The Five Secrets You Must Discover Before You Die
Berrett-Koehler, January 2008
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, each of whom was 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.
paperback | ISBN: 9781576754757 | Publication Date: January 2008
Reviews:
"No matter your age, you'll have wished you read this book sooner. Its personal anecdotes and genuine wisdom will capture your heart."
--Stephen R. Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and The 8th Habit: From Effectiveness to Greatness
"Like a profound conversation that lasts deep into the night, this book
will captivate readers in search of purpose and a meaningful life."
--Richard J. Leider, author of The Power of Purpose and coauthor of Repacking Your Bags and Claiming Your Place at the Fire
"John's book is filled with wise, warm, and soulful stories that are fierce with learning and discovery."
--Duane Elgin, author of Promise Ahead and Voluntary Simplicity
"This book is rich with anecdotes and insights that broaden your
perspective on life and deepen your commitment to live your very best."
--Brian Tracy, author of Maximum Achievement, Eat That Frog! and Flight Plan
"Instead of wishing at the end of life 'If I only knew then what I know
now' you can know it now! This book has incredible wisdom from people
who have real perspective."
--Marshall Goldsmith, author of What Got You Here Won't Get You There
"John Izzo has revealed key fundamental truths from our elders, which
he has presented in a way that is absorbing and often moving. This is
not just another simple meaning-of-life book; it is a carefully
researched and edited exploration of a road map to fulfillment for an
era that needs it more than ever. The author infuses personal meaning
into each chapter, and we feel as though we are going on a personal
journey with him. The journey is joyful, heartfelt, often tearful,
moving, but always presented with meaning and purpose."
--Janet E. Lapp, Ph.D., psychologist, author, and host of the CBS series Keep Well
"Have you ever wanted to sit down with someone who is really wise and
ask him or her some fundamental questions about life? How about sitting
down with more than 200 wise people? That's what John Izzo did and he
offers truths here that you can't afford to ignore. Prepare to be
surprised, provoked, encouraged -- and changed forever. You will want
to keep this book as a constant companion. It is a gentle reminder that
it is never too late to live the truths that lead to wisdom, grace, and
deep happiness."
--Dr. Kent M. Keith, CEO, The Greenleaf Center for Servant-Leadership, and author of Anyway: The Paradoxical Commandments
"John has written a book that takes the obvious and turns it into the essence. When you have finished reading The Five Secrets you will find yourself with a new point of view about the rest of your life. And you will love it!"
--Joel Barker, futurist
"John Izzo is a masterful storyteller. He educates us by weaving a
fascinating mosaic of stories that make his point. Let this book be
your mentor!"
--Beverly Kaye, Founder and CEO, Career Systems International and co-author of Love It Don't Leave It: 26 Ways to Get What You Want at Work and Love 'Em or Lose 'Em: Getting Good People to Stay
"The Five Secrets You Must Discover Before You Die
is a magically engaging book: lyrical, poetic, and perceptive. Through
deeply moving stories from wise elders, John Izzo masterfully unravels
the mystery of what it means to live a full and meaningful life. This
book is a joy to read, and it will be an even greater joy to live the
profound yet simple lessons revealed in this remarkable book."
--Jim Kouzes, co-author of The Leadership Challenge and A Leader's Legacy
"I was deeply moved as I savored the wisdom found in The Five Secrets You Must Discover Before You Die.
This book brings to light much of the lost wisdom of our elders,
providing practical ways to live with greater meaning and focus. John
Izzo, who courageously puts the word 'die' in the title, offers us
profound and simple wisdom for living, for getting to the heart of what
it means to be more fully human."
--David Irvine, author of Becoming Real: Journey to Authenticity and The Authentic Leader
"The things we think we know are usually the things we most need to be
helped to remember. This book prompts us to refocus on the principles
on which we build the well-lived life."
--Max Wyman, author of The Defiant Imagination
"If you read only one book this year, please make it The Five Secrets You Must Discover Before You Die.
Dr. Izzo has done a monumental service for all of us in synthesizing
fundamental keys to living a happy and meaningful life. This is
extraordinary wisdom literature."
--Larry C. Spears, President Emeritus and Senior Fellow, The Greenleaf Center for Servant-Leadership
