The Best Things in Life Aren't Things: Celebrating What Matters Most

by Joann Davis

Overview

For readers of The Book of Delights and What I Know For Sure, a bite-size invitation to disrupt the hustle and rediscover joy and wonder in our daily lives

For decades, consumerism has espoused the same message: money equals success, and if you aren’t happy, you aren’t shopping in the right store. Now, with a new cover and updated content for today's challenges, The Best Things in Life Aren't Things offers practical guidance for those seeking something beyond the grind.

Self-proclaimed warrior for optimism Joann Davis encourages us to cultivate "life support" in 4 key areas: words, thoughts, experiences, and deeds. Borrowing from ancient and contemporary wisdom, this new edition inspires thoughtful introspection through:

• timeless essays on meaning, plus 3 new bite-size sections
• reflection questions like "Will you measure success by what you have or how you live?"
• a directory of small wonders that bring profound joy

In our fast-paced world, this little book is a powerful reminder of the intrinsic truths we've been trained to overlook. It invites us to explore all that life has to offer—and what we can give in return.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780807024874
Publisher:	Beacon Press
Publication date:	03/24/2026
Sold by:	Penguin Random House Publisher Services
Format:	eBook
Pages:	120

About the Author

Joann Davis is the author of The Book of the Shepherd: The Story of One Simple Prayer, and How It Changed the World. She is married to Kenneth C. Davis. They live in New York City.

Table of Contents

	Foreword	ix
	Because the "Best Things in Life Aren't Things"	1
	Cooking Up a Recipe for a Life Worth Living	10
	Have You Caught a Nasty Case of "Affluenza"?	22
	Don't Learn to Make a Living--Learn to Make a Life	29
	A Matter of Principle	39
	A Little Directory of Principles--and Probing Questions	44
	"If I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels but do not have love ..."	56
	To Serve, to Lead, and to Change the World--through "Soul Intensity"	62
	If You Win the Rat Race, You're Still a Rat	71
	It's the Only Advice You'll Ever Need	81
	A Directory of the Best Things That Aren't Things	86
	Now It's Your Turn	101
	Sharing Wisdom with Those You Love	103
	Resources	105
	Acknowledgments	107