Bus 9 to Paradise
written by Leo Buscaglia
When I began the book, I expected a story about a trip on a bus. The title is based upon a listing
on a bus schedule. It is much more that a story about a trip. It is instead a book of meditations on
a myriad of things we think about: love (of course), self-respect, dignity, overcoming frustration, celebrations, all states of life, and more. Reading it during the pandemic has been a balm and quietly
urges further thought. Perhaps more important is recognition that Leo’s words are timeless. The
book was released in 1986.
Here are a few quotes which I hope you will enjoy….
“We did not take Bus 9 to Paradise. I am happy that we didn’t for it seems clear that paradise
is to be found only in our own immense and limitless minds, shaped by our own unique experience and willingness to continually grow and change.”
“What we call the secret of happiness is no more a secret than our willingness to choose life.”
“Life is paradise for those who love many things with a passion: people, family, learning—an endless
list. There is no need to seek happiness in some far-off future. The more passionately we love many
things, the closer we come to paradise NOW.”
Perhaps you will consider browsing Bus 9 to Paradise or another of Leo’s works, I hope so.
In closing, here are two quotes that are special to me:
“Get wildly enthusiastic about the little things, play with leaves, skip down the street, run against
the wind”
“Only when we give joyfully, without hesitation or thought of gain, can we truly know what love means.”
by Keri S. Botello