• The Present

  • The Gift that Makes You Happy and Successful at Work and in Life
  • By: Spencer Johnson M.D.
  • Narrated by: Dennis Boutsikaris
  • Length: 1 hr and 15 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (376 ratings)

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The Present  By  cover art

The Present

By: Spencer Johnson M.D.
Narrated by: Dennis Boutsikaris
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Publisher's summary

A timely gift from the author of Who Moved My Cheese?, Spencer Johnson, M.D.

Dr. Johnson's stories of timeless, simple truths have changed the work and lives of millions of readers and listeners around the world. Now comes an insightful new tale of inspiration and practical guidance for these turbulent times.

The Present is the best gift you can receive, because it makes you happy and successful!

That's true whether it means:

  • Having peace of mind and feeling more alive; or
  • Being more productive and more prosperous; or
  • Finding whatever is important to you and to those you work and live with.

    For over two decades, Spencer Johnson has been inspiring and entertaining millions with his simple yet insightful stories of work and life that speak directly to the heart and soul.

    The Present will help you focus on what will make you happy and successful in your work and in your personal life. You may find that it is the best gift you can ever give yourself.

  • ©2003 Doubleday (P)2009 Random House

    Critic reviews

    "Many of the people I have observed could have been even happier and more successful, in their careers and their lives, had they been given the gift of The Present." (Norman Augustine, Former Chairman, American Red Cross)

    What listeners say about The Present

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    • Overall
      5 out of 5 stars
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    excellent thought builder!! well written...

    I would recommend this book for any one to read. it helps to put "stuff" in perspective! a very good read.

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    3 people found this helpful

    • Overall
      5 out of 5 stars
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    A blueprint for happiness.

    I was very excited by the end of this book. It had amazing advice that I intended to incorporate into my daily life and will be listening to it again and again I for many years to come!

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    1 person found this helpful

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      5 out of 5 stars
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      5 out of 5 stars

    Simple yet profound

    Great read recommended by coworker. Practical yet often missed nuggets for life and work success and happiness. Passing it on to another person on my team now.

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    • Overall
      5 out of 5 stars
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      5 out of 5 stars

    Doc Johnson’s Books are the Best

    He is so good at turning practical life lessons into simple stories a child could understand.

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    • BJ
    • 04-25-23

    Excellent points, impact ful information!

    Excellent points, impactful information and great presentation of story! Good pace. Really enjoyed and learned from it life lessons to improve myself.

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    • Overall
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    Simple and effective

    This is an amazing book. A very very simple idea that takes great discipline. Sometimes we take simple for granted and this was great reminder.

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      4 out of 5 stars

    Short and Sweet

    The book takes less than an hour and a half to listen to and has simple contents to follow without having to reread a section that was too complex the first go around. The main story and the story within the story had a bit of an after-school special lesson feel to it but the real test will be applying the lesson to my life and seeing what the benefit will be. Thank you!

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    Spiritual application of the Present

    This needs to be applied in the spiritual realm in our spiritual lives to be more productive spiritually in our own lives first and then our family second, the lives of our church third then the world around us

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    Best Book on the Market

    This is not my first time reading this. The first time it changed my life completely and I vow to read it every year to keep the details fresh. This book is a must read and too good not to pass along.

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    • Overall
      5 out of 5 stars
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    It helped me again and again when I lost my ground

    Thank you so much. From now on I will keep the presence with me all the time. I will not lose it anymore.

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