Wayne W. Dyer is a legend in the self-help book world. He has written over twenty books, many of which I have read - he is fantastic and I recommend any of his books very highly. I will probably review quite a few of his, but I will start with a simple one which I really enjoy, and which inspires me daily.

Wisdom of the Ages is a collection of essays written by Wayne, each modelled upon a saying, thought or poem by a famous "teacher" in history. Wayne takes 60 famous scholars, scientists, philosophers, poets and statesmen, and analyses a piece of their writing, and what it means on a spiritual, emotional and mental level.

This book highlights and celebrates the words and thoughts of people like Mother Teresa, William Shakespeare, Walt Whitman and Martin Luther King, Jr. Each of these "teachers" has inspired humanity in some way, and Wayne W. Dyer takes one piece of their work, and exposes its underbelly for us to appreciate, and inevitably learn a valuable lesson from.

One of my favourite entries, entitled "Hope", begins with a thought from the famous Renaissance artist Michelangelo:

             The greatest danger
             for most of us
             is not that our aim is
             too high
             and we miss it,
             but that it is
             too low
             and we reach it.

Wayne's message to us from the inspiration of Michelangelo is that we can create whatever we desire, so never aim too low or think too small. If we think we will not achieve something, we won't. If we believe we will fail, we will. How amazingly simple is that? But how many times have we said to ourselves "oh, I'll never be able to do that". Self-defeating. We create what we think. It's as simple as that. Keep hope alive, Wayne says. Makes sense.

Not only does Wayne take the deep message from these writings and break them down into inspirational essays, he also provides some information on each writer and their life. This helps get you inside the author's mind and heart, and makes his or her message that much more inspiring.

For example, I didn't know that the famous English poet John Milton lost his eyesight in his early 40's, and had to dictate his poetry - understandably much harder in the 1600's than today. Milton's entry, the poem "On Time", explores the theme of "time as an enemy", and that really, in the end, we simply grow old and die. Harsh to think, but reality nonetheless. Wayne asks us to think about our physical self and possessions in life. He says "time has only leased them to you". Wayne suggests we make peace with time, and realize we are eternal beings - and to not fear time by living in truth, peace and love.

This book is great to have on your bedside table, to pick up and read an entry whenever you need to feel inspired. Wayne W. Dyer's messages are simple and beautiful. I feel truly inspired when I read his words, so I will leave you with some thoughts of his...

    By all means hang on to the awe, and appreciate
    every moment of life and every molecule of creation.
    But somewhere, deep down inside you, in a tiny
    corner of your awareness, know for certain that
    there is one divine presence at work in you and in
    the entire universe as well, and that it never makes
    a mistake, despite what you may have come to
    believe over the years.

Namaste (I honor the place in you where we are all one).


Jodie Lindley