The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz - Book Critique

“BE IMPECCABLE WITH YOUR WORD. DON’T TAKE THINGS PERSONALLY. DON’T MAKE ASSUMPTIONS. ALWAYS DO YOUR BEST.” - Don Miguel Ruiz

The Four Agreements is a small book about how the Toltecs live and think. Don Miguel Ruiz compiled all the information about he and his family act within this culture. It is called the Four Agreements because he simplified this Toltec wisdom into four rules- be impeccable with your word, don’t take things personally, don’t make assumptions, and always do your best. If you follow through with these agreements, even if you make mistakes, you will eventually reach heaven, in the emotional sense of the word.

Let me explain briefly the meaning of each of the agreements. To be impeccable with your word means to speak without sin, and by sin he means doing something that will in the end cause someone pain. In other words, mean what you say. Not taking things personally means don’t believe things that people say about you or something you care about because it is only the truth through the eyes who is seeing or noticing it, and it doesn’t mean it’s the real truth. Miguel also suggests not believing what you tell yourself, because that can also cause emotional poison. Don’t make assumptions because what ever you conclude in your head most likely isn’t the truth and can cause conflict with other people. When couples make assumptions, it can result in a break-up or a divorce. Always doing your best means enjoying what you do because that brings out the best in you. If you have a bad attitude and you try your best, it is quite overwhelming and stressful.

I liked this book because it was short and simple, and I can very easily believe that this book can change people’s lives. However, this is a self-help book, and will only be effective for those who are looking for help and take action in what they do. It is also useful for people who are looking for knowledge and information on the Toltec way.