Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #151367 in Books
• Published on: 2007-02-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 272 pages

Amazon.co.uk Review
Sidney Poitier wrote The Measure of a Man: A Spiritual Autobiography because he "felt called to write about certain values, such as integrity and commitment, faith and forgiveness, about the virtues of simplicity, about the difference between 'amusing ourselves to death' and finding meaningful pleasures--even joy". Yet Poitier's book does not speak from on high; its tone is conversational and endearingly self-critical: Poitier begins the first chapter by recounting an evening spent channel-surfing and wondering, as most of us do at one time or another, "What am I doing with my time?" The spiritual reflections in The Measure of a Man are non-sectarian; Poitier's faith is clearly influenced by his experience in Christian churches, but is not, strictly, Christian. Though idiosyncratic, his faith is disciplined and rigorous, and is informed by leaders as diverse as Gandhi and Nelson Mandela. Poitier's love--for himself, his family and the world--infuses his recollections of his early life on Cat Island in the Bahamas, and his memories of his stage and film career (including his Oscar-winning role in Lilies of the Field). Poitier has been rich and poor; he has been popular and despised; and his extremely varied experiences have made him a wise man, as he demonstrates with statements like this one: "[W]hat we do is stay within the context of what's practical, what's real, what dreams can be fashioned into reality, what values can send us to bed comfortably and make us courageous enough to face our end with character."

Synopsis
The acclaimed actor reveals the passion, spirituality, and intellectual fervor that have driven his life and career, citing the elements of his childhood that gave him his sense of worth and ethics.

Customer Reviews

Living with Integrity
Sidney Poitier's autobiography is inspiring. His life story is a true adventure, and his integrity and humanity inspires and reminds me that being honest with myself and with others is the key to a fulfilling life. He would turn down job opportunities when the role or script went against his standard of integrity - even when he desperately needed the money. When there was a line in a script that degraded his character, he spoke to the director about changing it - and then he would get it changed.

Ariel and Shya Kanes' books, Working on Yourself Doesn't Work: The 3 Simple Ideas That Will Instantaneously Transform Your Life, How to Create a Magical Relationship: The 3 Simple Ideas that Will Instantaneously Transform Your Love Life: The 3 Simple Ideas That Will Instantaneously Transform Your Love Life and Being Here: Modern Day Tales of Enlightenment have also given me keys to a fulfilling life. As I have learned to live presently in my life by reading their books, my integrity and honesty have become more consistent - where I speak my truth and keep my word.

I love that Mr. Poitier respects himself. He was steadfast in speaking his truth and courageous as he broke through racial barriers. I used to see myself as unworthy of greatness. And since I've discovered Ariel and Shya Kane, I now respect myself too.

The Miracles of Life
In an eloquent retelling of his life so far, Mr. Poitier shares his joys, losses, passions and difficulties. In my recalling of his movies, I can now appreciate his depth as an actor but I've also come to realize that he is a compassionate and thoughtful man. While watching his films you can see how his humanity carries over from his every day life into his work. Mr. Poitier writes of how effective acting involves "being in the moment" where listening and responding to others honestly and openly is of utmost importance in being real . That sentence and way of living resounded in me and inspires me to be genuine in all of my own encounters. It also reminded of a book I hold in high regard called "Working on Yourself Doesn't Work" written by Ariel and Shya Kane. The Kanes' book set me on my own path of living in the moment, where life can be lived day in and day out with joy, ease and purpose.

Mr. Poitier writes, "Almost invariably, the calibrations by which we measure ourselves move inward. It often takes a near death experience to make us realize how simple life is, how few the essentials really are. We love, we work; we raise our families." In this day and age it does not require a near death experience to realize how miraculous life is. With insightful books such as these anyone can live a life of his or her own choosing. Go ahead: Make it awesome!

Spiritually uplifting memoir
In this memoir, the respected actor Sidney Poitier who broke down many barriers in his life reflects on his life and career from the perspective of integrity. He asks whether he has upheld personal values and this introspection and reflection forms "The Measure of A Man." He measures himself in different roles, not just his public life as an actor but in his private life as a husband and father. Ultimately, he assesses himself as a man.

Poitier credits his upbringing on tiny Cat Island in the Bahamas for infusing in him his moral values. Poitier offers a wonderful description of his childhood there:

"In the kind of place where I grew up. What's coming at you is the sound of the sea and the smell of the wind and momma's voice and the voice of your dad and the craziness of your brothers and sisters...and that's it."

It was a quiet, simple life that allowed him to develop his character. His character informed the positive roles he would play as an actor.

Poitier explores many important themes in THE MEASURE OF A MAN, including the importance of commitment, humility and forgiveness. He also points out the difficulties he went through in keeping artistic integrity. The final portrayal is of a man both with limits and possibilities.

His humility comes through this memoir and he makes it clear the intent of his autobiography: "I have no wish to play the pontificating fool, pretending that I've suddenly come up with the answers to all life's questions. Quite the contrary, I began this book as an exploration, an exercise in self-questing. In other words, I wanted to find out, as I looked back at a long and complicated life, with many twists and turns, how well I've done at measuring up to the values I myself have set."

Poitier offers many insights through this reflective look at his life and career. I also enjoyed reading NEXUS: A NEO NOVEL, which is a spiritual novel about people trying to overcome pain. Their journey brings them to a spiritual retreat where they realize their connection to the Nexus.