Words of wisdom: 50 inspirational interviews

I'll confess, it's relatively rare these days for me to take a deep breath and consider the consequences of my actions - not the consequences for the next five minutes, for today or for tomorrow, but for a lifetime. Or for many lifetimes. In an era of Ponzi schemes, pollution, confusion and apathy, Andrew Zuckerman's book Wisdom: 50 Unique and Original Portraits is a much needed reminder. Zuckerman has interviewed 50 prominent individuals who have lived full lives and left their mark on the world. 50 lifetimes of thought, consequences and life lessons remind us of simple truths. That we never really get ahead by sacrificing others or that our actions may outlive our lifetimes. They also address harder questions: what really matters, and how does an individual life make a difference?

The book, and accompanying DVD, highlight the insights of Madeleine Albright, Clint Eastwood, Chuck Close, John Hume, Zbegniew Brzezinski, Nelson Mandela, Jane Goodall, Buzz Aldrin, Bernice Johnson Reagon and many others. They offer profound, well-phrased and frequently beautiful words.

However, because these interviewees are so well known, readers might be distracted from what Wisdom as a whole represents: an attempt to look beyond the self, beyond the present. Zuckerman reminds us to learn from those around us who have spent years trying to make a difference and seeing the results of their actions. Of course, this isn't a new thought. But it isn't an easy one to apply in a culture of instant gratification. Perhaps it's time to take a deep breath and think beyond tomorrow.

More info: www.wisdombook.org