#1 New York Times Bestseller • More than 1.5 Million Copies Sold
Thomas Moore's now classic work provides a powerful spiritual message for our troubled times.
In Care of the Soul readers are presented with a revolutionary approach to thinking about daily life—everyday activities, events, problems and creative opportunities—and a therapeutic lifestyle is proposed that focuses on looking more deeply into emotional problems and learning how to sense sacredness in even ordinary things.
Basing his writing on the ancient model of ""care of the soul""—which provided a religious context for viewing the everyday events of life—Moore brings ""care of the soul"" into the 21st century. Promising to deepen and broaden the reader's perspective on his or her own life experiences, Moore draws on his own life as a therapist practicing ""care of the soul,"" as well as his studies of the world's religions and his work in music and art, to create this inspirational guide that examines the connections between spirituality and the problems of individuals and society.
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"My brother-in-law gave me this book. It sat on my shelf for several years before I got around to reading it. Maybe I needed to wait. Because when I did read, I was hooked by the first paragraph. It is not the normal self help book. In fact, it's not a self help book at all (although, that's where you'll find it in the library). It doesn't give you answers. It's the questions that are important. He explores archetypes: character, situation, story lines...just to name a few. He expores myths, too. I find echoes of Joseph Campbell and Robert Bly in all his writings. I'm lucky because he seems to be speaking directly to me. That kind of author. I've used some of his other stuff in my Humanities class, as well as my AP classes studying Thoreau and Emerson. Read with an open mind that is inquisitive and you'll be surprised what will happen."
— Tim (5 out of 5 stars)
“From time to time I’ve been jolted by an extraordinary book which stops my world. It forces me to look at reality in a different way—a more expansive and meaningful way. It has provided a missing piece for me.”
— John Bradshaw, author of Homecoming“The sincerity, intelligence and style—so beautifully clean—of Tom Moore’s Care of the Soul truly moved me. The book’s got strength and class and soul, and I suspect may last longer than psychology itself.”
— James Hillman, author of Re-Visioning Psychology“This book just may help you give up the futile quest for salvation and get down to the possible task of taking care of your soul. A modest, and therefore marvelous, book about the life of the spirit.”
— Sam Keen, author of Fire in the Belly“Thoughtful, eloquent, inspiring.”
— San Francisco Chronicle" This is a wonderful book, I read it when it first came out, but didn't really relate. All these years later is has been a completely different experience. This book is full of wisdom, but is very accessible. Thomas Moore uses interesting stories to illustrate his points. I also loved the voice of the narrator, it suited the text beautifully. Highly recommended. "
— Maz, 2/23/2024" I read this a while ago and am re-reading passages now. This is one of my favorite books and is a nurturing and comforting read. "
— Haverly, 2/18/2014" A comprehensive, warm guide to human fulfilment through the interesting path between classical mythology and modern social ideals. "
— Ryan, 1/12/2014" This is my second reading of Care of the Soul and probably not the last. Everyday life includes a fair amount of personal and societal distress, which Moore illuminates in part by using myths. He believes that, in general, whatever emotional issues raise themselves, a person should pay attention and try to gain self-knowledge from them, rather than medicating them away. All aspects of life have a shadow side which, if acknowledged and understood, deepens one's appreciation of self and others. As a person who is not deeply introspective, I find this book tough sledding sometimes, and the process of self-discovery requires commitment and work. I expect to revisit this book through the years. "
— Nell, 1/8/2014" Reread in 2012. Had more meaning to me this time. Think I originally read it in 2010 or earlier and part of my spiritual studies classes. "
— Dorlene, 1/7/2014" I couldn't finish it. It was taking too long to digest. I didn't agree with all of the author's beliefs. "
— Cari, 12/17/2013" What an amazing book. For anyone interested in adding or enhancing a spiritual dimension to everyday living and deriving the riches of this. Moore's best book to date in my opinion. "
— Anders, 12/13/2013" Lovely! If Ralph Waldo Emerson and Joseph Campbell were able to collaborate, this is the book they would write. "
— Celeste, 11/30/2013" Thomas Moore has those thoughtful words that show how language has great power, not just to writers, but even to those who don't know consciously, who aren't awake. "
— Lori, 11/9/2013" Way too deep for me at this moment! "
— Diane, 10/24/2013" Very helpful way of understanding ourselves and our journey. "
— Dianne, 10/16/2013" An inspiring book that was quickly read. The writing style was comforting and articulate. Moore describes an alternative way of living a full life; one which I find appealing. Keep a pencil handy as there are many one liners worth underlining. "
— Levi, 9/28/2013" You have to read this more than once to understand and begin to have appreciation towards what this book has to offer. It's difficult to read but there's a lot of great things to learn from this book. "
— Agner, 9/20/2013" A very good book that I continually pick up to re-read excerpts from it time and time again. "
— Gail, 9/11/2013" Beautifully written and spiritually generic, Moore's book could be good inspiration to any faith. Not particularly meaty. "
— July, 8/4/2013" This book blends psychology, mythology, and spirituality in a discussion about the soul, or rather, our connectedness to everything. "
— Meadow, 5/7/2013" How mythology can help us to understand ourselves. "
— Robert, 4/6/2013" My favorite spiritual book. "
— Crystal, 3/29/2013" I love this book - and actually this is one I have reread a few times. I am not so patient with other books. "
— Fiona, 3/14/2013" Deep and dense. Almost gave up on it early on but so glad I continued. Relies heavily on traditional religions but is not a "religious" book. Mind-expanding and challenging to ordinary thought. Plan on multiple reads to fully absorb. "
— Melanie, 2/2/2013" A book that is never 'read' "
— Jean, 1/15/2013" The best book of 2008 for me (I know it was published in 1992). Strikes at the essence of the meaning of life as a human being. I felt nurtured and quickened by its message. "
— Rick, 7/12/2012" Shines light on and validates what's really important in this life. Artful. "
— Stephanie, 7/6/2012" A very deep book. Certainly not a quick read. "
— Katie, 6/17/2012" The author discusses reasons for and methods of "caring" for our souls. This is insightful material, especially when combined with Christ's teachings. "
— Rae, 2/3/2012" It took two tries to finish this book but I love it and I'll read it again. It is not particularly easy to read and references a lot of historical literature, but that actually makes it a nice break from super easy to read answer to everything books. "
— Donna, 9/19/2011" I read this a while ago and am re-reading passages now. This is one of my favorite books and is a nurturing and comforting read. "
— Haverly, 5/4/2011" This book changed my life. I met Thomas Moore and was as impressed by him as his work. "
— Mindy, 3/5/2011" Outstanding. I think I'd categorize this as philosophy/theology/psychology, and I have a feeling this is a book I'll revisit throughout my life. "
— Vrinda, 2/1/2011" Thought-provoking in places, if a little too traditional in POV. "
— Ann, 1/2/2011" I read this years ago, but still remember it. It had some of the pitfalls of many "self-help" books, but some of it resonated with me. "
— Traci, 11/16/2010" Saved my life when going through a very difficult and dark time. "
— Sarah, 10/3/2010" Not what I was expecting or hoping for based on the title. "
— Irene, 9/27/2010" I read this during a particularly difficult point in my life. I can't recommend it highly enough for putting life and self back in perspective. "
— Cathi, 8/10/2010" This book is a little heavy on Greek/Roman mythology for me; though I do like the chapter on depression and Saturn... Will update more once I make it through the book entirely. "
— Suzie, 8/4/2010" Wow... and the book looked so Catholic. Now I can see why a Thelemite recommended it (Dr. Shoemaker from Living Thelema/Speech in the Silence podcast). This is NOT a psychology book, its not a religious book, its not "self-help," -- its something wonderful AND twisty. Wow. "
— Keith, 7/11/2010" a gift from a dearest friend "
— pjr8888, 7/3/2010" A Catholic priest cum Jungian analyst, the author has a somewhat limited view of psychotherapy and healing. "
— Sandra, 6/12/2010Thomas Moore is the author of more than ten books, including Care of the Soul, which spent forty-six weeks on the bestseller list. He is a leading writer and lecturer throughout North America and Europe on archetypal psychology, mythology, and imagination. He lived as a Catholic monk for twelve years and has degrees in theology, musicology, and philosophy.