Living Loving and Learning

I just discovered Leo Buscaglia and it has been like looking in the mirror and seeing someone just like me looking back - I don't mean physically, I mean in his heart and sould and my heart and soul. I come to this review with that energy - a whole hearted belief in the wisdom of Buscaglia's words, vision. It is my wholehearted desire that these messages and similar messages continue to grow. This book is a compilation of transcripts of many talks given by Dr. Buscaglia. In reading the words, you will feel as if he is addressing you personally. You will laugh (and cry) at his stories, be challenged by his insights and be inspired by his presence on the written page. One of my favorite chapters is "Teach Life" - where in his true form, he shares about his love for Valentine's Day, his most informative role models and how the truth of a sacred Sufi story still rings true in today's world. The chapter "Bridges, Not Barriers" is also excellent and rang so familiar, it was as if Buscaglia was walking around in my brain... and since he is no longer on the physical plane... well, you just never know! *wink* One of quotes from the book is found on page 73: "Knowledge is not wisdom! Learning alone is not wisdom. Wisdom is the application of knowledge and facts. Wisdom is realizing you know nothing. Wisdom is saying, "My mind is open. Wherever I am, I am just beginning. There is more to be realized by a hundred fold than what I know". That is the beginning of wisdom. This is a book you will be glad you own. You can literally open to any page and find a gold nugget. Buscaglia simply delivers love over and over and over again.

A friend loaned me this book in the mid to late eighties. I was stunned with Buscaglia's honesty. He stated my fears and observations of life and allowed me to rise above myself and live a life in love. I still have the copy my friend gave me, which fell apart long along, and purchased copies to keep around for reference. To this day, this book still outlines the way I believe life should be led and I can't think how miserable and confusing my life would have been had I not received this book. I owe my clarity and enjoyment of life to the fact I have read this book. This is the book I would take to my desert island.Thank you Leo.

When Leo Buscaglia died, the heading on his obituary in the newspaper read " Hug doctor dies". Leo would have had a good laugh on that one. Leo could sure make you laugh. I loved listening to him on PBS and have read most of his books. I remember on one show he was sharing how when he published his book "Love", he check out the published books and there was not one book called "Love". He was so amazed that he made this his life's work, to love and be loved. All teachers should be given his book "Living, Loving & Learning". It would put everything in the right perspective. You can't teach students without first giving them respect. To get respect you have to give respect. Thank you Leo Buscaglia for making this world a better place.

I read it six years ago. When I was reading I didn't want to it to end, I tried to elongate it, rationing it to myself. I was filled with such love, such light and such life while I was reading it. Now looking back, I've realised how much of my life has been shaped book. I now laugh more, live more and am exploring my humanity. I've been to more strange and wonderful places, such as China to teach during my Gap year. I've been striving to touch those around me, and love myself. My life now has more colour and joy because of this book.