to Meet in Heaven" for my 73rd birthday. It's probably not a book I would have bought for myself, but I'm so glad for the gift and what I gained from reading about the 10 great souls S. Michael Wilcox wants to meet in heaven. Some would not be on my list of souls, but he opened up the possibility of other souls I would want to meet. I love a book that helps my imagination by creating thoughts and opening doors.
May 24, 2017
I loved this book! It was well written, and very insightful into the lives of some great and inspiring people. I want it in my own collection.
July 30, 2013
I do not give many 5 stars, but this is most definitely a 5 star book! Michael Wilcox is a entertaining and enlightening lecturer, a top notch teacher and a masterful writer. This book is one of his best because it is not just a book on Mormon doctrine or an inspirational "how to be a better self" manual, but is an eye opening view of the world. Wilcox has picked 10 very influential people from world history whom he feels have taught him invaluable lessons about life,love, faith, endurance, determination and other crucial attitudes and values. He picks saints, sages, prophets, explorers, writers and poets. This is an especially valuable book for LDS to read because he teaches that truth is to be found in many places and that God has given direction to man in many places and in many ages. The most important idea that I gained from this book is that as we seek for knowledge and wisdom, we need to use a "spiritual compass." This compass will allow us to plant one foot, (he calls that your "fixed foot,") as you would place the sharp point on a compass in the center of the circle you are drawing, in the firm knowledge and testimony you have of the Savior and his atonement, and in the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Then your other foot, or your "searching foot" (this corresponds to pencil placed in the other leg of the compass)can be used to gather knowledge,truth,and inspiration from as far and wide as you draw your searching circle. He said "truth is too grand to be found in small dimensions. It is scattered around the world. God distributes his wonders as widely as the sower throwing grain. God would have his harvest cover the whole field. Light is given not only in the scriptures or through prophetic inspiration, but in multiple ways. I believe God anticipates....that we will circumscribe the largest circle that we can. May we become an inclusive people as well as a discerning people." I love this idea!
November 1, 2015
If Wilcox' goal in writing this book was to inspire, then he was successful with me. Firstly, he inspired me to look at others a little differently. Look into people's eyes and find their divine spark. Be less judgmental, more willing to accept differences. Secondly, he instilled the desire in me to read more biographies, to find out about real people. I love novels, but I can see his point that real life is always better. I got a copy of this book from the library, but I'm very tempted to buy it so that I can underline some of the wonderful quotes he used.
I, as I'm sure the author expected, was surprised by at least one of the 10 souls he wants to meet in Heaven. It was refreshing to learn of Darwin's love of life and creation and his amiable personality. It gave me a little more understanding of who Darwin was and maybe why he came to some of the conclusions he did. My son first pointed out that my judgments of Darwin are not made because of firsthand knowledge when he asked if I'd ever read "the Origin of the Species." Of course, I haven't. I guess Wilcox is just asking us to open our eyes and find the good in people.
After I finished the book I got right on Amazon and downloaded free books on the life of Shackleton, and also on the poetry of the Brownings. I am very much looking forward to increasing the small bits of knowledge that Wilcox introduced me to.
I, as I'm sure the author expected, was surprised by at least one of the 10 souls he wants to meet in Heaven. It was refreshing to learn of Darwin's love of life and creation and his amiable personality. It gave me a little more understanding of who Darwin was and maybe why he came to some of the conclusions he did. My son first pointed out that my judgments of Darwin are not made because of firsthand knowledge when he asked if I'd ever read "the Origin of the Species." Of course, I haven't. I guess Wilcox is just asking us to open our eyes and find the good in people.
After I finished the book I got right on Amazon and downloaded free books on the life of Shackleton, and also on the poetry of the Brownings. I am very much looking forward to increasing the small bits of knowledge that Wilcox introduced me to.
December 31, 2014
This was one of my top books of 2014...actually of all time.
1. The introduction masterfully outlined the necessity of having a 'fixed foot and a searching foot' in our lives-the analogy of the circle-drawing compass articulated that point beautifully.
2. It beautifully taught that truth can be found everywhere in this world, no matter your background, religion, culture, ethnicity or race.
3. It defines the presence of a 'higher power' in that search for truth.
4. The 10 people outlined in the book are NOT the ones that you would generally think would be chosen.
5. I have used it as an excellent leadership guide with my work team, especially Sir Ernest Shackleton.
My life is better for having read this masterpiece, and I now have 10 NEW people that I want to meet in Heaven!!
1. The introduction masterfully outlined the necessity of having a 'fixed foot and a searching foot' in our lives-the analogy of the circle-drawing compass articulated that point beautifully.
2. It beautifully taught that truth can be found everywhere in this world, no matter your background, religion, culture, ethnicity or race.
3. It defines the presence of a 'higher power' in that search for truth.
4. The 10 people outlined in the book are NOT the ones that you would generally think would be chosen.
5. I have used it as an excellent leadership guide with my work team, especially Sir Ernest Shackleton.
My life is better for having read this masterpiece, and I now have 10 NEW people that I want to meet in Heaven!!
November 17, 2014
Brother Wilcox was my institute teacher a couple of times when I was in my twenties, and his classes were always so enlightening. I have not been disappointed by his books, either, and this one was no exception.
This work is possibly the most open-minded book I have read by a prominent LDS author, and I found that it validated many of my own feelings about spiritual openness. While Wilcox does not stray from his LDS beliefs in this book, he remains completely open to the ways in which men and women of other faiths - and even people who have not identified as religious - have been inspired and have impacted the world in meaningful ways.
This work is possibly the most open-minded book I have read by a prominent LDS author, and I found that it validated many of my own feelings about spiritual openness. While Wilcox does not stray from his LDS beliefs in this book, he remains completely open to the ways in which men and women of other faiths - and even people who have not identified as religious - have been inspired and have impacted the world in meaningful ways.
June 11, 2013
One of the best books I've ever read - I loved every single chapter! I am so happy that S. Michael Wilcox wrote this book and I hope he writes a follow-up book about more people from history that he admires. This is one of those books that everyone should read, especially members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I really appreciated his introduction that talks about finding and recognizing truth in all religions, all cultures, and all parts of the world. I could not agree more with his statements and admiration of each of these amazing people.
November 22, 2012
Michael Wilcox's 240 pages have ignited in me a desire to read 10,000 more about these and other great lives. His brief, yet profound and poignant, treatment of these 10 lives has reminded me of the great goodness in all of God's children no matter the age of their birth or the nature of their faith. I truly cannot recommend this book strongly enough if you seek to draw truth from whatever source it can be found.
January 18, 2013
Bro. Wilcox, one of my favorite institute teachers, does it again with another great compilation about 10 people, most of whom I was not all that familiar with before reading this book. I learned a great deal more about Saint Patrick, Joan of Arc, and Saint Francis of Assisi while also learning who George MacDonald, Mencius, Ernest Shackleton were and what, indeed, made them great souls.
February 6, 2013
Wilcox astounds me once again. Apparently there isn't a word that he can utter that I don't love and that doesn't inspire me. Of all '10 Great Souls', surprisingly Charles Darwin intrigued me the most.
January 20, 2014
What was amazing is the choice of people the author chose to highlight; very open minded. I loved that!
March 11, 2015
A great book, a quick and inspiring look into the lives of 10 people. Now I need to go find some good biographies about some of them.
May 20, 2014
Loved it, especially Shackleton, but loved it all, just a great perspective on how GOd's truth can be seen in many places and how Gods hand is in the detail of our lives.
May 19, 2014
I really enjoyed learning about the 10 people Michael Wilcox reviews. It opened my mind to several people I had no knowledge about. It was very engaging and I enjoyed it a lot!
April 13, 2023
3rd time reading it. Love the people from history he highlights and discusses. He’s a little wordy sometimes describing his personal experiences but I will always love this book.
April 29, 2023
There was a time in my life when I was envious of, coveted, S. Michael Wilcox, but after reading a couple chapters, this book became a force leading me in my continual learning. That is, learning that life in every way -- spiritually, emotionally, mentally, intellectually, socially, physically -- yes, absolutely in every way -- can be healed and made better by honestly unselfish love which was taught by Jesus Christ. Every chapter was inspirational. The ten widely dispersed souls selected by Wilcox make clear that divine influence and communication (revelation from God) is not limited to specific individuals, times, groups, or organizations and that others are always more important than self. This message for me was climaxed in chapter 10, "If I Leave All for Thee . . ." about Elizabeth Barrett Browning whose life changed from gloom, "an immoral thing," and solitude to "the unexpected life . . . filled with promise . . . beyond our dreams. . . . Elizabeth also wrote that people need 'educating into gladness.' . . . Joy, happiness, laughter, and optimism are not always inherent in our personalities or the circumstances of mortality." They "need to be educated into us. It is especially tragic when they are educated out of us, as they were Elizabeth early in her life." We can and should always learn more and love more as all 10 Great Souls taught and demonstrated.
September 2, 2024
The concept it great. I loved the notion, inspired by Marcus Aurelius's book The Meditations, of reflecting on all the people who have influenced your life for good. I love that Wilcox included people he had only heard of and never met, people from many times and cultures. It made me want to create my own list, perhaps even include fictional characters.
Wilcox chose wonderful people! I loved learning about incredible people I've never heard of and more about people I'd only heard little of. I especially found a new love for St. Patrick, Joan of Arc, Mencius, and Sir Ernest Shackleton.
I think what kept me from loving the book is the actual style of the book- No single person presented could get their true dues and the author couldn't spend time explaining in depth his love for that person, so it felt like a one-sided conversation with a friend who told you about someone they read about and why they liked them, but didn't give you a chance to ask more question, refute, explore, or agree. I was left wanting but not just for another biography on a certain individual but for more emotional connection with the author. Maybe it was just too big for one book, although that was exactly what it was meant to be.
Wilcox chose wonderful people! I loved learning about incredible people I've never heard of and more about people I'd only heard little of. I especially found a new love for St. Patrick, Joan of Arc, Mencius, and Sir Ernest Shackleton.
I think what kept me from loving the book is the actual style of the book- No single person presented could get their true dues and the author couldn't spend time explaining in depth his love for that person, so it felt like a one-sided conversation with a friend who told you about someone they read about and why they liked them, but didn't give you a chance to ask more question, refute, explore, or agree. I was left wanting but not just for another biography on a certain individual but for more emotional connection with the author. Maybe it was just too big for one book, although that was exactly what it was meant to be.
April 21, 2019
This was a really wonderful book. I don't read a lot of books like this one, I'm a novel reader. But I have to say this book caught my attention and kept it. I enjoyed learning about the 10 great souls that S. Michael Wilcox wants to meet in Heaven. I think after reading about them, there are a few I'd like to meet also. There are many others I'd like to meet too! And I think I'd like to read about a few of them before I have the opportunity to meet them.
I especially liked how he talked about how we all have people in our lives that touch us for good. Those people that really made a positive impact on us. He suggested that we make a list. I think if we really think about it, the list will be rather long. People come and go from our lives, but they all make some kind of mark. I think I'll make my list. There have been a lot of people that have made a real difference for me.
I especially liked how he talked about how we all have people in our lives that touch us for good. Those people that really made a positive impact on us. He suggested that we make a list. I think if we really think about it, the list will be rather long. People come and go from our lives, but they all make some kind of mark. I think I'll make my list. There have been a lot of people that have made a real difference for me.
April 6, 2024
Quotes:
"We need to learn from one another. Of one thing I am certain: No single people, tradition, religion, governmental form, ethical program, moral code, or civilization has had sufficient wisdom and goodness to set the pattern and govern the world in the ways of peace, decency, and mutual respect. I do not believe that God ever intended it to be that way. He wants us to reach out and learn from the wisdom he has given to humanity over broad sweeps of time and place and personality." (p. xvi-xvii)
"The Psalmist wrote, 'In thy light shall we see light' (Psalm 36:9). I love this brief affirmation that could also be paraphrased as, 'Take my truth, my goodness, my beauty, and find more.'...With the light of Christ as our foundation, our point of planting, we are free to explore and encouraged to augment. We can find beauty and goodness in an almost inexhaustible number of people and places.
At times, I fear that we receive the Lord's beautiful light only to continually gaze at it reverently. Is not the purpose of light to push back the darkness? Is it not to see with greater clarity?.. Solely and perpetually staring at it may ultimately result in a type of blindness that has afflicted too many men and women of every religion and every culture for too long. We may become exclusive, restricting, isolating, divisive, and intolerant. " (p, 5)
"When we study other faiths, eras, or cultures, if we are to understand them and appreciate what they have to offer, we must suspend our tendency to disbelieve. We must avoid slipping too quickly into judgement. We must try, inasmuch as we can, to create the mindset of the believer." (p. 7)
"I repeat: God has many voices. I believe he desires to get as much goodness, beauty, and truth as he can into the lives and hearts and minds of the people of this world... All the world's beautiful truths reverberate in our souls." (p. 10-11)
"Holiness in the individual is the highest holiness of all, the greatest sanctification, above that of temple, cathedral, mosque, or synagogue, for it is in the human heart that God's spirit reign so supremely." (p. 50)
"We must note that it is their suffering more than their wickedness which is so distressing to God...[Moses 7:41] Shook means to overflow. What did eternity overflow with? What was so broad, so all encompassing, so full that even the farthest reaches of eternity could not contain it? It spilled over! The answer is not hard to realize. All eternity overflowed with compassion - with mercy, forgiveness, longing, empathy, love." (p. 138)
"We do not embrace a religious life - regardless of which we choose - to obtain something, though most speak of eternal rewards. Rather, we engage ourselves in a religion to lose ourselves. I can go to church expecting the talks and lessons to offer me something and be disappointed when they don't, or I can go with the hope that I can lift someone and be of service. If I in return receive something, that is a bonus, but I am mainly there to give...
Whether we get anything out of [church] has never been the question. What WE need is not the central concern. We are needed! The critical question is, 'Will I respond to that need and strive to fulfill it?' God is giving - or he would not be God." (p. 140)
{George MacDonald}
"'I believe that God has always done,
Is always doing his best for every man;
That no man is miserable because God is forgetting him;
That he is not a God to crouch before,
But our father,
To whom the child-heart cries exultant,
DO WITH ME AS THOU WILT.'" (p. 211)
"The unexpected life can be filled with promise, of answers beyond our dreams; we must never stop believing this. With Shackleton-like optimism we can await it." (p. 233)
"Elizabeth also wrote that people need 'educating into gladness.' What a wonderful phrase! It is an idea she has bequeathed to us that we must try to fulfill. Joy, happiness, laughter, and optimism are not always inherent in our personalities or the circumstances of mortality. We are born to these things as part of our inheritance from God, but they also need to be educated into us...'Nothing is more true to me than that GLOOM is an immoral thing,' she told her sister just before she died, 'and as for solitude, I KNOW it to be full of temptation.'" (p. 233-234)
"The unexpected life may be the best life we can imagine - not the shattered one... The last may be the best and eclipse all the pain and frustrations of the first...Elizabeth: 'God intended me compensation even in the world and that the latter time would be better for me than the beginning.' Elizabeth certainly created some of the problems she struggled with, but then don't we all? In a number of areas of her life she was far from exemplary. In the final account, however, none of it mattered. Much of what we may presently believe to be impossible may still happen.
The human ear must ever be tuned for happiness climbing the stairs toward us." (p. 234)
https://www.deseretnews.com/article/8...
Wilcox concluded by sharing several lessons he learned from Elizabeth's life and love story.
"The greatest discovery is that the woman you love, loves you back.”
"We never know what life will bring. The unexpected life can be great and bring unexpected blessings."
"Elizabeth knew she was born for some great cause, that she had been sent to earth for some great purpose. She felt this in her heart."
"Never doubt the possibility of footsteps on the stairs."
"Live with gratitude and joy. We may yet have our great compensation date."
"May each of us love and be loved as Elizabeth and Robert," Wilcox said.
"We need to learn from one another. Of one thing I am certain: No single people, tradition, religion, governmental form, ethical program, moral code, or civilization has had sufficient wisdom and goodness to set the pattern and govern the world in the ways of peace, decency, and mutual respect. I do not believe that God ever intended it to be that way. He wants us to reach out and learn from the wisdom he has given to humanity over broad sweeps of time and place and personality." (p. xvi-xvii)
"The Psalmist wrote, 'In thy light shall we see light' (Psalm 36:9). I love this brief affirmation that could also be paraphrased as, 'Take my truth, my goodness, my beauty, and find more.'...With the light of Christ as our foundation, our point of planting, we are free to explore and encouraged to augment. We can find beauty and goodness in an almost inexhaustible number of people and places.
At times, I fear that we receive the Lord's beautiful light only to continually gaze at it reverently. Is not the purpose of light to push back the darkness? Is it not to see with greater clarity?.. Solely and perpetually staring at it may ultimately result in a type of blindness that has afflicted too many men and women of every religion and every culture for too long. We may become exclusive, restricting, isolating, divisive, and intolerant. " (p, 5)
"When we study other faiths, eras, or cultures, if we are to understand them and appreciate what they have to offer, we must suspend our tendency to disbelieve. We must avoid slipping too quickly into judgement. We must try, inasmuch as we can, to create the mindset of the believer." (p. 7)
"I repeat: God has many voices. I believe he desires to get as much goodness, beauty, and truth as he can into the lives and hearts and minds of the people of this world... All the world's beautiful truths reverberate in our souls." (p. 10-11)
"Holiness in the individual is the highest holiness of all, the greatest sanctification, above that of temple, cathedral, mosque, or synagogue, for it is in the human heart that God's spirit reign so supremely." (p. 50)
"We must note that it is their suffering more than their wickedness which is so distressing to God...[Moses 7:41] Shook means to overflow. What did eternity overflow with? What was so broad, so all encompassing, so full that even the farthest reaches of eternity could not contain it? It spilled over! The answer is not hard to realize. All eternity overflowed with compassion - with mercy, forgiveness, longing, empathy, love." (p. 138)
"We do not embrace a religious life - regardless of which we choose - to obtain something, though most speak of eternal rewards. Rather, we engage ourselves in a religion to lose ourselves. I can go to church expecting the talks and lessons to offer me something and be disappointed when they don't, or I can go with the hope that I can lift someone and be of service. If I in return receive something, that is a bonus, but I am mainly there to give...
Whether we get anything out of [church] has never been the question. What WE need is not the central concern. We are needed! The critical question is, 'Will I respond to that need and strive to fulfill it?' God is giving - or he would not be God." (p. 140)
{George MacDonald}
"'I believe that God has always done,
Is always doing his best for every man;
That no man is miserable because God is forgetting him;
That he is not a God to crouch before,
But our father,
To whom the child-heart cries exultant,
DO WITH ME AS THOU WILT.'" (p. 211)
"The unexpected life can be filled with promise, of answers beyond our dreams; we must never stop believing this. With Shackleton-like optimism we can await it." (p. 233)
"Elizabeth also wrote that people need 'educating into gladness.' What a wonderful phrase! It is an idea she has bequeathed to us that we must try to fulfill. Joy, happiness, laughter, and optimism are not always inherent in our personalities or the circumstances of mortality. We are born to these things as part of our inheritance from God, but they also need to be educated into us...'Nothing is more true to me than that GLOOM is an immoral thing,' she told her sister just before she died, 'and as for solitude, I KNOW it to be full of temptation.'" (p. 233-234)
"The unexpected life may be the best life we can imagine - not the shattered one... The last may be the best and eclipse all the pain and frustrations of the first...Elizabeth: 'God intended me compensation even in the world and that the latter time would be better for me than the beginning.' Elizabeth certainly created some of the problems she struggled with, but then don't we all? In a number of areas of her life she was far from exemplary. In the final account, however, none of it mattered. Much of what we may presently believe to be impossible may still happen.
The human ear must ever be tuned for happiness climbing the stairs toward us." (p. 234)
https://www.deseretnews.com/article/8...
Wilcox concluded by sharing several lessons he learned from Elizabeth's life and love story.
"The greatest discovery is that the woman you love, loves you back.”
"We never know what life will bring. The unexpected life can be great and bring unexpected blessings."
"Elizabeth knew she was born for some great cause, that she had been sent to earth for some great purpose. She felt this in her heart."
"Never doubt the possibility of footsteps on the stairs."
"Live with gratitude and joy. We may yet have our great compensation date."
"May each of us love and be loved as Elizabeth and Robert," Wilcox said.
August 16, 2019
A brief introduction into the lives of 10 people who have had an impact on the world. Saint Patrick, Saint Francis of Assisi, Joan of Arc, Mencius, Khadija and Aisha (wives of Mohammad), Siddhartha who became the Buddha, Charles Darwin, Sir Ernest Shackleton, George MacDonald, and Elizabeth Barrett Browning. These are presented as ten out of many who might have made the list. We all should compile such a list. A nice reference book. Wilcox writes clearly and in an entertaining way. I liked this book.
February 15, 2021
Wow. Written to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, this beautifully penned work tells us of the author’s desire to be as a compass, with one foot fixed in the sure knowledge we have, and the other foot expanding, searching for all the beauty, truth and wisdom that God has given our brothers and sisters throughout the world and throughout time.
I have been sincerely touched by learning more about these 10 great souls, and will forever keep my eye out and my searching foot ready to receive all truth.
I have been sincerely touched by learning more about these 10 great souls, and will forever keep my eye out and my searching foot ready to receive all truth.
February 8, 2020
I really enjoy Michael Wilcox and this book didn't disappoint. This book is written in a very thought provoking way. I enjoyed how he likened the wonderful souls he admired to prophets from the scriptures. I also liked how it was organized and didn't read it from front to back but by category-To Love was first! Make sure and read the preface beforehand. I also appreciated the dedication message to his wife who passed away at the end of 2010.
April 28, 2024
I've read a number of books by S Michael Wilcox before, so I was expecting this to be good, but it far exceeded my expectations; it was wonderful! Not only does he tell us a bit about some amazing people, but his underlying message that there is so much good to be found and learned from people throughout time, place, and religious affiliation was magnificent and wonderfully expressed. Fantastic read.
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