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The Hungry Spirit
From one of the world's most respected business and social philosophers, a groundbreaking book that challenges us to question our reliance on traditional definitions of "success" and inspires us to find meaning and fulfillment in our professional, personal and spiritual lives.
Many of us, Charles Handy asserts, are confused and frustrated by the fast-paced, prosperous world we have created for ourselves. We are puzzled by the consequences of capitalism, whose material benefits and comforts we enjoy every day, but which also divides rich from poor, consumes so much of our energies, and does not always lead to a more contented life. In a world that is super-efficient, highly productive, and too often soulless, how do we quench our spiritual "hunger"?
In The Hungry Spirit, one of the most visionary business thinkers of our age offers a powerful argument for reexamining the role of work in our lives and discovering what we are truly meant to do and to be. Calling on individuals and organizations to find purpose in the journey we take rather than focusing on money and profits, which are simply the means to keep us going, Handy shows how we can all better ourselves and our companies while also contributing to a decent society.
As an oil executive, world-renowned economist, consultant, and professor at the London Business School, Handy himself was once no stranger to the trappings and fortunes of capitalism. But several years ago, Handy realized that he, like many of us, had placed too much significance on job titles and career success to the exclusion of his family, friends, and, especially, the fulfillment of his need to become a complete person, not just a worker slaving away in corporate machinery. He set about looking for what he calls his "white stone"--a symbol of the higher self that represents our true destiny, what you can become when you don't let titles and money and societal pressures get in the way.
Just as Handy urges all of us to seek our "white stone" and take greater responsibility for shaping our lives, he also entreats companies and organizations to push themselves to new heights by sticking to a clear-cut purpose. Companies, like individuals, can only grow if they embrace risk and break rules and attract people looking to turn dreams and new ideas into businesses that consumers and investors are excited about. Rather than trying to rally coworkers around a quarterly profit goal, companies must treat employees as citizens, as well as behaving as corporate citizens within the wider community. Handy calls for corporations to take a greater role in upholding the moral structure of society and to use their power to distribute knowledge and wealth to those who need the opportunity to develop--which will one day benefit us all.
A rare combination of engaging storytelling, philosophical exploration, and down-to-earth wisdom, The Hungry Spirit offers readers a powerful tonic for the profit-driven lives we've prescribed for ourselves and an inspiring message of hope.
Many of us, Charles Handy asserts, are confused and frustrated by the fast-paced, prosperous world we have created for ourselves. We are puzzled by the consequences of capitalism, whose material benefits and comforts we enjoy every day, but which also divides rich from poor, consumes so much of our energies, and does not always lead to a more contented life. In a world that is super-efficient, highly productive, and too often soulless, how do we quench our spiritual "hunger"?
In The Hungry Spirit, one of the most visionary business thinkers of our age offers a powerful argument for reexamining the role of work in our lives and discovering what we are truly meant to do and to be. Calling on individuals and organizations to find purpose in the journey we take rather than focusing on money and profits, which are simply the means to keep us going, Handy shows how we can all better ourselves and our companies while also contributing to a decent society.
As an oil executive, world-renowned economist, consultant, and professor at the London Business School, Handy himself was once no stranger to the trappings and fortunes of capitalism. But several years ago, Handy realized that he, like many of us, had placed too much significance on job titles and career success to the exclusion of his family, friends, and, especially, the fulfillment of his need to become a complete person, not just a worker slaving away in corporate machinery. He set about looking for what he calls his "white stone"--a symbol of the higher self that represents our true destiny, what you can become when you don't let titles and money and societal pressures get in the way.
Just as Handy urges all of us to seek our "white stone" and take greater responsibility for shaping our lives, he also entreats companies and organizations to push themselves to new heights by sticking to a clear-cut purpose. Companies, like individuals, can only grow if they embrace risk and break rules and attract people looking to turn dreams and new ideas into businesses that consumers and investors are excited about. Rather than trying to rally coworkers around a quarterly profit goal, companies must treat employees as citizens, as well as behaving as corporate citizens within the wider community. Handy calls for corporations to take a greater role in upholding the moral structure of society and to use their power to distribute knowledge and wealth to those who need the opportunity to develop--which will one day benefit us all.
A rare combination of engaging storytelling, philosophical exploration, and down-to-earth wisdom, The Hungry Spirit offers readers a powerful tonic for the profit-driven lives we've prescribed for ourselves and an inspiring message of hope.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published October 21, 1997
16 people are currently reading
312 people want to read
About the author
Charles B. Handy
87 books136 followersCharles Brian Handy was an Irish author and philosopher who specialised in organizational behavior and management. Among the ideas he advanced are the "portfolio career" and the "shamrock organization" (in which professional core workers, freelance workers and part-time/temporary routine workers each form one leaf of the "shamrock").
Handy was rated among the Thinkers 50, a private list of the most influential living management thinkers. In 2001, he was second on this list, behind Peter Drucker, and in 2005, he was tenth. When the Harvard Business Review had a special issue to mark the publication's 50th anniversary Handy, Peter Drucker, and Henry Mintzberg were asked to write special articles.
In July 2006, Handy was conferred with an honorary Doctor of Law by Trinity College Dublin.
Handy was rated among the Thinkers 50, a private list of the most influential living management thinkers. In 2001, he was second on this list, behind Peter Drucker, and in 2005, he was tenth. When the Harvard Business Review had a special issue to mark the publication's 50th anniversary Handy, Peter Drucker, and Henry Mintzberg were asked to write special articles.
In July 2006, Handy was conferred with an honorary Doctor of Law by Trinity College Dublin.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
December 30, 2018
I recently saw Charles Handy speak at a festival, about his more recent book "The Second Curve". I read and enjoyed this a lot, so when I spotted this in a charity shop recently, I was keen to give it a read.
It was written in 1997, and obviously the world has changed enormously since then, but much of the book is still relevant, and his predictions for society and culture were pretty spot-on. He writes about many themes connected with the world of work and personal fulfilment, and he argues passionately for greater autonomy in work, and a focus on values. He's one of the few business writers with an actual soul!
I'm very tempted to read this again armed with a highlighter, as there's lots of great ideas in here. It's come along at a time where I've been thinking a lot about how I want to live, and it's a great reassurance that I'm heading in the right direction.
A very wise book from a very wise writer.
It was written in 1997, and obviously the world has changed enormously since then, but much of the book is still relevant, and his predictions for society and culture were pretty spot-on. He writes about many themes connected with the world of work and personal fulfilment, and he argues passionately for greater autonomy in work, and a focus on values. He's one of the few business writers with an actual soul!
I'm very tempted to read this again armed with a highlighter, as there's lots of great ideas in here. It's come along at a time where I've been thinking a lot about how I want to live, and it's a great reassurance that I'm heading in the right direction.
A very wise book from a very wise writer.
September 6, 2015
This books asks the basic questions on why we are here and what is the purpose of life. Capitalism if nourished with proper selfishness can help evolve a decent society where we can peacefully co exist with each other. There is a need to say 'enough' and start living in a world of Trust. Profound thoughts written by an erudite scholar in simple language. Crystal clear writing. Strong arguments and unquarrellable conclusions.
May 20, 2023
Hardy explains we need a life that has bigger meaning in life than capitalism and ourselves which he terms proper selfishness.
Hardy talks about his awakening after his father passed away which made him think more deeply about what kind of world he is leaving behind for his family.
I didn't like the style of writing it was a bit bland, but there are powerful points in the book such as our inadequate schooling and education system our unaffordable pension system in the west and the concept of companies as having rights (he gets the reading to realise that some companies are more wealthy than nations and can survive for decades).
Hardy talks about his awakening after his father passed away which made him think more deeply about what kind of world he is leaving behind for his family.
I didn't like the style of writing it was a bit bland, but there are powerful points in the book such as our inadequate schooling and education system our unaffordable pension system in the west and the concept of companies as having rights (he gets the reading to realise that some companies are more wealthy than nations and can survive for decades).
May 2, 2018
To be fair, I pulled this one off my shelf because I was interested in the middle section, which the quest for meaning on a personal level.
It’s all pleasant and well expressed, but for me there’s nothing revelatory.
It’s all pleasant and well expressed, but for me there’s nothing revelatory.
August 27, 2018
My edition has the same ISBN and is by Arrow from 1998 (it has a different cover to the one shown). I must have picked it up in an airport, at around that time, on one of many business journeys... to read while waiting for a mislaid plane. It changed my view of the world and would be quite prophetic. It helped me when the time came. One wonders, twenty years later (wow!) whether the government has really got it... that is, how employment has changed so fundamentally. The opportunities for a better working life are there but, sad to say, they have been denied to many. Still worth a read. On the strength of this I also bought many of Handy's other books - none is as good as this one though... they tend to be repetitive as is the nature of "management"/"business" texts by any given author.
January 4, 2011
One of Cambridge Sustainability's Top 50 Books for Sustainability, as voted for by our alumni network of over 3,000 senior leaders from around the world. To find out more, click here.
The Hungry Spirit, which is a philosophical treatise on business, grew out of a personal realisation by Handy that, over the course of his life, he had placed too much signficance on job titles and and career success. Conversely, he felt he had not paid enough attention to the importance of family, friends and becoming a more complete person, rather than simply an economic actor in the theatre of business. Handy urges us as individuals, companies and organsations to take responsibility for shaping our lives by finding a purpose and applying it in the world.
The Hungry Spirit, which is a philosophical treatise on business, grew out of a personal realisation by Handy that, over the course of his life, he had placed too much signficance on job titles and and career success. Conversely, he felt he had not paid enough attention to the importance of family, friends and becoming a more complete person, rather than simply an economic actor in the theatre of business. Handy urges us as individuals, companies and organsations to take responsibility for shaping our lives by finding a purpose and applying it in the world.
April 27, 2016
The book is inspiring in pieces. The first and second part are interesting reads wherein the author decries the institutions of relying entirely on market principles and also elucidates the concept of proper selfishness. Its, however, in the third part that I loose interest where the author talks about the role of corporation and governments. Overall a good read which I had to drag through on multiple occasions.
July 5, 2012
Not a book I would have picked up on my own, but I am very glad my summer roommate picked it up. I was curious after seeing on the coffee table and decided to give it a go. Had some great pointers on the business world and how to treat employees and business partners (and pretty much anyone you meet) that is necessary to become successful in any field.
September 5, 2015
Interesting ideas on a progression to and advanced capitalist society that brings a bit of humanist advancement from the economic advantages of capitalism. It would be an interesting topic to update the ideas given the economic changes of the last 15+ years since this came out.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews