Books on Values: Building a Life of Value

Values of the Wise has some wonderful, insightful books on values that are surprisingly unique, though they do utilize time-honored wisdom and realizations. They primarily feature quotations to evoke wisdom and inspiration. They are organized by value: in other words, in Building a Life of Value, the chapter on Truth & Justice features an introductory essay, eighteen pages of some of the best and most unique quotations on the two subjects, and then a closing essay. This book in particular is very accessible because you can flip to any page and start reading; there is no need to start at the beginning and read page by page like you would a novel. Diane Zehr, Pastor of Florence Christian Church in Florence, KY describes the book:

“Windows of the mind open and fresh breezes blow in as you read Jason Merchey’s book, Building a Life of Value. This collection of thoughts and insights illuminates, inspires, and imagines a world where we can draw upon the best of the wisdom of the ages. Ah, if only humanity could live out a page of it successfully… perhaps with its help. It is well worth reading.”

There are three books that make up the Values of the Wise Series: Building a Life of Value ($19.95), Living a Life of Value ($17.99) and Values & Ethics: from Living Room to Boardroom ($3.99-$16.99). This page provides some details. These books on values can also be found on Amazon.com: here and also here (note the cover comes in two versions for Building a Life of Value: same interior content though).

The flagship of these books on values is Building a Life of Value. It is a beautiful hardcover book of 289 pages. It features fourteen chapters, each comprising a “ValueSet,” or grouping of two or three values. By values I mean concepts such as truth, creativity, honor, etc. So what does it mean to “build a life of value?” Though kind of a long explanation, I think the following will be worth your time:

Imagine that you decide to add a room onto your house to accommodate your growing family, or to give yourself that office that you’ve always dreamed of having. Despite the investment, you know it’s worth it because, in the long run, it will add to the value of your home, and it will make living there more comfortable and fulfilling.

Ambitious and motivated, you pull out the original blueprints for your house, and make a trip to your nearest hardware supply store to begin stocking up on all the materials you think you’ll need. You decide to save a little money by having your brother and closest friend help you do the work – neither of whom claims to be an expert or specialist, but they’re both avid watchers of home improvement TV shows.

Everyone is on-hand the next day and the building of your new room begins. It doesn’t take long for your team to realize that something isn’t right… The materials you bought don’t seem to fit right, there is no architect drawing of the addition, and by the end of the first week it’s obvious that your project isn’t turning out exactly as you’d expected. Not wanting to give up on your dream, you keep at it for another three weeks, until the problems on the project become too big to handle. You’re not where you want to be, and it is frustrating. You feel like you’re wasting time and “screwing it up.” Finally, you call in a specialist.

Bright and early the next morning he arrives at your home, where you lead her to your makeshift office in the kitchen to begin viewing the blueprints. In just a few moments, she looks up from the blueprint, having identified the source of your problems. You’re astounded when she turns to you and says, “I don’t know who drew these plans, but they are old and they aren’t even about the addition you have in mind. You don’t want to rebuild your existing house, do you? You can’t build competently if you are just winging it.”

Happily, when it comes to building a life of value, you are the architect. And the contractor. And the carpenter. And the painter. And the interior designer. And the Realtor. That’s the good news. It is also disappointing to some people to learn of this responsibility. “Winging it” just won’t get you where you want to be and it won’t make your life very valuable to you. Nor will you end up being very valuable to others in your life and in your community.

Alas, many of us struggle and fake our way through the design and building process. We work hard every day to make life changes and improvements, not realizing we’re working from a blueprint that is outdated or not our own. One of the most compelling books on values, Building a Life of Value is helpful in designing and building the life you really want to live.

CLICK HERE to see a sample of the interior

I have distilled some of the world’s greatest wisdom into an original approach to philosophy I termed The Values of the Wise. I researched and cataloged quotations from thousands of notable writers, philosophers, artists and politicians from past to present, culminating in all three books on values. Building a Life of Value astutely blends progressive ideals with ancient wisdom. It makes a fantastic gift or coffee table book, but if you are looking for free and for complete, there are an amazing number of quotations digitized and available for search in the Wisdom Archive.

The 28 values of the wise are not just interesting, intellectual ideas. They are usable truths that help people clarify their own values and create meaningful lives built upon these values. Though my roots are in psychology and psychotherapy, my commitment and joy is in bringing the wisdom of great thinkers to life. As an author, blogger, and coaching consultant, I use thought-provoking quotations on a wide range of subjects to stimulate self-inquiry and dialogue. One of the main end-goals for the reader is a unique process of values clarification. Building a life of value starts with understanding our own values since they are the foundation of our actions. When we’re clear about our values, we become clear-thinking choice-makers, and creative architects of our own lives.

“As someone who is writing on altruism and compassion, apology and forgiveness – this book has become very useful and I highly appreciate this valuable compendium of quotations. I look forward to using some of the wise quotations in parts of my work. I highly recommend this book for anyone who is interested in kindness, compassion, and social responsibility because it throws some light on the need for wisdom and caring.” ~ Samuel Oliner, Ph.D.

Building a Life of Value is the flagship of The Values of the Wise Series: is a sparkling collection of words of wisdom, witticisms, and reflections, both humorous and profound. They provide a compelling fusion of progressive ideals grounded in classical values.

This, like the other two books on values, delivers thousands of quotations from a diversity of writers, celebrities, philosophers, politicians—knowns and unknowns from classical to contemporary. They bring centuries of wisdom from every corner of the world together in one complete collection. Sometimes amusing, sometimes poignant, and always honest, the books provide a look at life that will enlighten, challenge and inspire you. Many of the most moving thoughts on record are in these timeless volumes.

“This is a fascinating and useful tour of the pearls of human wisdom. No one could read this book without coming away more thoughtful about his or her own life.” ~ Michael E. Kerr, M.D.

The casual reader will frequently laugh, and almost always learn something. The more serious researcher of wisdom and humanity will gain greater self-knowledge, direction, and true inspiration. Whatever your purpose in picking them up, these books connect us with others who have pondered life’s meaning and stimulate an internal, intellectual dialogue with them. Because of this, they can also be a resource for your deep personal journey in building a life of value.

Building a Life of Value uniquely combines humane and humanistic principles and ideals into a transcultural fusion of classical and progressive values. These profound and inspirational books are wonderful additions to the library or coffee table of anyone seeking to understand and honor the aspirations and virtues that have been sought by the wise and visionary throughout history, representing many cultures and perspectives, from diverse walks of life. From ready reference to profound introspection, the Values of the Wise books on values illuminate humanity’s highest aspirations.

“Building a Life of Value contains an awe-inspiring collection of profound observation, advice, and wisdom. It is clear, well-organized, and has something for everybody to think about and benefit from, irrespective of the reader’s background, tradition, or preconceptions.” ~ Nicholas Ribush, M.D.

If you are wondering about me, the author/editor, I would refer you to this page. You will find some insights such as: “Like a medieval monastic scribe illuminating manuscripts for the few, Jason Merchey is compiling the wisdom of the ages for the many – a cornucopia of insightful treasures.” Michael Toms

If you are considering buying one of the books on values, please do so on Values of the Wise rather than Amazon. If you purchase through www.ValuesoftheWise.com and you don’t like the book, I will buy it back from you. Really! I stand behind the books. As long as you realize that the books are center-left politically and more secular than religious, I think you will certainly be pleased.

“Among my favorite passages in Building a Life of Value are those written by Jason himself; his eloquent introductions to each section demonstrate firsthand just how inspiring and empowering – and timely – timeless wisdom can be.” ~ Christopher Phillips

Books on Values: Building a Life of Value

CLICK HERE to see a sample of the interior

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