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Somehow I am cheered that this is one of the best-selling Christian devotional books in history, though I imagine it has fallen down the list in recent years. Not that market penetration has anything to do with the reality of devotional life, but this is a serious work that calls the believer to a life of intense and disciplined following after Jesus. Taken from the Catholic monastic-like setting of the Brethren of the Common Life in the early 15th century it does feel medieval and Catholic at times (in its deference to authority, its value of community, its welcoming of suffering, its adoration of the Eucharist), but also overflows with a personal and experiential faith that also feels modern (heart religion, individualistic, dualistic in its divisions of the physical and spiritual world). The book works against pride, seeks the benefit of the brother, and always wants Christ first. Its goals are lofty, but its understanding of human nature is deep. One chapter titled "We Ought to Deny Ourselves and Imitate Christ Through Bearing the Cross" is followed by "A Man Should Not Be Too Downcast When He Falls Into Defects." As an aside to Protestants, its call to hard work and effort to merit more grace is balanced by an entire surrender and acknowledgment that only God's grace allows us frail humans to act. All of the four books into which this book is divided are useful, but I found the first book hit particularly close to my condition and will be dipping into it again and again (which is the way it should be read anyway - bit by bit with room for reflection). If you know me some of the chapter titles of Book 1 ("Having a Humble Opinion of Self," "Acquiring Peace and Zeal for Perfection," and "Avoiding Rash Judgment" among others) will probably raise an amen.