The Four Agreements

Don Miguel Ruiz · 1997

1. 01About the Author

   Don Miguel Ruiz was born in Mexico in 1952. He trained as a surgeon, but after a near-fatal car accident, he turned toward the ancient Toltec wisdom teachings he had learned from his family. In 1997 he published The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom, which became a long-running bestseller.

2. 02The Domestication of Humans

   Ruiz explains that from childhood we are taught what to believe by family, school and society, through reward and punishment. He calls this domestication. We agree to these beliefs, and many of them limit us, like, I am not good enough. To be free, we need to replace these old agreements with new ones. He offers four.

3. 03Agreements One and Two

   First: Be impeccable with your word. Speak with integrity, say only what you mean, and avoid using words against yourself or to gossip about others. Words have the power to create or destroy. Second: Don't take anything personally. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you understand this, you are no longer a victim of their opinions.

4. 04Agreements Three and Four

   Third: Don't make assumptions. We often imagine what others think, then suffer over it. Find the courage to ask questions and express what you really want. Clear communication prevents much sadness and drama. Fourth: Always do your best. Your best changes from moment to moment; it is different when you are healthy and when you are tired. Simply do your best, and you avoid self-judgment and regret.

5. 05Breaking Old Agreements

   Ruiz admits these agreements are simple but not easy. You will fail sometimes. When you do, do not judge yourself; begin again. Each time you keep an agreement, it becomes stronger. Start today with one: for the next day, notice every time you take something personally, and let it go. Freedom is built one choice at a time.