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THE RAPTURE OF MATURITY:
A Legacy of Lifelong Learning

The Rapture of Maturity affirms the joys of discovery and insight that accompany thoughtful reflection on our years of lived experience and a pursuit of deeper understanding. It encourages the kind of thinking that can transform human relations on a global scale.

Rapture is the reward of living authentically and acting deliberately to leave the world a better place than we found it. For those who seek such a goal, this book is indispensable.

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The Rapture of Maturity: A Legacy of Lifelong Learning
The Rapture of Maturity
Charles D. Hayes

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Advanced Praise:

"I read Charles Hayes' The Rapture of Maturity with great pleasure. His is a voice of experienced wisdom, grappling artfully with the 'existential' questions we all grapple with, well or poorly. His answers, his appreciation of the role of Emersonian ecstasy in education, and his reflections on things that matter, are well worth your consideration."

--Robert C. Solomon, author of Spirituality for the Skeptic:
The Thoughtful Love of Life

and coauthor of
A Passion for Wisdom

 

"I'm writing this testimonial before finishing Charles Hayes' new book because, although I've read it through twice, I realize that I will NEVER 'finish' reading The Rapture of Maturity. It will be my vade mecum for the rest of my life, on that intellectual and spiritual adventure which is the greatest gift of advancing years.

"Hayes sings gloriously of the joys of learning, rails magnificently at our dominant culture of apathy and ignorance, provides handsomely helpful advice on intellectual self-management and growth--and along the way introduces us painlessly to most of the important voices in the contemporary 'great conversation.'

"This is one of those rare books that one only realizes, after it gets written, how desperately needed it was.  At a time when self-help books for the 'boomers' are both endemic and anemic, this one is a trumpet blast of authenticity, courage, and useable erudition."

--Ronald Gross, author of The Lifelong Learner and Socrates' Way;
Chairman, Columbia University Seminar on Innovation

 

"I agree with Charles Hayes when he says, 'Nothing is as it seems.' He clearly understands that we must make efforts to overcome our conditioning if we are to fulfill our potential. The Rapture of Maturity spells out why it is important for all human beings to be stretched (not stressed) throughout our lives, to always inquire about the truth of things, and to serve others."

--Ivan Tyrrell, coauthor of Human Givens: A New Approach to
Emotional Health and Clear Thinking

 

"An exquisitely thoughtful book, always provocative, wise beyond words. Mr. Hayes has a lovely spirit and strong insights into the springs of personal power. My highest recommendation."

--John Taylor Gatto, former New York Teacher of the Year;
author of
The Underground History of American Education

 

"The Rapture of Maturity takes the reader on a wonderful intellectual journey through the author's own lived experiences as well as some timeless scholarly works on the mysteries of human existence. The book is a rich tapestry in which threads of insight are interwoven by the author into a fabric of wisdom, providing the reader with a comforting blanket of understanding regarding some of the more distressing aspects of being human.

"Charles Hayes does this by building insight upon insight, showing us that we can develop a heightened awareness of life's mental treasures by reflecting on, and engaging in, true learning about one's self and the world. This book will appeal to adults of all ages who are seeking a mature existence in an otherwise superficial world. Those who are in the second half of life and engaged in a review of life's meanings will find this both inspiring and comforting. Those who are nearing middle age and want to ensure that their second half of life is ripe with meaning will find this to be a valuable guide for directing their lives. And, those young people who see through the banality of a popular culture that is trying to cajole them into shortsighted lifestyles will take pause and consider the wisdom of the ages."

--James Cote, author of Arrested Adulthood:
The Changing Nature of Maturity and Identity

 

Dust Jacket Copy:

The Rapture of Maturity, front coverLike great plays, movies, and novels, our lives tend to reveal their meaning with greater clarity near the end.  To get it right, we must apply artistry and the wisdom of experience to our final chapters.

With The Rapture of Maturity, lifelong learning advocate Charles D. Hayes reminds adults in the September of their days that they have one last chance to matter as human beings.

  • What will people say of you when you are gone?

  • What do you wish they would say?

  • What really matters when your own mortality looms on the horizon?

  • Will future generations be better off because of you?

Hayes reminds us that as long as we are alive these are open questions.

By continuing to examine our values, our motivations, and our common beliefs, by exploring issues beyond the superficial level of popular culture, and by teaching our grandchildren to do the same, older adults can demonstrate to younger generations that we truly have something going for us after all.

The Rapture of Maturity affirms the joys of discovery and insight that accompany thoughtful reflection on our years of lived experience and a pursuit of deeper understanding.  It encourages the kind of thinking that can transform human relations on a global scale.

Rapture is the reward of living authentically and acting deliberately to leave the world a better place than we found it. For those who seek such a goal, this book is indispensable.

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