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Way of the Peaceful Warrior: A Book That Changes Lives Paperback – August 22, 2000
Purchase options and add-ons
The 20th Anniversary Edition with a New Afterword and Revisions by Dan Millman.
A book that could change your life: When Dan Millman was a young man, he expected that hard work would eventually bring a life of comfort, wisdom, and happiness. Yet, despite his many successes, he was haunted by the feeling that something was missing. Awakened by dark dreams one night, Dan found himself at a gas station with an old man named Socrates, and his world was changed forever. Guided by this eccentric old warrior, and inspired by a young woman named Joy, Dan began a spiritual odyssey into realms of light and shadow, romance and mystery, toward a final confrontation that would deliver or destroy him.
Inspirational and spiritual saga: This autobiographical novel is one of the most beloved spiritual sagas of our time. For decades, friends and families around the world have shared the book that teaches the way of the peaceful warrior. Life as a peaceful warrior is a life of meditation, mindfulness, compassion, and acceptance.
Help in these tumultuous times: In this 20th anniversary edition, the author offers an updated afterword for a new generation of readers looking for grounding in tumultuous times. Way of the Peaceful Warrior is the iconic first book from Dan Millman. His other guides to peaceful warrior life include The Life You Were Born to Live and The Hidden School.
If you loved The Heart of the Shaman, The Magic Mala, and The Celestine Prophecy, you’ll be moved by the inspiration and spirituality of Way of the Peaceful Warrior.
- Print length216 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherHJ Kramer
- Publication dateAugust 22, 2000
- Dimensions5.52 x 0.72 x 8.6 inches
- ISBN-109780915811892
- ISBN-13978-0915811892
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now
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About the Author
Product details
- ASIN : 0915811898
- Publisher : HJ Kramer
- Publication date : August 22, 2000
- Edition : 20th Anniversary ed.
- Language : English
- Print length : 216 pages
- ISBN-10 : 9780915811892
- ISBN-13 : 978-0915811892
- Item Weight : 9.6 ounces
- Dimensions : 5.52 x 0.72 x 8.6 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #48,084 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #91 in Inspirational Spirituality (Books)
- #896 in Success Self-Help
- #1,229 in Personal Transformation Self-Help
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

Most people who've read Way of the Peaceful Warrior (or seen the movie) already know a few aspects of my life. And you may have seen the following bio at my website:
"Dan Millman, a former world champion athlete, gymnastics coach, martial arts instructor, and college professor, is author of Way of the Peaceful Warrior (adapted to film in 2006), and 16 other books read by millions of people in 29 languages. Dan teaches worldwide and has influenced people from all walks of life. The author and his wife, Joy, live in Brooklyn, NY. His most recent work includes The Hidden School, completing the 'peaceful warrior saga,' as well as an audio program, "The Complete Peaceful Warrior's Way," available through Audible.com.
Dan's website - peacefulwarrior.com - features his books, events, online courses, and life purpose guidance.
Personal note:
In my youth I focused on self-improvement, taking memory courses, speed reading; practicing martial arts and gymnastics. Then one day I realized that no matter how much I improved myself, only one person benefited — but if I could influence other people in a positive way, that made my life more meaningful and exciting.
I began teaching gymnastics, and elements from the martial arts — that soon shifted into the larger arena of personal growth. Today my work centers around writing and speaking. I've been fortunate to have the opportunity to intersect with many lives around the world.
Joy and I have been married for more than four decades and we continue to grow closer as we gain perspective and cultivate a sense of humor (about ourselves and one another). The years have gifted us with three daughters and four grandchildren.
I believe you'd find me a good (but not perfect) example of what I teach. I continue to practice, to learn, to serve as well as I can. I do my best to keep my head in the clouds but feet on the ground.
For more info about my work, visit www.peacefulwarrior.com — join my eList, follow me on Facebook or Twitter, or just search for peaceful warrior.
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find this book insightful, saying it can truly change lives and help refocus their direction. The storytelling is engaging, with one customer noting its step-by-step approach, and customers appreciate its readability and value, describing it as worth beyond measure. They like the character development and find it suitable for both older teens and adults. The philosophy receives mixed reactions, with some appreciating it while others find it partially non-fictional.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers find the book insightful and life-changing, serving as a good introduction to a more satisfying life and helping readers refocus their direction.
"...journey shared within the pages is bound to create a magical enlightenment for some readers, a familiar knowing and relate-ability for others...." Read more
"...And then, my friends... travel with us! Life is amazing if you will let it be!" Read more
"...It is somewhat dated but speaks to a way of life all of us could share or, practice, no matter what our religions or callings are - zen b is a 'way'..." Read more
"...It's full of wonderful truths that will help you become a warrior whose "life is not about imagined perfection or victory; ... [but]about..." Read more
Customers enjoy the storytelling in the book, with one mentioning its step-by-step approach.
"...The Peaceful Warrior," Dan Millman weaves a fast, catchy and easy-to-read story-line that is also slow and penetrating enough to seep into the pores..." Read more
"...This book holds up over many decades and provides a step by step approach of strengthening the being to accept the world as it is, but in a modern..." Read more
"...This is a TRUE story." Read more
"...by the powerful presentation of the concepts and the moments of valuable story-telling...." Read more
Customers find the book worth beyond measure.
"...They truly have worth beyond measure. I just purchased "Sacred Journey of the Peaceful Warrior" from Amazon...." Read more
"...Used books were in good condition, shipped quickly and at a decent price. No complaints here." Read more
"...It's my understanding (word of mouth)that this book is worth it's weight in gold! Need to read it (analize)to give a really good review!" Read more
"A great item and hope to enjoy for many years to come. A good investment." Read more
Customers find the book easy to read, with one mentioning its high detail explanations.
"The title is 100% correct. The book allows you to zoom out and see, with clarity, what lenses you are unconsciously seeing your life and the world..." Read more
"...Reading through the book i enjoyed the easy-to-read and high detail explanation of the main character's journey...." Read more
"This book is awesome. It is such an easy read, too. I take it to workouts...." Read more
"This was a good read, well written, and I bet it does change a lot of lives. Start living now." Read more
Customers find the book functional, with one mentioning it serves as a good compass for their life journey.
"...This book was a good compass for me and it will serve him well. Thank you Dan and Socrotes where ever you are. :)" Read more
"...love, and guidance for all those wanting to walk a powerful, purposeful existence!" Read more
"...I found it very useful for where I am at in my life at this point and am ready to read the sequel." Read more
"A great item and hope to enjoy for many years to come. A good investment." Read more
Customers find the book suitable for various age groups, with one mentioning it's appropriate for older teens and adults, while another notes it's okay for 8-year-olds.
"Thats all I can say. Its a childish stupid book. Its ok for an 8 year old. Its naive and fantasy like...." Read more
"...Suitable for older teens and adults seeking the experience of one man and his personal journey toward understanding of life, relationships and the..." Read more
"A Must Read For All Age Groups..." Read more
Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with one noting that the teacher portrayed is authentic.
"...The LESSONS are real, and the teacher was real...." Read more
"...Dan and Socrates are engaging characters and their relationship draws one into the story of Dan's spiritual internship...." Read more
"...The characters are lifelike and genuine, and their dilemmas resonate with much of humanity...." Read more
Customers have mixed views on the philosophy of the book, with some finding it partially non-fictional while others disagree with its overall approach.
"...Is the book unrealistic in a sense? Absolutely! It is fiction btw...." Read more
"...book offers some interesting concepts, but also defies logic and reasoning in several instances...." Read more
"...i was satisfied with the storytelling and detailing but not with the overall philosophy." Read more
"...It just left me wondering if the story was real, or partially non-fictional..." Read more
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on July 25, 2006Wow! What a great book! Really. Author and main character of "Way Of The Peaceful Warrior," Dan Millman weaves a fast, catchy and easy-to-read story-line that is also slow and penetrating enough to seep into the pores of consciousness with words by enigmatic teacher and "warrior," Socrates - a name given to the Japanese master upon the first meeting of the two.
The journey shared within the pages is bound to create a magical enlightenment for some readers, a familiar knowing and relate-ability for others. It promises to be uplifting and inspiring for all, reminding us that we truly are spiritual beings who temporarily live in a physical body.
Near the end of the story, as Dan made his escape from "the box," finding the gateway to reality, he wishes to tell everyone: "There is no need to search; achievement leads to nowhere. It makes no difference at all, so just be happy now! Love is the only reality of the world, because it is all One, you see. And the only laws are paradox, humor, and change. There is no problem, never was, and never will be. Release your struggle, let go of your mind, throw away your concerns, and relax into the world. No need to resist life; just do your best. Open your eyes and see that you are far more than you imagine. You are the world, you are the universe; you are yourself and everyone else, too! It's all the marvelous Play of God. Wake up, regain your humor. Don't worry, you are already free!"
This is a book I plan to re-read. It has also sparked my interest in reading the sequel, "Sacred Journey Of The Peaceful Warrior," an integral part of Dan's in-between years of the first book.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Haiku inspired by this book:
~~~~~~~~~~
We walk different paths
feeling the strains of shouting
of those far away.
~~~~~~~~~~
The Warrior's Life
will always fascinate Death
just as Dark fears Light.
~~~~~~~~~~
7-25-06 ~ Rachel Elaine
- Reviewed in the United States on August 28, 2009Many people who read this book find themselves changed, even subtly, by the lessons within. I took it a step further. I am consciously applying these lessons and philosophies to my life.
A little background.
I'm 26, in the military, have an injured knee the doctors say will never recover fully and will hurt for the rest of my life, a failed marriage under my belt already, hate my job, find most of my coworkers intolerable, out of shape, diagnosed with anxiety, depression, insomnia.... the list goes on.
I read this book two weeks ago.
In that time, I have learned to be happy. I have learned to appreciate the world around me. Started getting along with my coworkers, mended old friendships that were crumbling, my knee is almost fully recovered after a year of chronic pain, my eating is better, I am sleeping better, waking up easier, and every day is a good day. Nothing AROUND me has changed. Only how I react to it. It's not always easy. Things still bother me. I still get angry, or sad. But now, it passes faster and I return to what has become my natural state. Happiness. Peace.
This book can change your life if you let it. It tells you how, if you will listen. Some of the book is fictional. Dan Millman has never made any secrets about the fact that he embellished to make it a more interesting read, and to really get across how amazing Socrates was. This is OK.
Because frankly, it doesn't matter whether it is all a complete historical autobiography or not. The LESSONS are real, and the teacher was real. I do not believe there is anyone on earth who cannot find some benefit from learning the way of the Peaceful Warrior.
Read this book. Let it simmer in your thoughts. Let it guide you to the Way. And then, my friends... travel with us! Life is amazing if you will let it be!
- Reviewed in the United States on August 18, 2006I had seen this book in stores for years but always passed it over because I thought it was New Age "lite". Over the past 25 years I have read a great number of books on spirituality (for example, Carlos Castaneda, Yogananda, James Redfield, Edgar Cayce, Deepak Chopra, Jose Silva, Sondra Ray - to name just a few). Some of them more than once. I have been very discriminating - seeking out books that I determined contained true knowledge. I based this on opinions from other seekers and various book reviews. I judged Peacefull Warrior by its cover - wrongly, I might add. Only after I saw the trailer of the upcoming movie did I get interested in reading the book - so I bought it. It turns out that I have deprived myself of an absolute treasure for many, many years.
This is a book that actively teaches you something as you read it - effortlessly. Millman has a way with words. I can't adequately describe it - it is simply enthralling.
I liked it so much I then read "The Journeys of Socrates" (which was advertised at the last of the book). I loved this book even more! I could not put it down. It was like I was watching the story being played out before my very eyes. Amazing. And such a revelation at the end. This book caused me to experience every emotion while reading it. You must read this book - but be sure to read "The Way of the Peaceful Warrior" first!"
I feel very grateful to have had the opportunity to read these books. They truly have worth beyond measure. I just purchased "Sacred Journey of the Peaceful Warrior" from Amazon.
Do yourself a great big favor and read these books.
- Reviewed in the United States on July 7, 2023Over the years, I've come back to this book several times. The story of a young man finding his way through his athletic journey by "letting go" of what he thought he knew is a winner.
Top reviews from other countries
- Gaurav PonnappaReviewed in India on December 2, 2019
5.0 out of 5 stars A must read.
A very well written book which uses a beautiful story to teach life lessons. Very different approach to teaching philosophy. Should be made compulsory reading for young adults so as to increase their awareness and consciousness... And ultimately become better humans.
-
Miguel P.Reviewed in Spain on May 8, 2015
3.0 out of 5 stars Está bien , pero no te cambiará la vida.
Me esperaba más a raiz de todas las opiniones positivas sobre él. Una lectura sencilla y agradable. Está bien , pero no te cambiará la vida.
- D1 vb playerReviewed in Germany on July 21, 2023
5.0 out of 5 stars My favorite book
My favorite book.
- TroyReviewed in Australia on June 26, 2021
5.0 out of 5 stars Inspirational
Great book. I’ve read this many times now and I always find some new inspiration.
- MaudeReviewed in Canada on May 3, 2025
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent read, a must !
Excellent read, a must !