Forgetting Ourselves on Purpose: Vocation and the Ethics of Ambition

by Brian J. Mahan, Brian J. Mahan

In the wise and often witty Forgetting Ourselves on Purpose, Brian Mahan considers the question of how it is possible to create a meaningful spiritual life while living in a culture that measures us by what we have rather than who we are. Drawing on nearly two decades of teaching experience. Brian Mahan shares stories of personal struggle and triumph that demonstrate how those who seek meaning and purpose have recalimed their authentic selves by resolving the inevitable tension between personal ambition and spiritual vibrancy.

Genres: Spirituality, Philosophy, Nonfiction

Hardcover

First published January 4, 2002

Reviews

[Emily Johnson]

I really love the title, which is why I bought it. Like a previous reviewer I'd say a well-sourced book makes you want to go back to the sources. Christian focus I wasn't aware of at first, but it doesn't change the interest of the discussion about overcoming social scripts, and finding what really moves us despite our learning as we grow up to ignore deeper callings. Also, honestly engages the reader with exercises designed to provoke remembrance. I think his course, which this is based on, would've been a fun one.

[Rick]

Is it ambition or is it aspiration? Does it consume your life and your thoughts or is it good reason to get up in the morning and do your best? I think it is important to understand how ambition can affect a person, for better or for worse.

[Erica]

I am feeling very lukewarm about this book... I would say it was a love hate relationship, but that's not quite it. I guess I liked what Mahan had to say more than how he said it. At times I felt like I might have fared better if I had read all of the primary sources from which he draws (and I actually have read a few...) The plus side... a lot to think about, that could potentially be quite useful. I am very much aware that I was reading the book as one who works daily with young people testing the waters, trying to live into whatever vocation they will live into. I am also very much aware that I was reading the book as one very much asking herself the central question Merton poses, "...ask me what I think I am living for, in detail, and ask me what I think is keeping me from living fully for the thing I want to live for." It's that latter piece that evokes the strongest response, and that I am feeling more than a little lonely at the moment, lacking a sense of community... I'll stop now... It's a book review, not a confessional!

[Kristel Acevedo]

I’ve never read a book like this. And to be honest, I’m not sure what to think of it. The author’s writing style is smart, playful, and makes you think. I think this book is less about telling you what to think about ambition and vocation, and more so opening the door for greater pondering on the subject.

[Danielle]

This book really helped to ensure me of my intended career of teaching English, but anyone with any type of job goals could benefit from this.

[Lauren]

He's got some topsy-turvy ideas, but he can be a bit verbose at times. A great book to help you examine why you choose the work you do.

[Darren Greer]

Well-written, thought provoking, spiritually generous book.

[Cathy Hasty]

I read this many years ago and it stuck with me with the powerful message of questioning the cultural push to glamorize ambition at the expense of other values.

[Billy]

An intense read for the vocationally challenged, yet it is rewarding once finished.

[David Zimmerman]

Nature's most nearly perfect book.