Learning to Like Life: A Tribute to Lowell Bennion

This book is meant to honor Lowell Bennion’s legacy by reflecting on what he taught and practiced in his own life, and thinking about what this can mean in our own lives today. All of Doc’s aphorisms imply a simple principle: our goodness and happiness must begin in the heart and depend on the quality of our affections, and, perhaps most importantly, we have the capacity to change those affections through a kind of cultivation. “Learn to like,” he repeats. Don’t assume that what you like is unchangeable, deeply rooted in your personality like some genetic code. Our affections stem from what we serve and devote ourselves to, and even if we don’t yet love as we should, it is enough to want to love better, more deeply, more generously. And loving is a way of practicing what we like. Proceeds from the sale of this book will be donated to the Birch Creek Service Ranch, which continues the spirit of what Lowell Bennion began and which needs your support. Read about BCSR at http://www.serviceranch.org/.

"LDS scriptures emphasize the crucial imperative to shape our desires and a ections in godly ways, since what we most crave and love is what we become. In this splendid collection of essays, one of Mormonism's best essayists pays tribute to one of Mormonism's greatest souls." --Terryl Givens

"Learning to Like Life renews the importance of the timeless values lived and taught by Doc Bennion. They continue to guide and shape the direction of the Birch Creek Service Ranch here in Spring City, where young men and women are taught the same values and lessons George learned from Lowell decades ago. This book is a tribute to Lowell, to George, and to the importance of the things that matter most." --Steve and Kathy Peterson

"George has not only captured wonderful memories of our ranch experiences and what 'Doc' tried to teach us but has also shared his personal insights and feelings about the things that matter most. I think 'Doc' would have enjoyed and appreciated this book." --Lindsay Bennion

"Lowell Bennion's earthy, prophetic voice calls us to live with greater intensity, simplicity, and selfessness. It's a voice we still need to hear. And I don't know anyone better equipped to help keep that voice alive than George Handley." --Adam Miller