In his book, Los Cuatro Acuerdos (translated into English as The Four Agreements), Don Miguel Ruiz highlights simple and yet profound truths that if followed would liberate us as individuals. So simple are the Four Agreements, that when you read the book (and you should if you haven’t already done so), you’ll tell yourself, ‘but that’s obvious’, and yet most of us don’t put them into practice. There is power in simplicity and the Four Agreements are both powerful and simple. To apply them daily and consistently is another matter and one that is not so easy. But it can be done, slowly and surely with regular practice.
Let’s review them here and see how they can be applied by students and lifelong learners:
- Be impeccable with your word
Words are powerful. Words are magical. They can make or break a person. They can define a civilization or bring down an empire. We humans to tend to be most harsh, most critical, most hurtful towards ourselves. As a student, don’t put yourself down. Know that you can do it. Give yourself a chance. What you believe about yourself becomes your reality. Be kind to yourself in thoughts, words and deeds. - Don’t take anything personally
In life you will receive both praise and criticism, from both well meaning as well as not-so-well meaning individuals. The important thing is to not take anything personally. Easier said than done for sure, but it is the only way to be truly free and grow. As a student, take the feedback you get from your teachers and colleagues constructively and positively. If it’s valid, take it into consideration and improve yourself. If it’s not valid, simply ignore it and move on. - Don’t make assumptions
Focus on yourself. Don’t assume about others when it doesn’t concern you. Don’t assume things when you don’t have enough information. As a student, focus on your own growth and development and the only person you should compare yourself to is yourself. Think well of others and wish others well. Hard to do for many, but don’t get involved in making assumptions about others. - Always do your best
As a student, you will have productive days of studying and not so productive ones as well. That’s okay. Your best today won’t be same as yesterday’s and will likely be different from tomorrow’s. Regardless, keep doing your best always and improve yourself in your study methods and habits.
Don Miguel’s book is a masterpiece. The Four Agreements comes from Toltec wisdom of the author’s heritage. The principles are grounded in spirituality which is why they are remarkably simple and yet profound. It would bring us all, student or otherwise, much healing and growth if we put these agreements with ourselves into practice. Our world is sorely in need of them.
