The Four Agreements
by Don Miguel Ruiz
Key Concepts
Impeccable Word
Speak with integrity and truth, using your words constructively.
Don't Personalize
Understand others' actions stem from their own beliefs, not from you.
No Assumptions
Clarify and ask questions instead of creating stories in your mind.
Always Your Best
Consistently apply yourself fully, knowing your best varies daily.
Action Items
Consciously choose words that empower yourself and others.
Practice emotional detachment when faced with criticism or praise.
Seek clarity directly rather than guessing intentions or facts.
Commit to giving your maximum effort, forgiving yourself when it falls short.
Regularly question beliefs you hold about yourself and the world.
Embrace self-love and self-acceptance as foundational practices.
Core Thesis
Embrace four simple agreements to dismantle self-limiting beliefs and achieve personal freedom.
Mindset Shift
The book shifts perspective from being a victim of external circumstances to an empowered creator of one's internal reality.