The Four Agreements Are Even More Relevant Today
This classic manual for an improved and happier life could solve many of today’s problems and dysfunctions
In 1997, Don Miguel Ruiz, a Mexican physician, wrote “The Four Agreements.” Since publication, it has sold over 9 million copies in the US and been translated into 46 languages. Ruiz, whose mother was a Shaman, outlined four basic tenets for an improved and happier life. It was a follow-up to his previous book, “Beyond Fear,” and showed how we could free ourselves of a life of limitations dictated by the unhealthy habits of our minds.
The First Agreement: Be Impeccable With Your Word.
This agreement is much more than just telling the truth. It emphasizes the need to be concise and accurate with one’s speech. In essence, this agreement focuses on the significance of speaking with integrity and carefully choosing words before saying them aloud. Furthermore, say only what you mean, and don’t use your speech to gossip. It reminds me of the adage, “Say what you mean, mean what you say, but don’t say it mean.”
In our hyperpartisan world today, impeccable speech, let alone the truth, is at a premium. Much of the distrust of government and confusion with the global pandemic stem from politicians and scientists not…
