The premise was solid - how should you be contributing to your community in the second half of your life. He discusses the benefits of experience and some talk of the value of being an elder without any application or advice. My real problem with this book is is basic premise and the solution he offered. His premise is that through our failures, we can redeem ourselves by contributing selflessly to others. While its not exactly clear, he's supposing that only by failing we can contribute and then begin to redeem ourselves. I agree that all have value and we live in community and should be contributing and sharing what we learn. I also agree that we learn best through trial and failure - those lessons stick. But we can't save ourselves.
This is where I have problems with the book, that are we are redeemed and 'earn' favor eternally through our actions. He conveys a universal religion, that all point to god, all point to truth, all ideas fit and support a universal truth. He does believe in the deity of Jesus, but the core tenant of Christianity that Jesus death paid the price for our failings completely, finally and immediately is specifically confused. He likens Jesus descent into hell after his crucifixion (as payment for our failures - sin) to what we will be doing when we die. As a description of purgatory and self-salvation. This illustration in the book alone cast doubt on his premise and solution.
Beyond all this, the book is rambling, poorly written and full of quotations and references making it hard to follow and see the point he's trying to make. I don't recommend this book.
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