Is it possible to have a workable ethical system without the underpinning of religion? This is a question the Dalai Lama addresses in this very readable book. The two aims we all have in common, whatever our religion, are the pursuit of happiness and the avoidance of suffering. Throughout the book the Dalai Lama emphasises that we are not moral islands; we have a responsibility for others. The more we seek to increase the happiness and decrease the suffering of others, the more, ultimately, we will also benefit ourselves. This applies in all areas of life. "Thus when we commit ourselves to truth--and thereby to honesty--we help reduce the level of misunderstanding, doubt and fear throughout society. In a small but significant way, we create the conditions for a happy world." As might be expected, the Dalai Lama draws illustrations from his own life as the spiritual leader and as a refugee from Tibet, and from the stories of other Tibetan Buddhist monks. But he is at pains to point out that this is not a Buddhist book and that he has no desire to convert anyone else to his faith. His answer to the dichotomy of the unique demands of individual religions in a world of religious pluralism is that for each of us, there is one religion which suits our upbringing or temperament best--or even none at all. The teachings of this book are universal. It's a shame that for this book, by one of the world's foremost spiritual leaders, the publishers clearly didn't bother to proof-read the text, which is quite badly marred by grammatical and punctuation errors. Let's hope they tidy up for the paperback. --David V. Barrett