Tribe of Mentors

Varied list of interviewees, from accomplished professors to household names. The author asked the same 11 thought-provoking questions to each. The result is a huge tome that somehow makes a quick read.

There were so many things I took from the book (almost everyone meditates?), but perhaps the longest-lasting is a gigantic list of additional books to read (there's a question about book recommendations).

Who wouldn't love to do this? Who wouldn't love to ask the best in the world a few important questions about life? Who wouldn't love to read a book in which the best answer the questions?

That's what this book is, and I did love it. A few teeny-tiny problems for me. I wouldn't have chosen this list of bests in the world; I'm not terribly interested in the thoughts of wrestlers and big business sorts, for example. Also, I wouldn't have chosen this list of questions, although I do honestly like most of the questions. The answers are thoughtful and worth a reread, I think, and I was surprised to hear that even wrestlers can come up with some rather profound thoughts when given an opportunity to speak.

If you are curious, here are the questions I like:

“What purchase of $100 or less has most positively impacted your life in the last six months (or in recent memory)?

What is one of the best or most worthwhile investments you've ever made?

What is an unusual habit or an absurd thing that you love?

In the last five years, what new belief, behavior, or habit has most improved your life?

When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?

What is the book (or books) you've given most as a gift, and why? Or what are one to three books that have greatly influenced your life?”