The rules of how to go through life, taught to us while
growing up and known to all on various levels, are articulated beautifully in
Stepan Stepanian’s book, The Unwritten Rules
of Life: Volume 1.
“Do to others what you would have them do to you,” is the
first rule, “The Golden Rule.” This
principle, as stated in the Bible as well as other theological and cultural
writings, sums up many if not all characteristics of behavior. Stepan Stepanian goes beyond this
encompassing rule and quotes many aphorisms on topics of respect, greed,
courtesy, relationships, family and most importantly, individual self-awareness. He points out, through his tenets, we all
live on this planet inhabited by over 6 billion people, and thus tied to each
other as well as being an individual; an extremely delicate balance of respectful
social behavior is warranted. The Unwritten Rules of Life, listed in
his book are eloquent and persuasive lessons that we can all benefit from. One should not only read the book, but absorb
its meanings, assimilate its messages, and re-read it periodically.
Is it better to have more expensive material items than
simply functional ones? Are people smarter when they know more from
school or from “the streets?” Is blood
thicker than water, meaning family bonds stronger then friendship? Is greed good? These and many other answers are brought to
light, allowing the reader to ponder the circumstances of their own life. I have found myself channeling my own
recollections into answering the question, “What would I have done differently
if I had known of, or followed such a rule?”
The Unwritten Rules of
Life’s galley text is stylish in its presentation, with each title of the
rule on one page as if it is a curtain before revealing the next rule. Each rule is spaced artfully and printed on its
own page. No rule is longer than one
page, hence the “Title - rule - title - rule” pace of reading this book becomes truly a fun
event; different than reading all chaptered literary work. This is a book which can be picked up at any
time without consequence for loss of meaning, making it an ideal addition to any
place of temporary inhabitance; such as a lobby, vacation home, waiting room,
or even a bathroom. Due to the
sophistication of the messaging, Stepan Stepanian collection of thoughts is simultaneously
inspiring, motivational and instructional.
Stepan Stepanian has done an excellent job compiling his
“Volume 1” suggesting more may follow. Ideal as a gift item, especially to young adults, this book should grace
the family libraries and those of schools and places of worship. The
Unwritten Rules of Life demands and deserves to have a wide reading
audience. May it bring many to heed its
wisdom and gospel based encouragement of the lessons of life. The only issue I have now is a semantic
one: Now since the The Unwritten Rules of Life has been published, they are no longer
unwritten - are they?
Buy this book at Amazon.com
