Taking up the practice of aikido has really changed my life for the better. The art of peace has shown me that life doesn't have to be hard. Maybe things could be better if I just tried a little. I like to read this book when I don't feel at peace, and this book helps guide me back to serenity. I know that I have anger management problems, and I always feel better after reading this and reflecting on the lessons. I had to buy another because I gave my old copy to a good friend of mine and it really helped him. I remember reading a passage about how big doesn't always beat small. Big can be defeated by being broken up into pieces, and little can defeat big by growing. As I read it for the first time, I witnessed an ant defeat a mosquito hawk by taking off the larger bug's legs. It had to be a sign from the universe. At the time I had only pondered the physical nature of this proverb. I only needed to disarm my opponents to be safe. Now, with a new set of eyes, perhaps it could be applied to life's immense problems. Sometimes it feels like a tsunami is crashing down on you. Why not try to break apart your struggles into smaller, bite sized pieces. Buy this book! It will change your life for the better.