The Four Agreements
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| Author | Don Miguel Ruiz |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Series | Toltec Wisdom |
| Genre | Spirituality, self-help, personal growth |
| Published | 1997 (Amber-Allen Publishing) |
| Media type | Book |
| ISBN | 9781878424310 |
The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom is a self-help book by the author Don Miguel Ruiz. The book outlines a code of conduct based on Toltec teachings that purport to improve one’s life.
The book was originally published in 1997 by Amber-Allen publishing in San Rafael, California. An illustrated edition was later published by the same company in 2010 to celebrate the book's 15th anniversary.[1]
First published in 1997, the book gained popularity after being endorsed by Oprah Winfrey on The Oprah Winfrey Show in 2001 and again in 2013.[2] The book was also on The New York Times bestseller list for over a decade.[3]
Overview[edit]
According to the author, the book is inspired by a set of the Toltec people's spiritual beliefs. The intent of the book is to help readers explore "freedom," "happiness," and "love."[4]
The central point is that a person's life is determined by agreements they have made with themselves, others, God, and society as a whole. Through these agreements one determines how they see themselves, what is possible for them, how they should behave, and their worth as a person.[3][better source needed]
The book is broken up into an exploration of the four agreements: "Be impeccable with your word", "Do not take anything personally", "Do not make assumptions", and "Always do your best". Chapters include the relevant linguistic and historical context for each. Ruiz says that by making a pact with the agreements described in the book, the individual is able to create a happier and more successful life.[5]
Reception[edit]
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The book has sold about 12 million copies in the United States,[3] and has been translated into 52 languages.[6][7][a] In 2001, the book was featured in O, The Oprah Magazine, where the author had an interview with comedian and television host Ellen DeGeneres regarding the book. The book was also featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show in 2001 and on the television show Super Soul Sunday in 2013. The book spent two years on the Publishers Weekly bestsellers list and over a decade on that of The New York Times.[3]
Tom Brady has said that he took lessons from the book in the aftermath of the 2015 Deflategate scandal.[8]
Formats[edit]
In addition to the book and audiobook, there is also an eBook, a four-color illustrated book, a card-deck, a companion book, and an online course available.[3]
Notes[edit]
- ^ These languages include Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Bulgarian, Mongolian, Turkish, Slovak, Czech, and Armenian.
References[edit]
- ^ "Books & Card Decks". don Miguel Ruiz. Retrieved 2019-03-24.
- ^ Werris, Wendy (Apr 18, 2013). "'The Four Agreements' Gets a Boost From Oprah's 'Super Soul Sunday'". www.publishersweekly.com. Retrieved 2019-03-24.
- ^ a b c d e "Amber-Allen Publishing | The Four Agreements". Retrieved 2019-03-24.
- ^ Ruiz, Don Miguel; Mills, Janet (7 November 1997). The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom (A Toltec Wisdom Book). Hay House. ISBN 1878424319.
- ^ "Ellen DeGeneres Sits Down with The Four Agreements Author don Miguel Ruiz". Oprah.com. Retrieved 2019-03-24.
- ^ "The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom|NOOK Book". Barnes & Noble. Retrieved 2019-03-24.
- ^ "Foreign Book Publishers". don Miguel Ruiz. Retrieved 2019-03-24.
- ^ Volin, Ben (2 February 2021). "Even as he reaches Super Bowl, Tom Brady take the high road with Patriots". Boston Globe. Retrieved 3 February 2021.