From the richness of philosophies and religions, this book presents the spiritual timber from which to construct a life of compassion and justice.

The aphorisms present material from which a home can be constructed, one with air and light, shutters thrown open and doors ajar. It is a home of shelter, protection and warmth, love and happiness.

Here are some thoughts to help build such a life:

- Generosity of spirit creates a life worth living.

- Never promote yourself at another's expense.

- A thoughtful person thinks for herself; a thoughtless person thinks only of herself.

- Allow each person the dignity of his or her own labor.

- Wealth justly gained is honorable; wealth unjustly gained is dishonorable; wealth kept for one's self is shameful.

- Owning things isn't bad; being owned by things is bad.

- Goodness is a gift from those who went before. Therefore, make things better for those who come after.