Author of "Living on Purpose"

November 01, 2000

When Dan Millman wrote "The Way of the Peaceful Warrior," he had no idea the book that mixed Eastern philosophy and Western fitness would become a bestseller. His latest book, "Living on Purpose," refines and expands on his previous books, touching on subjects like metaphysics, destiny and free will.

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NetCafeLive: Welcome to NetCafeLive! Tonight we are chatting with Dan Millman, author of "The Way of the Peaceful Warrior" and, most recently, "Living on Purpose." NetCafeLive is presented by Borders, Inc. and Talk City, Inc. Welcome Dan Millman!

Dan Millman: I'm delighted to be here, and to speak about the Peaceful Warrior's approach to daily life and respond to any questions you may have.

Lovinlife: Is "Living on Purpose" a companion to "The Way of the Peaceful Warrior" or does it stand on its own?

Dan Millman: Each of my eleven books presents a different facet of what I call "The Peaceful Warrior's Way." "Living On Purpose" is, I believe, my most reader-friendly book, and its question-and-answer format allowed me to respond to a wide variety of questions ranging from the conventional to the transcendent. In a sense, like my other books, it helps respond to questions raised in "Way of the Peaceful Warrior."

Anick: What was your inspiration for the books, and did you have any problems putting the material together in such an excellent format?

Dan Millman: First of all, thank you for the comment. Thomas Mann once wrote, "Writers are those for whom writing is more difficult than for other people." Each of my books has its own challenge, and each had to justify itself. I wrote "Way of the Peaceful Warrior" to convey the larger picture and promise of all our lives, and the winding path of spiritual growth. I wrote "The Life you were Born to Live" as an effective tool for self-knowledge, and a way to generate greater compassion for ourselves and for others. "Everyday Enlightenment," which I consider my magnum opus, is intended to convey twelve gateways we must each pass through on our journey here on Earth. "The Laws of Spirit" provides the keys to those twelve gateways. My latest book, "Living On Purpose," more than any other of my previous works, moves directly into the real issues we confront in everyday life. It was time to present twenty-five of the essential House Rules that help us live an effective, purposeful, and joyous life amidst the challenges of relationships, work, finances, and health.

Hollywood: Why do you think your books have had such an impact?

Dan Millman: I believe I have a heart-felt empathy with my readers. Also, my background as an athlete, coach, and teacher has helped to keep me grounded and practical, so that most of my readers feel I am speaking personally to them. The rest is mystery.

Ian H324: Eastern religions have become more popular than ever. Do you have any thoughts why?

Dan Millman: Yes, I do, Ian. In developed countries, where we don't worry about our day-to-day survival, we have freed our attention to consider some of life's larger questions. We begin to inquire whether our work is fulfilling and matches our sense of meaning and purpose. Many people in the west have experienced some degree of success, and notice they are still not happy. So they move from the western solution to happiness, and swing towards the eastern solution, which is going inside and turning away to the world of achievement and success into inner exploration. My work is not about moving from the west to the east, but about embracing the best of both worlds, the east and the west; embracing the best of qualities normally associated with both men and women, with the left brain and the right brain, flesh and spirit, the conventional world and transcendent domains.

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