The Meaning of Life Paperback – November 1, 2011

Some may be offended by one section of the book where it says, "So what is life about? Well, you often hear that 'life is a journey,' but a journey to where, exactly? Some people say that life is all about acquiring knowledge. If that's true, then why do smart people always dress so badly? There are those who say that life has no purpose; it just 'is.' Whoa, that's just so 'deep!' Then there are people who say that we're simply here to have a family. After all, the desperate need to replace ourselves is etched into the genetic map of every living thing. However, this means that our entire existence is driven by our primitive sexual urges. Okay, sure, a long weekend maybe, but our entire existence? I don't think so. In fact, come a tiny bit closer and I'll let you in on a little secret.... ALL THESE IDEAS SOUND COMPLETELY STUPID!!!"Only 4 stars for the photo of animals copulating (why does there have to be one in every book?). No swear words! I appreciated that! Otherwise charming, like many other books by Bradley Trevor Grieve.

I love this book and have given it as a gift to many people who in turn have loved it and received inspiration from it. I have read it multiple times and I re-read it whenever I need a lift. I have read many impressive intellectual, philosophical, and religious books and this book nails one of the most important messages in a very simple and creative way. Now a simple message doesn't imply easy as anyone knows who has made the resolution to "follow their bliss" - to quote Joseph Campbell. The book's message is as deep as it gets and you can read five volumes of writing to comprehend it but the biblical message comes to mind: "whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it". So yeah, reading this book saves a lot of time!This book doesn't encourage you to be selfish as a one star reviewer suggested. On the contrary when you are happy, you have the enthusiasm and energy to be a light for other people and be there for them not in a gray, life-less "because-you-should" manner, but because of a love for life. You can't put your dreams off and be co-dependent and expect to have enough energy for much.As far as the criticism that the pictures of animals is demeaning I agree that anthropomorphism can be a dangerous thing and as Schopenhauer said, "Man has turned Earth into a Hell for animals" but I feel this book actually celebrates animals with some amazing pictures. I am pretty confident that this book will not influence anyone to disrespect animals.

This is one of Greive's first books, but I keep it on the coffee table of the cabins at our resort because it offers quick and humorous "wise bytes." No it is not the great wisdom of the ages, but it not meant to be. With humor and good photography, Greive reminds us quickly of things we may know and have forgotten--or may not yet have realized and need to see. Some reviewers here are critical because it is not profound and because it uses animal photographs. I see his photos not as insults to animals, but as ways of helping humans visually connect to the animal kingdom with humor and a sense of compassion for US as well as THEM. In my world view, any method that connects humans and the animal kingdom with humor and compassion is a positive step in a world that can be brutal to both.

This is a great book. It's a light read that gets you thinking. I like to read it over and over as a reminder when I start to wonder and question certain things happening in my life. It's not deep and doesn't try to solve any problems. It just gets me to reflect on the important things and to refocus.

This book is very inspiring. It touches the core of your heart. It boosts your enthusiasm and gives you that positive attitude. I have kept it on my desk at work. I have one copy at home. I take a break by reading this book. The photos are very cleverly demonstrated. Like the book says, it is not the overly impressive objects that counts; but it is the tiny little things that makes the big difference. This may not be a big book; but the few things that it says hits you right between your eye. Great book. I have mailed one copy to my son. I plan to give copies of this as gift to people I care. This book will make a great gift item.

We started off with A Blue Day Book, and now almost have all of BTG's books, and every single one is perfect. We've bought them for the elementary school library and for each class my daughter has had, because every year she took her Blue Day Book to show and tell and all the kids loved it. So one school DOES have the best books in the world!! Kids and adults love them. Every single one of them.

If you feel sad, stressed or depressed, or if you just love cute animals, please take a look at this book!Also it would be a great gift!

I found this book years ago and just love it. I have it on my bookshelf and read it every so often. Always good for a smile. I now make a habit of buying it for high school and college graduates. It has such a great message, and for the price you can't beat it. Very quality publication!

This is a book of photos with great uplifting words to match, well presented.Like a breath of fresh air, or a bright blue sky on a sunny day. Bought this book as a 50th Birthday present for a friend and would have loved it as a present myself. This book is a real encouragement to be yourself, live your dreams.

Great product, I love his book and I have had several different copies over the years. It's a really uplifting book that puts a smile on your face. Highly recommend!

good

Honestly, I love everything this author does and this entire series of books. In a world full of negativity, these books are a spark of delight wrapped up in adorable moments captured on film. Brilliant work, and this entry stands out for anyone needing a small gift for a new graduate, or a friend needing a dose of light philosophy, or just someone who wants a laugh. Just lovely.

so könnte man dieses Buch in wenige Worte zusammenfassen, wenn es um etwas Lebensmut und Motivation geht. Zahlreiche schöne und teils auch recht witzige Fotografien aus der Tierwelt untermalen die philosophischen Fragen, die in wenigen Zeilen auf jeder Seite zu finden sind. Das Buch ist in englischer Sprache, aber leicht verständlich geschrieben, und es macht herrlichen Spaß, es so locker udn einfach lesen zu können - ehe man sich versieht, ist man schon auf der letzten Seite angelangt, und gewiss wird es an dieser Stelle dem geneigten Leser ein Schmunzeln entlocken. Ein angenehmes Feel-Good-Erlebnis, das durch die unglaublich positive Einstellung des Schreibers hervorgerufen wird. Eine wundervolle Geschenkidee, und ein toller Begleiter für jedermann, der vielleicht auch gerade in einer kleinen Tiefphase steckt :)