When I began reading OSHO's book "Joy", I could not for a long time come to terms with many of the thoughts expressed there. The book simply irritated me. I think a similar feeling might overtake many readers, especially those who know little about Buddhist philosophy. Nevertheless, guided by curiosity, I studied the book carefully - through a critical lens, it must be said.
What Paulo Coelho writes makes you step outside, if only for a moment, the daily rush, routine and enforced pragmatism of real life. It encourages you to look at values that lie beyond career, material well-being and social recognition. That is valuable - so you don't lose the ability to find joy each day in the work you do, the duties you must fulfil, the people you meet, the difficulties you overcome.
This is one of those books I read with a pencil in hand, pausing frequently to underline a passage or draw an exclamation or question mark in the margin. It is also one of those books I picked up again a year after reading it. The book is marketed and offered to salespeople, marketing professionals, and anyone whose daily work involves persuading people. In my view it is suitable both in that professional sense and more generally for building relationships with others and with oneself.
I recommend this to those captivated by stories of charismatic personalities and the inner demons that tore at them throughout their lives. This book tells the story of the shared life of Russian poet, actor and bard Vladimir Vysotsky and French actress Marina Vlady. The demon of alcohol that tore at this relationship. The role of the co-dependent woman in the life of a beloved man - an alcoholic. Vysotsky - a genius, charismatic, beloved and admired by all - and dependent, weak, pathetic, egoistic.
