"The Four Agreements," based on the ancient Toltec wisdom, reveals where self-limiting beliefs responsible for human suffering come from. These contracts present a revolutionary ethical code for attaining freedom, joy, and love.

A long-standing bestseller, translated into 52 languages, it has gained praise from figures like Oprah Winfrey and Deepak Chopra, providing essential wisdom for living as peaceful warriors in the modern world, akin to Carlos Castaneda's teachings and offering clarity and impeccability.

The Author

 Born in Mexico in 1952, Miguel Ruiz , despite his poor background, was able to study medicine and become a neurosurgeon. In 1986, he changed from medicine to passing on ancestral Toltec wisdom based upon his lineage of shamans. With her mother's inspiration, he wrote "The Four Agreements," a transformative handbook published in 1997 that became an international best-selling book.

Ruiz focuses on the human psyche, using both shamanistic and scientific approaches. He was recognized with the 2023 Latino Spirit Award for Achievement in Literature. Acclaimed the world over, he continues lecturing and conducting workshops, spreading his knowledge through several books so that humanity will have a new message.

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A Guide to Transformative Living

In an article in The Literary Edit, the reviewer considered the book a popular guide based on Toltec wisdom that helps to overthrow limiting beliefs and unnecessary suffering. Ruiz, a former surgeon turned spiritual teacher, shares four simple principles for a happy and peaceful life: 

• Be impeccable with your word.
• Do not take anything personally.
• Do not make assumptions.
• Always do your best.

Despite its brevity, the book has been a consistent bestseller, offering readers a transformative perspective on life. Ruiz combines shamanic teachings with modern insights, illustrating the agreements with stories and anecdotes. The book's essence lies in leading a life filled with love, ease, and peace, making it a thought-provoking and stirring read for those seeking freedom and well-being.

A review from Growthabit said that "The Four Agreements" is a concise and impactful book, half the size of typical self-help books, practically delivering ancient Toltec wisdom. With no filler words, it offers immediate applicability. Suitable for millennials navigating a fast-paced world, young entrepreneurs striving to prove their worth, and experienced businesswomen feeling unfulfilled, the book earned an 8/10 rating from the reviewer for its brevity and transformative insights, making it accessible and actionable for a diverse audience.

Balancing Praise and Critique

According to a review on LinkedIn, the critics noted that while "The Four Agreements" presents unique and easily understandable concepts, it has faced scrutiny for being deemed idealistic and driven by wishful thinking for profit. Some find the non-grounded spiritual aspects off-putting, and there is a call for more examples to substantiate points. Additionally, critics highlighted the need for more actionable steps for daily life and a somewhat naive undertone suggesting that individual change can instantly fix societal issues.

Despite these critiques, the reviewer praised the book for its potential to inspire change on an individual level. Its story emphasizes the impact of making a difference for one, reflecting the book's purpose of highlighting overlooked patterns in life. The reviewer acknowledged the book's flaws but also emphasized the lasting impact and transformative power of "The Four Agreements."

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