Book Description
Based on a highly acclaimed public television series, this book takes the reader on a heartwarming and profound journey to find lasting happiness. John Izzo interviewed over 200 people, ages 60-106, who were identified by friends and acquaintances as “the one person they knew who had found happiness and meaning.” From town barbers to Holocaust survivors, from aboriginal chiefs to CEOs, these people had over 18,000 years of life experience between them. He asked them questions like, What brought you the greatest joy? What do you wish you had learned sooner? What ultimately mattered and what didn't? Here Izzo shares their stories—funny, moving, and thought-provoking—and the Five Secrets he learned from listening to them. This book will make you laugh, bring you to tears, and inspire you to discover what matters long before you die.Table of Contents
- Cover Page
- Title Page
- Copyright Page
- Dedication
- contents
- acknowledgments
- prologue
- chapter one why do some people find meaning die happy?
- chapter two why I talked to the town barber (and 200 other people over 60) about life
- chapter three the first secret: be true to your self
- chapter four the second secret: leave no regrets
- chapter five the third secret: become love
- chapter six the fourth secret: live the moment
- chapter seven the fifth secret: give more than you take
- chapter eight when you know you have to go (putting the secrets into practice)
- chapter nine preparing to die well: happy people are not afraid to die
- chapter ten a final lesson: it’s never too late to live the secrets
- epilogue how this book changed me
- the secret to life in one sentence or less
- interviewing your own wise elders
- list of interviewees
- index
- about the author
- Footnote