The Servant Prologue

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What realization did the speaker have about their choice to go to the monastery?

They felt they had no other options.

They didn't remember going at all.

They acknowledged it was their own decision. (correct)

They believed it was a mistake in hindsight.

What recurring element troubled the speaker during their childhood?

An unexplainable fear of heights.

A fascination with biblical stories.

A dream of being chased through a cemetery. (correct)

A dislike of attending church.

What role did the name 'Simeon' play in the speaker's life?

It was a name associated with past regrets.

It was used as a family name throughout generations.

It was a biblical character tied to their personal experiences. (correct)

It represented a childhood friend.

During which event did the speaker have another encounter with the name Simeon?

Their wedding day. Signup and view all the answers

How did the speaker initially feel about visiting the monastery?

They resisted the idea strongly. Signup and view all the answers

What was Rachael's primary motivation for suggesting that John attend the retreat?

She wanted to get John off her back. Signup and view all the answers

Why did John initially agree to attend the retreat at the monastery?

He was pressured by Rachael. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'abbot' refer to in the context of the monastery?

The elected leader of the monk community. Signup and view all the answers

How did John feel about the retreat before he arrived?

Indifferent and skeptical. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the main lifestyle practices of the monks at John of the Cross?

Balancing prayer, work, and silence. Signup and view all the answers

What significant decision did Rachael make regarding her therapy practice after adopting John Jr.?

She cut back to one day a week. Signup and view all the answers

What was a major factor contributing to the narrator's feelings of turmoil and conflict?

Deteriorating relationships with family members. Signup and view all the answers

Which behavior of John Jr. indicated a problematic father-son relationship?

He was openly disrespectful to Rachael. Signup and view all the answers

How did the narrator perceive his boss's reaction to the plant's union election?

As an unreasonable blame directed at him. Signup and view all the answers

What emotional changes did the narrator experience despite his outward success?

He felt turmoil and withdrew from social interactions. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Dale Carnegie's Quote

Carnegie's ideas were borrowed from Socrates, Chesterfield, and Jesus.

Author's Decision to Attend Monastery

Author, a general manager of a large manufacturing facility, chose to spend a week at a Northern Michigan monastery.
He initially resisted the idea but ultimately made the choice.

Recurring Dream and Simeon

The author had a recurring dream of being chased through a cemetery by a malevolent force.
A man in a black robe, identified as Simeon, appeared, grabbed him, and commanded him to "Find Simeon—find Simeon and listen to him!"
The dream, combined with Simeon being referenced in various life events (baptism, confirmation, wedding), left him feeling oddly drawn to the character.

Author's Life Before Retreat

Successful general manager of a large manufacturing plant (over 500 employees, $100M in annual sales).
Youngest GM in company history.
High degree of autonomy in a decentralized company.
Financial success with a healthy salary and bonuses.
Married with two children (one adopted), owning a house, boat, and multiple cars.
Successfully navigated infertility issues.

Author's Life Issues Before Retreat

Marital unhappiness (wife Rachael expressing unmet needs).
Difficulty with children (son John's disrespectful behavior, strained relationships with both children)
Dissatisfaction at work (unionization campaign, disagreements with boss, feeling his leadership style was ineffective).
Issues in volunteer work (Little League Baseball complaints from parents).
Overall internal turmoil and unhappiness despite outward appearance of success and security.
Feeling a lack of fulfillment in life.
Reserved and withdrawn from others.

Retreat Decision and Experience

Pastor recommended the John of the Cross Christian monastery to address his issues.
Author initially reluctant, but eventually agreed.
Stayed at the monastery.
Met other guests and experienced daily chapel services and classes.
Learned about the monastery's structure, monastic life, and the different roles of monks.
Learned the abbot assigned Len Hoffman the name Brother Simeon.
Reflecting on his experiences and feeling somewhat overwhelmed.

Room Assignment

Assigned to a room with another guest, a Baptist minister.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the transformative ideas of Dale Carnegie as they relate to spiritual journeys and self-discovery. This quiz delves into the author's experiences, including a significant retreat at a monastery and insights from recurring dreams. Gain a deeper understanding of the intersection between personal success and spiritual awakening.