The Four Agreements
 | |
| Author | Don Miguel Ruiz |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Series | Toltec Wisdom |
| Genre | Spirituality, self-help, personal growth |
| Published | 1997 (Amber-Allen Publishing) |
| Publication place | United States |
| Media type | Book |
| ISBN | 9781878424310 |
The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom is a self-help book by the author Don Miguel Ruiz. The book outlines a code of conduct (supposedly) based on Toltec teachings that purport to improve one’s life.
The book was originally published in 1997 by Amber-Allen publishing in San Rafael, California. An illustrated edition was later published by the same company in 2010 to celebrate the book's 15th anniversary.[1]
First published in 1997, the book gained popularity after being endorsed by Oprah Winfrey on The Oprah Winfrey Show in 2001 and again in 2013.[2] The book was also on The New York Times bestseller list for over a decade.[3]
Overview
According to the author, the book is inspired by a set of the Toltec people's spiritual beliefs. The intent of the book is to help readers explore "freedom," "happiness," and "love."[4]
The central point of the book is that a person's life is determined by agreements they have made with themselves, with others, with God, and with society as a whole. Through these agreements, one determines how they see themselves, what is possible for them, how they should behave, and their worth as a person.[3][better source needed]
The book is organized via explorations of the four agreements:
- "Be impeccable with your word"
- "Do not take anything personally"
- "Do not make assumptions"
- "Always do your best"
Chapters include the relevant linguistic and historical context for each topic. Ruiz says that by making a pact with the agreements described in the book, the individual is able to create a happier and more successful life.[5]
Reception
The book has sold approximately 15 million copies in the United States[3] and is available in 53 languages.[6][7][a] In 2001, the book was featured in O, The Oprah Magazine, where the author was interviewed by Ellen DeGeneres. The book was also featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show in 2001 and on the television show Super Soul Sunday in 2013. The book spent two years on the Publishers Weekly bestsellers list and over a decade on The New York Times bestsellers list.[3]
Formats
The book is available in both hardback and paperback formats, as both an eBook and an audiobook, as a colour-illustrated book, a card-deck, and as an online course.[3]
Notes
- ^ These languages include Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Bulgarian, Mongolian, Turkish, Slovak, Czech, and Armenian.
References
- ^ "Books & Card Decks". don Miguel Ruiz. Retrieved 2019-03-24.
- ^ Werris, Wendy (Apr 18, 2013). "'The Four Agreements' Gets a Boost From Oprah's 'Super Soul Sunday'". www.publishersweekly.com. Retrieved 2019-03-24.
- ^ a b c d e "Amber-Allen Publishing | The Four Agreements". Retrieved 2019-03-24.
- ^ Ruiz, Don Miguel; Mills, Janet (7 November 1997). The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom (A Toltec Wisdom Book). Hay House. ISBN 1878424319.
- ^ "Ellen DeGeneres Sits Down with The Four Agreements Author don Miguel Ruiz". Oprah.com. Retrieved 2019-03-24.
- ^ "The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom|NOOK Book". Barnes & Noble. Retrieved 2019-03-24.
- ^ "Foreign Book Publishers". don Miguel Ruiz. Retrieved 2019-03-24.