Forgetting Ourselves on Purpose: Vocation and the Ethics of Ambition - Paperback

by Brian J. Mahan (Author)

In the wise and often witty Forgetting Ourselves on Purpose, Brian Mahan considers the question of how it is possible to create a meaningful spiritual life while living in a culture that measures us by what we have rather than who we are. Drawing on nearly two decades of teaching experience. Brian Mahan shares stories of personal struggle and triumph that demonstrate how those who seek meaning and purpose have recalimed their authentic selves by resolving the inevitable tension between personal ambition and spiritual vibrancy.

Front Jacket

Don't be misled by the charm of this genial book. It is as deep as the author's Irish bogs, and as wide as his American prairies. God will admire the energy and efficiency of its God-seeking.
--Nuala O'Faolain, author, Are You Somebody?

This engaging book invites us to explore the places where our deep gladness and the world's great hunger might possibly meet. It is about claiming vocation in the spiritual sense of finding a purpose for our lives that is part of the purposes of God. Its special gift lies in helping us examine our personal and cultural inhibitions about claiming our calling. Unique and powerful!
--James W. Fowler, author, Stages of Faith

What a great book about us human wanna-be's! Mahan certainly sets mind and spirit buzzing as he leads us through a series of openings about how we cope with being ourselves. Don't be too serious about your life, Mahan warns us, but don't be too serious about not taking yourself seriously, either! Especially when moments of pure joy in just being sneak up on you.
--Elise Boulding, professor emerita of sociology, Dartmouth College

Brian Mahan explores the relationship between ambition and vocation by pacing remarkably shrewd readings of Thomas Merton, Tolstoy, the Buddha, and William James with marvelously written memories of and Irish-Catholic boyhood. The result is an often puckish, indeed downright funny, yet deadly serious and ultimately subversive book-a heartfelt invitation to revisit just what it is that we think we are living for.
--Anthony Glavin, author, Nighthawk Alley

An outstanding inquiry into ethics in everyday life. For its wit, honesty, clarity, and pure practical usefulness, this book simply kicks ass. It is a rare book that is as appropriate for the beach, bedside, or boardroom as for the graduate seminar.
--Tom Beaudoin, author, Virtual Faith

Brian Mahan is an excellent guide on the human journey towards authenticity. With encouragement and humor, he leads the reader along important paths of self-knowledge we might otherwise avoid. His work is at once wise and witty, theoretically sound and pragmatically helpful. One might not expect it from the subject matter, but this very worthwhile book is also a lot of fun!
--Gerald May, author, The Awakened Heart and Will and Spirit

Back Jacket

Don't be misled by the charm of this genial book. It is as deep as the author's Irish bogs, and as wide as his American prairies. God will admire the energy and efficiency of its God-seeking.
--Nuala O'Faolain, author, Are You Somebody?

"This engaging book invites us to explore the places where our deep gladness and the world's great hunger might possibly meet. It is about claiming vocation in the spiritual sense of finding a purpose for our lives that is part of the purposes of God. Its special gift lies in helping us examine our personal and cultural inhibitions about claiming our calling. Unique and powerful!"
--James W. Fowler, author, Stages of Faith

"What a great book about us human wanna-be's! Mahan certainly sets mind and spirit buzzing as he leads us through a series of openings about how we cope with being ourselves. Don't be too serious about your life, Mahan warns us, but don't be too serious about not taking yourself seriously, either! Especially when moments of pure joy in just being sneak up on you."
--Elise Boulding, professor emerita of sociology, Dartmouth College

"Brian Mahan explores the relationship between ambition and vocation by pacing remarkably shrewd readings of Thomas Merton, Tolstoy, the Buddha, and William James with marvelously written memories of and Irish-Catholic boyhood. The result is an often puckish, indeed downright funny, yet deadly serious and ultimately subversive book-a heartfelt invitation to revisit just what it is that we think we are living for."
--Anthony Glavin, author, Nighthawk Alley

"An outstanding inquiry into ethics in everyday life. For its wit, honesty, clarity, and pure practical usefulness, this book simply kicks ass. It is a rare book that is as appropriate for the beach, bedside, or boardroom as for the graduate seminar."
--Tom Beaudoin, author, Virtual Faith

"Brian Mahan is an excellent guide on the human journey towards authenticity. With encouragement and humor, he leads the reader along important paths of self-knowledge we might otherwise avoid. His work is at once wise and witty, theoretically sound and pragmatically helpful. One might not expect it from the subject matter, but this very worthwhile book is also a lot of fun!"
--Gerald May, author, The Awakened Heart and Will and Spirit

Author Biography

Brian J. Mahan a Catholic layperson, teaches at Candler School of Theology, Emory University.