How to Live: What the Rule of St. Benedict Teaches Us About Happiness, Meaning, and Community

The Rule of St. Benedict arose from an era when a great civilization was threatened by violence, economic forces that favored the wealthy, political leaders that lacked the trust of the public, and rampant xenophobia. Similar to the anxieties and frustrations of the 6th century, we are living in a time where societies need to stress community over competition, consensus over conflict, simplicity over self gain, and silence over the constant chatter and distractions of our lives.

In How to Live, Judith Valente explores the key elements of the rule and clearly demonstrates how incorporating this ancient wisdom can change the quality and texture of our lives offering a way forward from the divisions gripping our country. These fresh and profound explorations are inspiring and thoughtful, and will motivate readers to live a meaningful life.

Judith Valente is an award-winning journalist, poet, and essayist and has won two Edward R. Murrow Awards for her broadcast work in 2015. She has also been a finalist twice for the Pulitzer Prize in journalism. Judith is the senior correspondent at WGLT Radio, a National Public Radio station. She contributes reports from the Midwest to USA Today, National Catholic Reporter, and U.S. Catholic. Previously, she was a contributing correspondent for Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly on PBS-TV, a Midwest correspondent for America, and a reporter for The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal. She splits her time between Normal and Chicago, IL. Visit her at www.judithvalente.com.
Joan Chittister is the author of The Rule of Benedict.
Marty is a professor emeritus at The University of Chicago and one of the leading theologians and historians of the 20th century.