Leading Lives That Matter: What We Should Do and Who We Should Be

by Mark R. Schwehn (Editor)

Leading Lives That Matter draws together a wide range of texts -- including fiction, autobiography, and philosophy -- offering challenge and insight to those who are thinking about what to do with their lives. Instead of giving prescriptive advice, Mark Schwehn and Dorothy Bass approach the subject of vocation as an ongoing conversation. They include in this conversation some of the Western tradition's best writings on human life -- its meaning, purpose, and significance -- ranging from ancient Greek poetry to contemporary fiction. Including Leo Tolstoy's novella The Death of Ivan Ilych as an extended epilogue, this volume will help readers clarify and deepen how they think about their own lives.

Genres: Philosophy, School, Academic, Nonfiction, Anthologies

Paperback

First published April 25, 2006

About the author

Mark Schwehn was Professor of Humanities at Valparaiso University, where he also served as Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs. He was a 2014/2015 resident scholar at the Collegeville Institute.

Schwehn attained a Bachelor of Arts in History and Philosophy from Valparaiso University and a Doctor of Philosophy in History and Humanities from Stanford University, where his doctoral dissertation won the 1978 Allan Nevins Prize, awarded annually by the Society of American Historians to the most distinguished PhD thesis in the field of American History.

Reviews

[Cameron · Rating 4 out of 5]

A imaginative and well-framed anthology. The author's questions and guiding through the readings is extremely fair and opens up the reader to reflection. Most of the readings are exciting and thought provoking.

The second half, which consists of small readings framed by questions like "Is a balanced life possible?", is the better half. I would recommend a reader who is short on time to glance through the topic questions and pick the one that most interests her/him.

I intend to use this book in conversation with those around me. The writings chosen I also want to further explore.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you looking for a single volume with a great collection of essays to spark thoughts & discussion about the purpose of life?
This is it.
Defining terms of authenticity and vocation, then asking tough questions about what we should do with our lives, Bass & Schwehn have pulled together an amazing set of readings.
With sections that focus on questions such as: Are some lives are more significant than others? Are our jobs the most important source of our identities? and Should I follow my talents in choosing how to make my living? This volume strives to apply words from some of the greatest thinkers to questions we all have, particularly in college.

Don't just abstractly discuss philosophy, let's apply it to questions I actually have! What a concept! Why doesn't every college require this kind of reading?

[Luke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ambitious, heavy stuff! This is a collection of writings by the likes of C.S. Lewis, William James, Homer, Malcolm X, Willa Cather, Matt Damon + Ben Affleck, Tolstoy, Aristotle, and other mental midgets. The editors organize the book according to questions like Must my job be the primary source of my identity?, Is a balanced life possible and preferable to a life focused primarily on work?, To whom should I listen?, and How shall I tell my life story? The editors (both div school profs?) do a nice job of introducing each writing and suggesting questions for discussion. A minister friend of mine uses it to find sermon ideas. This would make an excellent college graduation gift.

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great collection of essays dealing with one of the ultimate questions: what is a good life? Many of the essays deal with vocation and our attitudes towards work. The essays predominantly approach the question from a Western perspective. It would have been nice to have included essays from other cultures to get a more global perspective. Well worth the read, especially if you are looking for answers about what to do with your life.

[Alix Stricklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the selection of writings. This reminded me of some authors that I'd like to go back and re-read - - and introduced me to some new ones. Whether I agreed with their particular stance or not, it was certainly thought provoking. I really enjoyed it. NOT an easy read, though!

[Bri_laughs_a_lot. · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I didn't get to read the entire book, only select readings for class, what I did read was very good. This was by far one of the best textbooks I've had and, even though some of the pieces were quite antiquated and slightly difficult, the message portrayed was always clear.

[Kelsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just joined the Twin Cities Valparaiso Christ College alumni book club and this is our main reading. We'll see how it goes...

[Gwyneth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Admittedly have not read the whole thing- a bit dense but good themes and could be read in portions. May continue working on it.

[Penelope · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never would have read this book if it had not been required reading for my class. I am so glad it was required.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to read this book for a class and found that there were a number of very good texts selected. This book does have a large religious aspect to it as well though, which some people may not enjoy.

[Mckinley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Collection of works to foster thinking.