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There will come a time when you must decide to lead the life someone else has chosen for you…or the life you want.
According to legend, when a young boy asked the great Renaissance artist Michelangelo why he was working so hard hitting the block of marble that would eventually become his greatest sculpture, David, the artist replied, “Young man, there is an angel inside this rock, and I am setting him free.” In The Angel Inside, the renowned consultant and career coach Chris Widener uses Michelangelo’s words to explore the hidden potential that exists within us all.
In this unforgettable tale, Tom Cook, a disillusioned American businessman, has traveled to Italy looking for direction in his life. In Florence, the last city on his tour, Tom meets a mysterious old man who opens his eyes to the art and life of Michelangelo and reveals what the artist’s work can teach him—and all of us—about the power of following your passion.
Among the lessons that Tom learns over the course of the next day:
The beauty is in the details
Your hand creates what your mind conceives
All great accomplishments start with a single swift action
No one begins by creating the Sistine Chapel
Whether you’re looking for a way to reinvigorate your career or searching for the courage to begin a new one, THE ANGEL INSIDE is a must-read if you want to find true meaning in your life and work.
The break-out business parable that’s already sold more than 70,000 copies, The Angel Inside tells the story of a young man searching for meaning in his work and finding it in an unlikely place: the life and art of Michelangelo.
According to legend, when a young boy asked the great Renaissance artist Michelangelo why he was working so hard hitting the block of marble that would eventually become his greatest sculpture, David, the artist replied, “Young man, there is an angel inside this rock, and I am setting him free.” In The Angel Inside, the renowned consultant and career coach Chris Widener uses Michelangelo’s words to explore the hidden potential that exists within us all.
In this unforgettable tale, Tom Cook, a disillusioned American businessman, has traveled to Italy looking for direction in his life. In Florence, the last city on his tour, Tom meets a mysterious old man who opens his eyes to the art and life of Michelangelo and reveals what the artist’s work can teach him—and all of us—about the power of following your passion.
Among the lessons that Tom learns over the course of the next day:
The beauty is in the details
Your hand creates what your mind conceives
All great accomplishments start with a single swift action
No one begins by creating the Sistine Chapel
Whether you’re looking for a way to reinvigorate your career or searching for the courage to begin a new one, THE ANGEL INSIDE is a must-read if you want to find true meaning in your life and work.
The break-out business parable that’s already sold more than 70,000 copies, The Angel Inside tells the story of a young man searching for meaning in his work and finding it in an unlikely place: the life and art of Michelangelo.
110 pages, Unknown Binding
First published January 1, 2007
23 people are currently reading
223 people want to read
About the author
Chris Widener
118 books30 followersChris Widener is one of the rising stars of the personal development field.
Chris has been speaking professionally since 1988 and has shared the stage with top political figures, nationally known television news anchors, best-selling authors, and professional athletes. He has spoken on motivation and leadership to groups at some of America's finest organizations such as General Electric, Cisco Systems, and the Harvard Business School.
Chris has written over 400 articles and 9 books and has produced over 30 audio programs on leadership and motivation. His most recent book is The Angel Inside - Creating a Life of Power and Beauty. Chris Widener's Ezine has subscribers in 105 countries, making it one of the world's most widely distributed newsletters on success and leadership. Chris is also the co-host, along with Zig Ziglar, of the nationally televised show "True Performance."
In November 2009, Chris began a group called Positively Republican on Facebook. It has now become the largest Republican group on Facebook behind the official party site. It is focused on a positive promotion of conservative ideals. Chris is available to speak on using social media in politics and the need for positive civil discourse in politics.
Brian Tracy says, "Chris Widener is one of the best speakers in America today."
Denis Waitley says, "Chris Widener is one of the brand new top stars on the International platform speaking circuit."
Jim Rohn says "Chris Widener is the leader of a new generation of personal development and leadership experts."
Chris has been speaking professionally since 1988 and has shared the stage with top political figures, nationally known television news anchors, best-selling authors, and professional athletes. He has spoken on motivation and leadership to groups at some of America's finest organizations such as General Electric, Cisco Systems, and the Harvard Business School.
Chris has written over 400 articles and 9 books and has produced over 30 audio programs on leadership and motivation. His most recent book is The Angel Inside - Creating a Life of Power and Beauty. Chris Widener's Ezine has subscribers in 105 countries, making it one of the world's most widely distributed newsletters on success and leadership. Chris is also the co-host, along with Zig Ziglar, of the nationally televised show "True Performance."
In November 2009, Chris began a group called Positively Republican on Facebook. It has now become the largest Republican group on Facebook behind the official party site. It is focused on a positive promotion of conservative ideals. Chris is available to speak on using social media in politics and the need for positive civil discourse in politics.
Brian Tracy says, "Chris Widener is one of the best speakers in America today."
Denis Waitley says, "Chris Widener is one of the brand new top stars on the International platform speaking circuit."
Jim Rohn says "Chris Widener is the leader of a new generation of personal development and leadership experts."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
June 28, 2012
Inspiring story! But a lot of the later bits are typical self-help advice.
The statue of David is a gigantic statue sculpted over 28 months by Michelangelo in sixteen century Italy.
One day, while Michelangelo was working on this marble that would become David, a young child came by where he was working. They young boy asked Michelangelo why he was working so hard hitting the rock. Michelangelo said to him, 'Young boy, there is an angel inside of this rock and I am setting him free.'
That marble was originally cut for work before Michelangelo was even born. But the first artist who received it could not decide what to do with it, so he gave up the commission. A decade later, when Michelangelo was just 1 year old, another artist was commissioned to work with the marble, but declined as well. Even Leonardo da Vinci was asked to consider working with the marble. He declined too.
Three artists - one of them the most famous ever - came and went without seeing the potential in the marble. But Michelangelo saw the angel deep at rest in the rock, waiting to be set free to inspire Florence and the world!
What is the meaning behind this story?
There is an angel inside all of us. A person of beauty and strength. A person who can light up this world.
Yet, why do so many people seem to go through life without really living? They whine and drag their feet from day to day. Unfortunately, they are living the lives of others. Or they let others judge them is incompetent. As losers.
If you have only 1 chance to live this life, isn't it a shame to live it so badly? Let the angel out. Pursue your dreams. Fly as high as you want to be!
The statue of David is a gigantic statue sculpted over 28 months by Michelangelo in sixteen century Italy.
One day, while Michelangelo was working on this marble that would become David, a young child came by where he was working. They young boy asked Michelangelo why he was working so hard hitting the rock. Michelangelo said to him, 'Young boy, there is an angel inside of this rock and I am setting him free.'
That marble was originally cut for work before Michelangelo was even born. But the first artist who received it could not decide what to do with it, so he gave up the commission. A decade later, when Michelangelo was just 1 year old, another artist was commissioned to work with the marble, but declined as well. Even Leonardo da Vinci was asked to consider working with the marble. He declined too.
Three artists - one of them the most famous ever - came and went without seeing the potential in the marble. But Michelangelo saw the angel deep at rest in the rock, waiting to be set free to inspire Florence and the world!
What is the meaning behind this story?
There is an angel inside all of us. A person of beauty and strength. A person who can light up this world.
Yet, why do so many people seem to go through life without really living? They whine and drag their feet from day to day. Unfortunately, they are living the lives of others. Or they let others judge them is incompetent. As losers.
If you have only 1 chance to live this life, isn't it a shame to live it so badly? Let the angel out. Pursue your dreams. Fly as high as you want to be!
June 6, 2016
An interesting little book that can be read in a single sitting. Nothing profound, but provides encouragement and motivation.
July 27, 2023
4.8/5
a fast but incredibly inspiring & motivating book, allows u to reflect upon passion, life, purpose, and meaning to life. especially loved how it was set in florence, feeling a familiar kind of nostalgia :)) critical life lessons for everyone no matter the age :,)
pov: “a passionate life is a fulfilled life.”
“the outer shell has yet to come off so that u and the world can see what beauty lies beneath.”
“excellence comes from painstaking attention to details.”
“trials are what keep us humble and appreciative when we finally succeed.”
“enjoy each stage while you are in it and understand that success takes time.”
a fast but incredibly inspiring & motivating book, allows u to reflect upon passion, life, purpose, and meaning to life. especially loved how it was set in florence, feeling a familiar kind of nostalgia :)) critical life lessons for everyone no matter the age :,)
pov: “a passionate life is a fulfilled life.”
“the outer shell has yet to come off so that u and the world can see what beauty lies beneath.”
“excellence comes from painstaking attention to details.”
“trials are what keep us humble and appreciative when we finally succeed.”
“enjoy each stage while you are in it and understand that success takes time.”
July 18, 2023
Quick read full of little life lessons that might be profound to some. Not a must-read by any means, however I did appreciate that the author chose to write this book as a fiction.
January 14, 2012
I chose to read this book, following reading The Art of Influence by the same author - which I really enjoyed.
In The Angel Inside, Chris does it again: presenting powerful lessons in following one's passion and finding the career and jobs that you love. The vehicle for these lessons is a trip that a young professional, Tom Cook, takes across Europe. While in Florence, he meets an old man who mentors him through Michelangelo's life and work, specifically The David.
The lessons are summarized below:
a) Finding The Angel Inside You: "Every person has this tremendous capacity to be both king and warrior, a person of value and a person of accomplishment - of beauty and power"
b) The Power Of Following Your Passion: "There comes a time in every person's life when they must decide whether they will follow what they want for thir life or what someone else wants for their life."
c) Beauty Through Details: "The masters, the ones who succeed tremendously and set the standard for others, are those who master the details."
d) Your Hand Creates What Your Mind Conceives: "Our worlds are created through the synchronization of the creative brilliance of the mind and the diligent steadiness and skill of the band."
e) The Importance Of Planning And Preparation: "The lesson is not to move too fast. Fast enough to get where you want to be, but slow enough to do it right the first time."
f) All Accomplishment Starts With One Swift Action: "Action is the beginning of accomplishment. Without it, you have only wasted dreams and good intentions."
g) Embracing The Stages of Chipping, Sculpting, Sanding, And Polishing: "We must go through the same progression: Chip away what doesn't belong, sculpt our lives and give them form through people we associate with and the information we take in, allow the rough spots of our lives to be sanded away through adversity and suffering, and then, only then, are we ready to be polished and let our power and beauty show in all their glory."
h) Being Content: Sometimes Success Takes Years: "Sometimes success takes years. It takes methodical action over time."
i) No One Starts With The Sistine Chapel: "Live your life and do your work in the embodiment of excellent, and opportunities will flow your way. People cannot, they will not, turn an eye away from excellence."
A very powerful, educative and entertaining read that is highly recommended.
Below are three excerpts from the book that I found particularly insightful:
1- "I like to view books as a chance to converse with the author. I like to imagine that the author is speaking these ideas directly to me. I react and ask questions in my mind, as I read, and this allows me to 'speak' with the author. This way I am not bound by the limitations of time and space. I can be friends with the greatest minds that walk, and have walked, the earth. I can invite them into my life to challenge my thinking, shape my life, and help me become a better person, a more successful person."
2- "Yet almost all people of significance and accomplishment have experienced tremendous adversity or suffering in their past. Those times of suffering are what give us substance, and our lives meaning. Those trials are what keep us humble and appreciative when we finally succeed. They keep us from seeking simple answers about life, because there are none. As one ancient writer told us, 'Trials produce perseverance, perseverance, character, and character, hope. ' Wisdom indeed. Yet most people run from adversity, and as a result they never learn to persevere. Instead they learn to quit or hide."
3- "Yes, there are exceptions, but for most, life unfolds - careers unfold - slowly and over time. Every stage is a proving ground. Only after we have mastered each stage are we given the opportunity to move forward. It takes time at each stage to build a foundation for future success, to learn the lessons that we must learn and to develop the skills that we will need for the future. All the while, however, we are passionately pursuing what we love and preparing ourselves for greatness in the years to come."
In The Angel Inside, Chris does it again: presenting powerful lessons in following one's passion and finding the career and jobs that you love. The vehicle for these lessons is a trip that a young professional, Tom Cook, takes across Europe. While in Florence, he meets an old man who mentors him through Michelangelo's life and work, specifically The David.
The lessons are summarized below:
a) Finding The Angel Inside You: "Every person has this tremendous capacity to be both king and warrior, a person of value and a person of accomplishment - of beauty and power"
b) The Power Of Following Your Passion: "There comes a time in every person's life when they must decide whether they will follow what they want for thir life or what someone else wants for their life."
c) Beauty Through Details: "The masters, the ones who succeed tremendously and set the standard for others, are those who master the details."
d) Your Hand Creates What Your Mind Conceives: "Our worlds are created through the synchronization of the creative brilliance of the mind and the diligent steadiness and skill of the band."
e) The Importance Of Planning And Preparation: "The lesson is not to move too fast. Fast enough to get where you want to be, but slow enough to do it right the first time."
f) All Accomplishment Starts With One Swift Action: "Action is the beginning of accomplishment. Without it, you have only wasted dreams and good intentions."
g) Embracing The Stages of Chipping, Sculpting, Sanding, And Polishing: "We must go through the same progression: Chip away what doesn't belong, sculpt our lives and give them form through people we associate with and the information we take in, allow the rough spots of our lives to be sanded away through adversity and suffering, and then, only then, are we ready to be polished and let our power and beauty show in all their glory."
h) Being Content: Sometimes Success Takes Years: "Sometimes success takes years. It takes methodical action over time."
i) No One Starts With The Sistine Chapel: "Live your life and do your work in the embodiment of excellent, and opportunities will flow your way. People cannot, they will not, turn an eye away from excellence."
A very powerful, educative and entertaining read that is highly recommended.
Below are three excerpts from the book that I found particularly insightful:
1- "I like to view books as a chance to converse with the author. I like to imagine that the author is speaking these ideas directly to me. I react and ask questions in my mind, as I read, and this allows me to 'speak' with the author. This way I am not bound by the limitations of time and space. I can be friends with the greatest minds that walk, and have walked, the earth. I can invite them into my life to challenge my thinking, shape my life, and help me become a better person, a more successful person."
2- "Yet almost all people of significance and accomplishment have experienced tremendous adversity or suffering in their past. Those times of suffering are what give us substance, and our lives meaning. Those trials are what keep us humble and appreciative when we finally succeed. They keep us from seeking simple answers about life, because there are none. As one ancient writer told us, 'Trials produce perseverance, perseverance, character, and character, hope. ' Wisdom indeed. Yet most people run from adversity, and as a result they never learn to persevere. Instead they learn to quit or hide."
3- "Yes, there are exceptions, but for most, life unfolds - careers unfold - slowly and over time. Every stage is a proving ground. Only after we have mastered each stage are we given the opportunity to move forward. It takes time at each stage to build a foundation for future success, to learn the lessons that we must learn and to develop the skills that we will need for the future. All the while, however, we are passionately pursuing what we love and preparing ourselves for greatness in the years to come."
March 10, 2009
This book was amazing! I loved the emphasis on finding the activities that bring you joy in your life, and then pursue them. I had never considered that you would never succeed at anything unless you loved it... very interesting!
October 28, 2014
Thought provoking ideas from a timeless age and artisan!
August 6, 2018
Interesting book that I knocked out on a plane ride. It reinforced some ideas I've encountered over time (e.g. follow your passion; the beauty is in the details; success can take years, so be content). What made this book worthwhile was the execution of the story. You can probably figure out the twist before getting too far through it, but it's well done. I left it in the back of an airplane seat in hopes someone else might enjoy it as much, or at least have something besides an airline magazine to read.
July 6, 2024
Realmente impresionante, me encantó; justo porque estoy en esa etapa de mi vida en que no sabia que hacer con mi vida, si seguir trabajando en aquello que no me gusta, o por el contrario, vivir de aquello que si me apasiona.
Súper recomendado si tienes 30 años o más, y no sabes que hacer con tu vida, si deseas cambiar de empleo o de vida. Pues aquí está la respuesta.
El libro es muy dinámico, corto, entretenido, fácil de entender y al final trae una serie de preguntas para que encuentres tu ángel interior.
Súper recomendado si tienes 30 años o más, y no sabes que hacer con tu vida, si deseas cambiar de empleo o de vida. Pues aquí está la respuesta.
El libro es muy dinámico, corto, entretenido, fácil de entender y al final trae una serie de preguntas para que encuentres tu ángel interior.
January 4, 2018
I'm retiring this week so this book is very timely for me.
it is a super quick read. the electronic version doesn't really get you in the mood to write down answers to the questions at the end - which is probably the whole point of the book. of course I found them on the internet and made myself a copy. I will try to answer them
identify a passion and your strengths, make a plan to live your passion, take action, realize that it could take a while (and you will have to work at it).
it is a super quick read. the electronic version doesn't really get you in the mood to write down answers to the questions at the end - which is probably the whole point of the book. of course I found them on the internet and made myself a copy. I will try to answer them
identify a passion and your strengths, make a plan to live your passion, take action, realize that it could take a while (and you will have to work at it).
August 1, 2023
Seems to be more engaging in its delivery style in comparison to most self help/inspirational books with a storyline that accompanies the lessons of advice.
Insightful book that really spoke to my current situation, I believe the lessons and advice here will become a blessing to my life and future. By searching for what I truly am passionate about then pursuing it fully.
Insightful book that really spoke to my current situation, I believe the lessons and advice here will become a blessing to my life and future. By searching for what I truly am passionate about then pursuing it fully.
September 4, 2022
A wonderful little book. Wherever you are in life, a good one to pick up now and again think about where you are, what do you do, what do you dream of, and whether you have the fulfillment you’re seeking. Loved it !
July 6, 2017
I really enjoyed this encouraging book about finding your God given gifts hidden inside.
June 5, 2018
Brief and useful👌
October 6, 2018
A good reminder on the purpose of life. Whether to live yours or what others want you to.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2020
หนังสือสร้างแรงบันดาลใจชั้นดีเลย ทำให้รู้สึกถึงพลังแห่งการเปลี่ยนแปลง
July 6, 2021
This book was a perfect, quick-read. Good condensed lessons & reminders for every young person to take in. Every chapter felt like a breath of fresh air.
November 16, 2022
Excellent!!
September 3, 2023
For anyone trying to find what's their inside want
March 24, 2024
A heartwarming and timeless story with lasting appeal. It’s definitely one of my favorites. I always recommend it to others. 💗
December 6, 2025
Very quick read that takes a fable based approach to encourage reflection on what is most important in your life when it comes to work.
December 30, 2016
A cute quick read. Made me want to go to Italy more than anything.
April 5, 2024
Livro incrível!
Perfeito! ❤️
Perfeito! ❤️
November 11, 2012
I was somewhat familiar with Chris Widener from my exposure to the works of Jim Rohn years back. So naturally I gave this quick (audio)book a try, especially as I seek to make my own best possible life choices going forth on past disappointments.
I thought the parable worked quite nicely in conveying ideas and it definitely seemed like excellent metaphor instead of cliche. (Both aren't bad per se, as they at least mean the ideas get communicated.) My history teacher in high school did an excellent job discussing Michelangelo, but was interesting hearing those additional details about the statue of David that I had not heard about and yet still somehow makes me appreciate the teacher all the more.
Also funny too how he essentially conveys ideas (without saying them) in economics such as sunk cost (if your life has been a failure so far, why continue down that past if you don't believe your prospects will improve or it's not your highest purpose?), and to some extent opportunity cost (asking the protagonist if his dad already his disappointed with him, so what difference does it make if he would be disappointed -- at the outset anyway -- with the new path he takes..), and trying to help rebuild the protagonist in the story and making it kind of like a road map for readers to follow.. Interesting the emphasis on planning, but good thing he follows the passage up by talking about the need to take a big step of ACTION!
So if you're at that phase in your life, worth a read.
I thought the parable worked quite nicely in conveying ideas and it definitely seemed like excellent metaphor instead of cliche. (Both aren't bad per se, as they at least mean the ideas get communicated.) My history teacher in high school did an excellent job discussing Michelangelo, but was interesting hearing those additional details about the statue of David that I had not heard about and yet still somehow makes me appreciate the teacher all the more.
Also funny too how he essentially conveys ideas (without saying them) in economics such as sunk cost (if your life has been a failure so far, why continue down that past if you don't believe your prospects will improve or it's not your highest purpose?), and to some extent opportunity cost (asking the protagonist if his dad already his disappointed with him, so what difference does it make if he would be disappointed -- at the outset anyway -- with the new path he takes..), and trying to help rebuild the protagonist in the story and making it kind of like a road map for readers to follow.. Interesting the emphasis on planning, but good thing he follows the passage up by talking about the need to take a big step of ACTION!
So if you're at that phase in your life, worth a read.
August 25, 2008
I had a hard time getting started with this book. I'm not sure why... maybe I just wasn't in the mood for this kind of writing every time I sat down to read it. I decided to push through the first chapter and really enjoyed the book.
The author projects his message in the form of a novel. It's a short, quick read (assuming you're in the mood for a story, rather than bullet points). He weaves in facts about Michelangelo and his art work in the book's teachings which I found interesting. While it's common sense, it's still thought provoking and would be a good read for anyone considering a life or career change.
While reading, I found my mind wandering off, thinking about how different ideas and situations applied to my own life. It's such a quick read that I'll likely read it again so that I can capture all of the ideas that I probably missed during my mind wanderings.
There are questions at the end of the book so you can further explore how the teachings apply to your life. I wasn't too intrigued by the questions, although they would be fun to discuss if you read this book with a friend or colleague.
The author projects his message in the form of a novel. It's a short, quick read (assuming you're in the mood for a story, rather than bullet points). He weaves in facts about Michelangelo and his art work in the book's teachings which I found interesting. While it's common sense, it's still thought provoking and would be a good read for anyone considering a life or career change.
While reading, I found my mind wandering off, thinking about how different ideas and situations applied to my own life. It's such a quick read that I'll likely read it again so that I can capture all of the ideas that I probably missed during my mind wanderings.
There are questions at the end of the book so you can further explore how the teachings apply to your life. I wasn't too intrigued by the questions, although they would be fun to discuss if you read this book with a friend or colleague.
Currently reading
November 13, 2009I love the Michaelangelo quote "“I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.”. But I wouldn't write a whole book on one quote. Chris Widener would, and did.
I'm listening on mp3 and can't wait til it's finished (and it's very short). It's not for one moment believable and the "old man" has an annoying way of speaking. I think it would be a good empowerment book if you are 12 or are not exposed to this stuff.
I'm listening on mp3 and can't wait til it's finished (and it's very short). It's not for one moment believable and the "old man" has an annoying way of speaking. I think it would be a good empowerment book if you are 12 or are not exposed to this stuff.
May 22, 2011
This book would be best for an audience from age 15 to 25. The lessons taught in this book are basic "wisdom" lessons (i.e., plan your life out, believe in yourself, have the guts to become what your heart desires, get started and realize that Rome wasn't built in a day).
The book was worth reading and it helped redirect me in creating the life I want.
The format of this book is along the lines of "The way of the peaceful warrior" by Dan Millman.
The book was worth reading and it helped redirect me in creating the life I want.
The format of this book is along the lines of "The way of the peaceful warrior" by Dan Millman.
April 12, 2016
Creo que es un buen libro, centrado en ciertos principios importantes para el desarrollo personal. Sin embargo, creo que carece de fuerza en el desarrollo de los personajes y la trama como tal, lo que hace que los personajes y la trama sean mas una excusa para exponerte ciertos principios.
Por supuesto, te desarrolla un cierto interés por el arte y ver un poco más sobre las obras de Michelangelo.
Por supuesto, te desarrolla un cierto interés por el arte y ver un poco más sobre las obras de Michelangelo.
Read
August 30, 2011I did this book as an audio book, which I normally don't do, and I found it to be perfectly suited for that purpose. The insights were simple and clear. Things that everyone should know with common sense, which is usually not as common as we think it is, but worth hearing in this interesting format. The ending was no surprise but I felt the time spent listening to this short book was well spent.
June 25, 2023
Really cool book, I don’t want to give anything away so I’m keeping my review short
I rented the audio book. It's a short read or audio, perfect for listening during a small road trip.
My wife rented this book shortly after I listened to it and we both listened to it while driving in the car. It was just as good the second time around.
I rented the audio book. It's a short read or audio, perfect for listening during a small road trip.
My wife rented this book shortly after I listened to it and we both listened to it while driving in the car. It was just as good the second time around.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews