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30 Lessons for Living

Tried and True Advice from the Wisest Americans

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About this listen

More than 1,000 extraordinary Americans share their stories and the wisdom they have gained on living, loving, and finding happiness. After a chance encounter with an extraordinary 90-year-old woman, renowned gerontologist Karl Pillemer began to wonder what older people know about life that the rest of us don't. His quest led him to interview more than one thousand Americans over the age of 65 to seek their counsel on all the big issues- children, marriage, money, career, aging. Their moving stories and uncompromisingly honest answers often surprised him. And he found that he consistently heard advice that pointed to these thirty lessons for living. Here he weaves their personal recollections of difficulties overcome and lives well lived into a timeless book filled with the hard-won advice these older Americans wish someone had given them when they were young. Like This I Believe, StoryCorps's Listening Is an Act of Love, and Tuesdays with Morrie, 30 Lessons for Living is a book to keep and to give. Offering clear advice toward a more fulfilling life, it is as useful as it is inspiring.

©2011 Karl Pillemer Ph.D. (P)2011 Gildan Media Corp Aging & Longevity Gerontology Personal Development Personal Success Social Sciences Inspiring

Critic reviews

"As he dispenses concrete, practical advice on how to make the most of our lives, Cornell gerontologist Pillemer turns for answers to our elders. Giving familiar advice a new spin by mining the rich resource of older Americans, Pillemer offers a refreshing, smart wakeup call about getting your priorities straight and living right." ( Publishers Weekly)
"The author skillfully weaves a prevailing theme (e.g., parenting, aging fearlessly) with self-disclosing statements from interviewees to create a compelling, inspirational book." ( Library Journal (starred))
All stars
Most relevant
Very interesting and inspiring book. Highly recommend to everyone. Make you re-think what’s important in life

Love it

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30 Lessons for Living is one of the best books I have come across. It offers profound wisdom drawn from the real-life experiences of older adults, providing invaluable lessons on marriage, work, happiness, aging, and regrets. The insights shared are timeless and deeply meaningful, making this a book that everyone can benefit from. The advice is practical, heartfelt, and often eye-opening, encouraging readers to focus on what truly matters in life. I’d love to revisit this book multiple times, as each reading offers new perspectives and deeper understanding. It’s a must-read for anyone seeking guidance on living a fulfilling and meaningful life.

30 Lessons for Living is one of the best books I have come across

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Wasn't sure if this book would be entertaining but I honestly believe that it's opened my eyes a little bit to some things. It's a really fascinating book to hear about people's lives and the advice they can share is great. Very well put together book and I've since recommended it to friends and family. I'll be buying a copy for the shelf for sure!

Excellent and unexpected

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this is really an incredibly good book! i really enjoyed it! I laughed I cried and took loads of coats.

highly recommend

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This was a nicely narrated book; the reader had a good tone and rhythm..

This isn’t a ground breaking book, it’s not life changing but it reinforces a common sense approach to life and aging, it’s somewhat stoic in concepts but I did enjoy it, so have a listen and maybe pick up a little tip or two.

Enjoyable listen / common sense approach

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