Anam Cara

John O’Donohue was born in County Clare, Ireland, and lived in a remote cottage in the west of Ireland, where he grew up speaking Irish as his native language.

A highly respected poet and philosopher, John held degrees in philosophy and English Literature and was awarded a PhD in philosophical theology from the University of Tübingen in 1990. His dissertation developed a new concept of Person through a reinterpretation of the philosophy of Hegel.

John traveled widely, lectured across Europe and America, and wrote a number of international bestselling books Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom, Eternal Echoes: Celtic Reflections on Our Yearning to Belong, Beauty: The Invisible Embrace, and To Bless the Space Between Us, which he completed shortly before his untimely death in January 2008. He also wrote Person als Vermittlung, on the philosophy of Hegel and a collection of his poetry, Echoes of Memory, which was his first published work.

Praise for WALKING IN WONDER

“How glorious it is to hear the voice of John O’Donohue again, the lark-tongued poet, philosopher, theologian and anam cara, who left his imprint on everyone he met. Anyone who spent time with him—in person or in books—came away changed. In this spirited conversation, John is fiercely alive with the electric fizz of being, fully attuned to life, ruminative, and so infused with wonder that every question becomes a lantern. As ever, he delves deeply into the plateaus of being human, and explores the thresholds that arise, frighten, but must be crossed to become the self one dreams. I so cherish this unexpected gift.”

—Diane Ackerman, author of The Zookeeper’s Wife

“As this magnificent book demonstrates, even on the printed page John O’Donohue’s voice—so lyrical and eloquent, so profound and impassioned—flashes vividly to life, beautifully capturing a radiant soul filled with humor, compassion and utter selflessness. Indeed, John not only brilliantly articulated the magic and necessity of joy and gratitude, he ignited a sense of genuine awe in every life he encountered, and he will undoubtedly inspire future generations to learn how to infuse their own lives with meaning and wonder.”

—Andrew Carroll, New York Times bestselling author and the cofounder, with the Nobel laureate Joseph Brodsky, of the American Poetry & Literacy Project

“John Quinn’s self-effacing work as editor and broadcaster is rightly renowned. Here he presents, for wider audiences, his absorbing conversations with John O’Donohue’s glorious, far-seeing, far-reaching spirit. Welcome to these luminous encounters!”

—Lelia Doolan, Irish activist in various fields

“In these conversations, John Donohue’s timely words feed the deep spiritual hunger that creeps into our hearts as individuals and our nation as a whole. He reframes the human story of fear, aging, death, otherness and absence, reminding us that they are all bound up in the mystery of wonder. O’Donohue lives on as a prophetic and priestly presence for such a time as this.”

—Rev. Dr. Katharine Henderson, president of Auburn Seminary

“In each chapter the reader experiences a rich and exhilarating new conversation. We witness a man whose intellect and life force are in full bloom, deeply rooted in spirit, humor, curiosity and compassion. John invites us to pause and reflect, challenging us to reach beyond our well-trod and comfortable assumptions.”

—Richard Harrell, musician and educator at the Juilliard School, San Francisco Conservatory, and Orfeo Foundation

“Luminous! Walking in Wonder shines light on life’s dark mysteries and offers sustenance for spiritual hunger. As you confront the inevitable thresholds of loss, absence and aging, this book will serve as a road map to help you navigate with grace, gratitude and a fearless heart. John O’Donohue’s elegant words are a call to live with abundance, to look inward with courage and to look outward with compassion. They are a reminder to embrace the wild energy of your soul.”

—Gina Vild, coauthor of The Two Most Important Days: How to Find Your Purpose—and Live a Happier, Healthier Life

“John O’Donohue’s insights in this new collection offer a glimpse into the wonder and presence of knowing him. His signature themes rooted in Celtic spirituality and contemplative exploration offer breadcrumbs on the path, encouraging us to embrace the beauty and gift of each day.”

—Davy Spillane, Grammy Award–winning musician and composer at North Atlantic Music, Ireland