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Making Life Rich Without Any Money
In a time when readers have experienced the transitory nature of the economy, Phil Callaway shares fascinating characteristics of truly rich people--characteristics that have nothing to do with money and everything to do with wealth. Readers will nod their heads knowingly, smile, and sometimes laugh out loud as they read about… True wealth doesn't come with any material possessions. Through warmth and laughter, Callaway shows that the best things in life are not really things, after all. In this tough economic climate, readers may be surprised to learn that they may find real richness even in their own backyards.
224 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1998
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90 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
March 28, 2025
TO BE YOURSELF IN A WORLD THAT CONSTANTLY TRIES TO MAKE YOU INTO SOMETHING QUITE DIFFERENT IS LIFE'S GREATEST CHALLENGE.
Emerson.
POPE FRANCIS IS TO MAKE A CONCILIATORY TRIP TO CANADA.
News item, 30 October 2021.
I introduced my born-again Catholic buddy Mark to Phil’s disjointed humour in our workplace. Mark saw I, too, was a ‘born again” believer back in our Big Hairy ‘n Crazy Workplace.
Being born again means experiencing the world anew. But it's like Yeats said:
(Though) All is changed, changed utterly:
A terrible beauty is born.
Why terrible? Why, because though the world is somewhat of a good place, the evil in it is massive too. Residential schools, as I'll tell you, are a case in point for our country.
Mark is a cradle Catholic. And back when I first knew him in our manufacture-their-work-and-multiply-their-rules organization which at least could boast a small pension - and at the rare moments in that big hairy building when we were actually allowed to come up for air for a moment (like catching the bus together to go home dragging our feet wearily) - we talked a bit.
I told him I was a lapsed Catholic who never went to church. Mark seemed like a nice Aspie believer (he isn’t. He is very alert and sensitive) and so when he asked me to simply try to come back to the Church, I did. Just like that!
I needed a good crutch in my impending climacteric burnout. Or I thought I did (though Emerson told us all we need is to find ourselves within our inhuman modern speed). So I tried again to put myself into that old box.
I was, I admit, happy with it.
For a while…
Because soon after I retired I started to Wake Up to some startling facts...
Being a big fan of our own Canadian aboriginal affairs, I started to unravel THE GRITTY FACTS OF CATHOLIC RESIDENTIAL SCHOOLS IN CANADA, through a convictingly confessional and honest native TV program, Tribal Trails. This was in 2005.
And now the WORLD, of course, knows ALL about our homegrown national shame.
And as my stomach turned, so my churchgoing dwindled, then petered out. And is for now amicably suspended.
For now.... Because today, watching the news, I learned that Pope Francis will soon visit Canada, in an attempt to effect a reconciliation with our indigenous people, who are this system's innocent victims.
Good news indeed, just as my online attendance in Catholic activities has coincidentally increased.
It augurs well for Canada, and I pray we shall soon see an easing of our internal national tensions!
***
Phil’s a fellow Aspie, though, for sure. Mark’s not. And we Aspies think INTUITIVELY (don’t believe all you read in The Rosie Project!). We ARE on the Autism Spectrum. You can leave us be, if you like - but don't Mess With Our Minds!
The great Spinoza believed intuition is the natural way to the Truth…
And so we Aspies feel no inner duty to attend church.
We already know where our Heart - and our Faith - is.
Though, sadly, to Phil it provides the heartfelt support that the world never does.
So we know in our NATURAL autistic minds where - when we die, and whatever our habits - our final destination is.
As Emerson called it, it's in our huge and eminently simple Oversoul.
Aspies have the intimate inborn faith of a child.
In this book, Phil in his own way intersperses the Biblical with the real and the hilarious (and this book IS hilarious)!
And it's so true. It works.
He wrote it long before Celeste Headlee advocated doing more with less in her blogs and TedTalks.
Yes, this book - like Phil - is Decent and Good.
I suggest you read it as a painless first step in ridding your life of unnecessary clutter.
You know, as we age the need for downsizing becomes urgent...
And besides, life’s WAY too complicated now, isn’t it?
Especially for those of us who still live in their SOULS. Because...
By living in them, we are already RICH:
In a world too sad for words.
Emerson.
POPE FRANCIS IS TO MAKE A CONCILIATORY TRIP TO CANADA.
News item, 30 October 2021.
I introduced my born-again Catholic buddy Mark to Phil’s disjointed humour in our workplace. Mark saw I, too, was a ‘born again” believer back in our Big Hairy ‘n Crazy Workplace.
Being born again means experiencing the world anew. But it's like Yeats said:
(Though) All is changed, changed utterly:
A terrible beauty is born.
Why terrible? Why, because though the world is somewhat of a good place, the evil in it is massive too. Residential schools, as I'll tell you, are a case in point for our country.
Mark is a cradle Catholic. And back when I first knew him in our manufacture-their-work-and-multiply-their-rules organization which at least could boast a small pension - and at the rare moments in that big hairy building when we were actually allowed to come up for air for a moment (like catching the bus together to go home dragging our feet wearily) - we talked a bit.
I told him I was a lapsed Catholic who never went to church. Mark seemed like a nice Aspie believer (he isn’t. He is very alert and sensitive) and so when he asked me to simply try to come back to the Church, I did. Just like that!
I needed a good crutch in my impending climacteric burnout. Or I thought I did (though Emerson told us all we need is to find ourselves within our inhuman modern speed). So I tried again to put myself into that old box.
I was, I admit, happy with it.
For a while…
Because soon after I retired I started to Wake Up to some startling facts...
Being a big fan of our own Canadian aboriginal affairs, I started to unravel THE GRITTY FACTS OF CATHOLIC RESIDENTIAL SCHOOLS IN CANADA, through a convictingly confessional and honest native TV program, Tribal Trails. This was in 2005.
And now the WORLD, of course, knows ALL about our homegrown national shame.
And as my stomach turned, so my churchgoing dwindled, then petered out. And is for now amicably suspended.
For now.... Because today, watching the news, I learned that Pope Francis will soon visit Canada, in an attempt to effect a reconciliation with our indigenous people, who are this system's innocent victims.
Good news indeed, just as my online attendance in Catholic activities has coincidentally increased.
It augurs well for Canada, and I pray we shall soon see an easing of our internal national tensions!
***
Phil’s a fellow Aspie, though, for sure. Mark’s not. And we Aspies think INTUITIVELY (don’t believe all you read in The Rosie Project!). We ARE on the Autism Spectrum. You can leave us be, if you like - but don't Mess With Our Minds!
The great Spinoza believed intuition is the natural way to the Truth…
And so we Aspies feel no inner duty to attend church.
We already know where our Heart - and our Faith - is.
Though, sadly, to Phil it provides the heartfelt support that the world never does.
So we know in our NATURAL autistic minds where - when we die, and whatever our habits - our final destination is.
As Emerson called it, it's in our huge and eminently simple Oversoul.
Aspies have the intimate inborn faith of a child.
In this book, Phil in his own way intersperses the Biblical with the real and the hilarious (and this book IS hilarious)!
And it's so true. It works.
He wrote it long before Celeste Headlee advocated doing more with less in her blogs and TedTalks.
Yes, this book - like Phil - is Decent and Good.
I suggest you read it as a painless first step in ridding your life of unnecessary clutter.
You know, as we age the need for downsizing becomes urgent...
And besides, life’s WAY too complicated now, isn’t it?
Especially for those of us who still live in their SOULS. Because...
By living in them, we are already RICH:
In a world too sad for words.
March 22, 2021
This was absolutely a book to be savoured....such important, thought provoking truths, uplifting stories, alongwith humorous tales. His books are amazing and definite keepers! Highly recommend this to help gain an even more eternal perspective regarding money and material matters as we realize how fleeting this life is while enjoying how we can truly make a lasting difference :)
December 1, 2021
This book has some good funny stories in it but it also has a good message about making your life worth something more than cash in the bank.
December 15, 2016
Such a good book. Phil is so honest and though there is lots of humour, there are also heart wrenching stories that reminded me of how people are able to endure difficulties and still find joy.
If you are looking for an easy read, this is it. But just because it's an easy read doesn't mean it's has not punch.
If you are looking for an easy read, this is it. But just because it's an easy read doesn't mean it's has not punch.
May 24, 2017
Another refreshing read by Callaway. Such encouraging, touching humor.
January 6, 2020
If you are looking for a "how to" book, this is not it.
The author doesn't give us any profound secrets, nor is it as Biblical as I had hoped. He has divided the into six parts, with several small chapters in each, which makes this a light and easy read.
I enjoyed some of the stories and anecdotes but the book didn't really wow me.
The author doesn't give us any profound secrets, nor is it as Biblical as I had hoped. He has divided the into six parts, with several small chapters in each, which makes this a light and easy read.
I enjoyed some of the stories and anecdotes but the book didn't really wow me.
May 11, 2021
The title made me laugh and the book was a joyful exploration of living and what matters most. Told through many small stories and anecdotes, it was a light read on a vast topic.
Well worth the read.
Well worth the read.
January 10, 2011
Great tips, thought-provoking, inspiring.
January 10, 2015
A few laughs, a few tears...all in all a delight to read (and signed by Phil too).
Read
January 6, 2020Not read. Had a read of the first couple of chapters and decided nw was the right time for me to be reading this. Putting it back on the shelf probably for another go next year.
April 14, 2022
Excellent thoughtfulness for a life
May 21, 2024
I actually laughed out loud at some parts. Great points in this book!
November 9, 2015
Cute, and nothing more than was written on the tin. I love the ten point suggestions lists in each section of fun, free things to do to encourage each of the actions and emotions per chapter. It did, though, kindly, leave me with a lot of warm fuzzies and happy thoughts about those I love.
December 29, 2012
A delight to read . Callaways's style is humorous and easy to read. Lots of personal stories as examples make it easy to relate.
August 11, 2016
A quick read with a lot of puns and feel good stories. A good reminder about what's important in life.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews