In the Arms of Elders: A Parable of Wise Leadership and Community Building

by William H. Thomas

A doctor's visionary tale about a place where the wisdom of the elders offers timeless moral lessons. The fact that elders contribute significant guidance and knowledge to their relationships is exemplified throughout the book. The importance of community and value of elders being at the core of that community are strong messages of the story.

Genres: Nonfiction, School

256 pages, Paperback

First published July 25, 2006

Reviews

[iced tea · Rating 2 out of 5]

im glad someone else has already written about this. its very... radical communist vibes and i appreciate that. the only reason the rating is a low 2/5 is because it was a little boring and too teach-y at times

[Rosie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good book with tons of metaphors in relation to our society and how we treat the elderly in our society....and what they really need.
The three most common ailments of the elderly are loneliness, helplessness, and boredem.
Really quick read!

[Wendy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mixed thoughts on this one. I agreed with the respect due to our elders and how that should inform our care for them and enjoyment of them. I thought the three plagues of loneliness, helplessness, and boredom can effect quality of life for our elders and should be consciously addressed in our care for the elderly. But I think those are universal issues for all ages of life that need to be addressed.
The story itself was too contrived and too perfect in the world of Kallimos and too suspect in our world. The faith that is mentioned (pg 99) is a faith in the world around and the work of our hands, not where it should be placed in the God who creates all things.

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is a lot to learn from this book about life's journey and being open to learning, about not being so arrogant about what we think we know that we can't learn anything new. I think anyone who works in elder care should read this book and reflect on how they can learn from elders, and how they can make a difference in the lives of the elders they care for. Just as a by the way: the illustrations are a nice touch too.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deep wisdom about our responsibility to grow old well and value our elders for their wisdom and perspective. I am now resolved to grow into the role of elder and not shrink from the responsibility of being a sage elder in our society. Will definitely re-read.

[Karen Overturf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous allegorical story! Thomas is a skilled writer. You can pick this book up as a reader, and just enjoy the story it tells. You can pick this up as a professional, and see the undercurrents of meaning. It made me ready to read his other books!

[Erin Harrington · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this and learned from it but must admit that the parable approach to writing is not my favorite.