The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz – Book Notes

Today, I’m going through my notes on “The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom” by Don Miguel Ruiz.

The book outlines the author’s interpretation of the Toltec wisdom, simplifying it into four principles that are applicable in the modern day.

I have to clarify that I don’t have inclinations to appreciate something just because it’s “ancient” or “secret”. I take things at their face-value and without biases. And as such, I found this book as quite a good read.

Note: this is neither a book review nor summary. Just condensed notes for myself.

My Notes from “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz

It can’t get more precise than going through the four agreements themselves:

• Be impeccable with your word
• Don’t take anything personally
• Don’t make assumptions
• Always do your best

In summary: these are agreements that a person can do with himself to (eventually) achieve personal freedom.

Alleviating Suffering: The Road to Personal Freedom

The dream you are living is your creation. You have the power to create hell and heaven.

Says the author.

Most suffering comes from ourselves. From our perception and delving on past or future experiences. The book conveys that if one implements the four agreements perfectly, it’d leave them nothing to regret or be anxious about going forward.

Below are some of the more memorable (paraphrased) quotes about suffering:

• We are our biggest abuser – humans are the only beings that suffer the consequences of their mistakes more than once.
• Self-abuse come from self-rejection. Self-rejection comes from having an image of what it means to be perfect.
• Nobody abused you more than you’ve abused yourself. If someone abuses you as much as you do, you’ll let them. If they push a bit more, you’ll walk away. But little less, you’ll tolerate it endlessly.

And as an antidote to suffering beyond the agreements, the author leaves us with this statement:

Only love has the ability to put you in the state of bliss.

Practical Outtakes

My practical outtakes from the book are:

1. Speak purposefully, with integrity and kindness. Only say what you mean and do what you say you’d do.
2. “Use your words in the direction of truth and love” – affirm yourself, compliment others, don’t be (self-)destructive in your speech.
3. Nothing others do is about or because of me. Literally. If something “triggers” me, let that be the trigger to let it go.
4. Never rely on assumptions. Given vagueness or uncertainty, seek clarification. Remember: take your time to do so.
5. Act in accordance with your principles. Observing your actions from a third person’s perspective can be helpful.
6. Strive for excellence, not for pefretcion. Allow yourself to make mistakes and don’t be overly-critical if you do.
7. Remember to mindfully savor the magic of genuine bonds.

Related posts:

The Art of War by Sun Tzu (Book Notes) Meditations by Marcus Aurelius – Book Notes Counsels and Maxims by Arthur Schopenhauer (Book Notes) Overcoming Unwanted Intrusive Thoughts by Sally M. Winston & Martin N. Seif (Book Notes)