I am not going to rate this because it may put off someone that will appreciate it and have a life changing experience with these teachings.

I had read the book of joy previous to this, which I found quite profound, and therefore this book was nothing new or exciting. As a side note, I find the whole "westernizing" and explaining all the concepts that the Dalai Lama touches on in a very simplistic scientific way (briefly mentioning studies or applicable scientific resources but not really going into it) or empirical way (my uncle did this once as well) to make them "understandable to the west" a bit condescending to be honest. I see how it can be useful and appreciate that but it is not for me. Also, having a few conversations with the man cannot necessarily be a basis for a book.

I guess my disappointment was because I had read other similar books and wished to find something deeper here. Obviously that is not its purpose, and it is more of an introductory book. As such it could be extremely inspiring to some, I am sure.