Making the Good Life Last: Four Keys to Sustainable Living

by Michael A. Schuler, Scott Russell Sanders (Foreword by)

In our materialist culture, the idea of “the good life”—fancy cars, designer clothes, once-in-a-lifetime vacations—leaves even those few who can afford it feeling anxious, empty, and dissatisfied. Michael Schuler deconstructs the assumption that consumption and constant stimulation equal happiness. He shows how, by applying the principles of sustainability to our personal lives, we can discover treasures of perennial a beautiful and healthy earth home, enduring relationships, strong communities, work that contributes to the common good, and play that restores our bodies and lifts our souls.

Genres: Religion

248 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Naomi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciate Schuler's voice when he is fully present, not assembling arguments drawn from quoting other authorities. As an experienced religious leader and senior colleague, I look to him for precious shared insights and wisdom, not the reading list of authors we are so very likely to have shared. So I wish there was far more of him front and center in this book on four key spiritual disciplines for a truly sustainable life. I also felt he oversimplified unfortunately at certain points - and yearned for the nuanced understanding I know he has of particular issues, and religious and philosophical traditions. Still, Schuler's book may be a fruitful text for Unitarian Universalist small groups focusing on the question of sustainability.

[Tomislav · Rating 2 out of 5]

28 October 2009 - **. At the time he wrote this, Michael Schuler was the senior pastor of the First Unitarian Society of Madison, Wisconsin, and it seems to be reworking of a series of sermons. I bought it after hearing him preach a sermon once on this same topic.

I was disappointed that the largest portion of this book dealt with sustainability in the environmental sense, and how that is satisfying - rather than with emotional or spiritual sustainability, and what it means to be happy, in a more universal sense. The last chapter does turn to the matters which most interested me when I decided to read the book, and there can be a layering of spiritual sustainability on environmental sustainability, but I don't think it to be the only foundation of such.

The other thing is more stylistic. I have seldom read an author who was so smug about his own self as this. Maybe he has faced and overcome some sort of adversity in his life, but it's not in this book. It reads as if his key to a good life has been to take credit for good fortune, naming it as the result of his own prudence. That said, many of the values expressed in the book do resonate with me. This tells me that a better book on the same topic must be possible.

[Holly McIntyre · Rating 4 out of 5]

In all honesty, I just skim-read this on Hoopla because I found it wordy and eerily familiar. It was as if I had written it myself (although I am a fan of leaner prose.) The author and I are of the same generation and have trodden a similar path of academia and ministry; we have both studied great thinkers, found truth in Eastern thought, and have become disenchanted with aspects of both Christianity and the Enlightenment; most delightfully, we both share a common connection to the odd and wonderful institution named Eckerd College, although at different times.

What Schuler does, that I have not, is boil it down to four pithy and absolutely true precepts. Living a sustainably good life requires:

Paying attention
Staying put
Exercising patience
Practicing prudence

On these four things “hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

I have spent my life to date learning to do these things and I have tried to teach and show them to others. It brings tears to my eyes to find a fellow traveler.

[Maggie Panning · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall I only gave this book three stars, but that being said, I wrote down so many quotes by Michael Schuler that it was totally worth the read and now a decade later it has me thinking that maybe I should pick it up again.

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

When we hear the word sustainability, we tend to think of the environment. Now more than ever, we are seeing the need for environmental sustainability. We are realizing that it’s up to us as individuals to do what we can to make a better future for our children and grandchildren.

Is environmental sustainability enough? What about other aspects of our lives? Can we truly sustain a life of disposability, fast food, and chaotic schedules? 

Making the Good Life Last looks at sustainable living. The author makes very clear that what feels good in the moment or is convenient isn’t always the best choice. It’s important to see the big picture. Sometimes, commitment, patience, and prudence are all that’s needed. In the end, it all comes down to the things that are most important in life.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having heard Michael for many years ad minister at Madison's First Unitarian Church, I found much of this familiar, like a conversation with a good friend. He has his ideas well organized, and believable. The basic idea is to stay put--but in this day and age, many people don't have that option. I share his dedication to being part of a community.
I think readers would enjoy this book--not necessary to be a Unitarian!

[Kirsten Eckert]

So far, I think I will enjoy what I learn but am rather turned off by the author's Introduction. Perhaps it is just of the space I am in, but him talking about his accomplishments makes me feel really small and, I don't know, unworthy. Not a good way to begin a book.

[Yue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't necessarily agree with him on every point, but the message is good: be sustainable. Very inspiring reading.

[T.Kay Browning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of points for challenging a lot of my assumptions in a conservative way from a liberal perspective.

[Betsy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Way too many references. One paragraph referred to three different writers.