• 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)

Prime logo Prime members: New to Audible?
Get 2 free audiobooks during trial.
Pick 1 audiobook a month from our unmatched collection.
Listen all you want to thousands of included audiobooks, Originals, and podcasts.
Access exclusive sales and deals.
Premium Plus auto-renews for $14.95/mo after 30 days. Cancel anytime.
The Present  By  cover art

The Present

By: Spencer Johnson M.D.
Narrated by: Dennis Boutsikaris
Try for $0.00

$14.95/month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy for $10.80

Buy for $10.80

Pay using card ending in
By confirming your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions of Use and Amazon's Privacy Notice. Taxes where applicable.

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

    Average customer ratings
    Overall
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • 5 Stars
      296
    • 4 Stars
      59
    • 3 Stars
      13
    • 2 Stars
      4
    • 1 Stars
      4
    Performance
    • 5 out of 5 stars
    • 5 Stars
      252
    • 4 Stars
      40
    • 3 Stars
      10
    • 2 Stars
      2
    • 1 Stars
      2
    Story
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • 5 Stars
      248
    • 4 Stars
      40
    • 3 Stars
      11
    • 2 Stars
      2
    • 1 Stars
      4

    Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

    Sort by:
    Filter by:
    • Overall
      5 out of 5 stars
    • Performance
      5 out of 5 stars
    • Story
      5 out of 5 stars

    Recipe for happiness

    I have listened to it once and will do again. It’s a cure to my anxiety and fear. And a perfect recipe for my eternal joy.

    Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

    You voted on this review!

    You reported this review!

    • Overall
      5 out of 5 stars
    • Performance
      5 out of 5 stars
    • Story
      5 out of 5 stars

    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.

    Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

    You voted on this review!

    You reported this review!

    • Overall
      5 out of 5 stars
    • Performance
      5 out of 5 stars
    • Story
      5 out of 5 stars

    Another great book by Spencer Johnson

    A short book containing a crucial message - the importance of living today and enjoying life.

    Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

    You voted on this review!

    You reported this review!

    • Overall
      5 out of 5 stars
    • Performance
      5 out of 5 stars
    • Story
      5 out of 5 stars

    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.

    Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

    You voted on this review!

    You reported this review!

    3 people found this helpful

    • Overall
      4 out of 5 stars
    • Performance
      4 out of 5 stars
    • Story
      4 out of 5 stars

    Good and short

    it was a good story that could have used more solid content, but good all the way around.

    Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

    You voted on this review!

    You reported this review!

    • Overall
      5 out of 5 stars
    • Performance
      5 out of 5 stars
    • Story
      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.

    Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

    You voted on this review!

    You reported this review!

    • Overall
      5 out of 5 stars
    • Performance
      5 out of 5 stars
    • Story
      5 out of 5 stars

    easy good read

    I liked how simple the story is to understand. puts life in an easy to understand concept to follow. focus on the present, learn from the past, plan for the future

    Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

    You voted on this review!

    You reported this review!

    1 person found this helpful

    • Overall
      5 out of 5 stars
    • Performance
      5 out of 5 stars
    • Story
      5 out of 5 stars

    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

    Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

    You voted on this review!

    You reported this review!

    • Overall
      5 out of 5 stars
    • Performance
      5 out of 5 stars
    • Story
      5 out of 5 stars

    Great Author!

    Great helpful advice!Great ideas! I love this author's books .Who moved my cheese was a great book too.Can't wait to read his other books ,life changing. I want to share this with everyone.

    Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

    You voted on this review!

    You reported this review!

    1 person found this helpful

    • Overall
      5 out of 5 stars
    • Performance
      5 out of 5 stars
    • Story
      5 out of 5 stars

    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.

    Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

    You voted on this review!

    You reported this review!