Book excerpt: This is a book for anyone who wants to live the good life, but who has not yet found a clear path to that goal. By examining the common threads that unite three, great spiritual traditions--Judaism, Buddhism, and Stoicism--the author provides a framework for achieving a fulfilled and ethically responsible life. The author helps the reader take the spiritual nutrients from these three ancient traditions and transform them into a life of beauty, order, and purpose. No scholarly expertise or special knowledge of religion is required to understand this book, nor need the reader believe in a supreme being or owe allegiance to a particular religion. All that's needed is an open mind and a sincere desire to create an awakened and flourishing life.