The book relates two rarely unconnected discussions on psychology and
spirituality. It basically discusses motivation
as personal goals tightly connected to
spirituality in order to invest goals with significance. The author nicely develops the concept of ultimate concerns as a scientific construct and an innovative framework, which are readily accessible and measurable. Based on important findings of his own and others', Robert A. Emmons provides compelling insights into the links between spirituality, subjective well-being, and personality integration. He shows that by placing religion and spirituality within accepted scientific parameters, one can deepen the understanding of these permeable dimensions of human experience. The book serves a powerful case for the involvement of ultimate concerns in any attempt to develop a motivational theory of personality.
Among other things that I like about the book is that it discusses the theory of multiple intelligences and gradually comes into the spirituality as
intelligence. The author carefully put a yellow cautionary flag in order not to confuse the reader with the problem solving character of intelligence. He discusses the components of spiritual intelligence and examines Ibn Al-Arabi as an examplar of spiritual intelligence. He discusses humility and gratitude as examples of adaptiveness of spiritual intelligence.