Part 1: What did you like about the topic? What struck you as interesting? Why did the topic stimulate positive emotion?
The most significant thing about this book is how a man teaches children how to become a man. The book, Season of Life by a highly esteemed writer, Jeffery Marx, is one of the good books a father must read. It is full of lessons which he must pass on to his children, especially his son/s. It shows us the true meaning of being a good man or a good person. It also shows us the value of being close to God and this is reflected by how a person thinks, speaks and acts.
The striking thing about his book is how the author refutes the commonly held notion that men must be have a beautiful wife, wealth and success. These are not the most important things in this life. However, these are the common life goals in today’s western and sexist world. While it is prescribed to go against these world standards, it is really a challenge to be a man of virtue.
The topic, lessons in life, stimulates positive emotions because it teaches us positive values. The positive values that this book exudes are kindness, gentleness, passion, and true love. I am very inspired about the true meaning and the real acts of love as coached in the book. Another positive emotion which the book encourages is its simplicity. The book is a quick read, very light yet it leaves many meaningful lessons about life and living. The lessons which one can derive out of the book can be shared to anyone. This is to say that the lessons discussed by the author are very universal and very applicable. This makes the book a good gift to anyone as well. There is true wisdom which can be shared through the book. Perhaps this is also the gift of the story teller since he was able to capture the essence of the principles of life and how it can be taught to others.
Part 2: What did you not like about the topic? Why did the topic stimulate negative emotion?
There are no portions which I did not like about the book. Perhaps the thing I regret is that it is just a quick read and a simple read. After one has imbibed all the life lessons contained in the story, it sharply stops and one is left with the thought of how the principles taught can be applied and how it can be shared to other people. It seems like a good reminiscing.
A negative emotion I have realized is how the world standards rule over people. Sometimes, even if we do not like it, we are forced to follow the standards of the world. For instance, a child often learns to dream about becoming rich or economically well off, even without being directed into it. If we think about it, our parents did not actually teach us to become rich but we aspire to be well off because the world standards depict a world where money is more valuable than anything. Manhood and male relationships are good turning points in one’s life but sadly, the crowd submits to common expectations and this is why the ideal becomes a mere prescription. It is really a breath of fresh air to see how virtuous people such as the coaches in the book. Yet, they are very few. They do not even get the right recognition and esteem they really deserve. This is why sometimes it is sad to realize such things.
Part 3: What did you learn? Summarize your major take aways and intellectual sound bites.
Various life lessons and principles were discussed in the book. The main lessons of this bestseller include:
Coaches act as leaders. They are role models for the youth.
Sports and competitions are a different dimension and it is truly a man’s world.
A competitive spirit is a strong spirit.
Parents should encourage their children to engage in good sports. It molds their character and spirit.
The more important things in life are those which are hidden.
Life is full of externalities.
Love is the greatest thing in life. However, it is also the hardest to have and to hold for a lifetime. It entials sacrifices, patience and understanding.
False masculinity is a disgrace and every man will come to a point where the modest truth about live and living will be revealed.
Competition is not the same with cooperation. The latter is more loving, peaceful and more productive.
We must not wait to be humbled by life situations and circumstances. We must find the grace to discern life’s lessons even if we haven’t lived it.
It is hard to be a father. It is more difficult to be a role model and a real challenge to practice what you preach.
Man always lok up to someone else, whether a teacher, a mentor or a coach. He reaches for the top by way of looking up.
Sometimes, man does not realize the value of simple living. He always complicate his life with things that are unimportant and very materialistic.
Reference:
Marx, Jeffrey. (November 1, 2007). Season of Life. New York: Simon & Schuster.
