The Four Core Principles
1. BE IMPECCABLE WITH YOUR WORD
- Speak with integrity
- Say only what you mean
- Avoid using words against yourself or to gossip about others
- Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love
2. DON’T TAKE ANYTHING PERSONALLY
- Nothing others do is because of you
- What others say and do is a projection of their own reality
- When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won’t be the victim of needless suffering
3. DON’T MAKE ASSUMPTIONS
- Find the courage to ask questions and express what you really want
- Communicate with others as clearly as possible to avoid misunderstandings
- This single agreement has the power to completely transform your life
4. ALWAYS DO YOUR BEST
- Your best will change from moment to moment depending on circumstances
- Under any circumstance, simply do your best to avoid self-judgment, self-abuse, and regret
About Don Miguel Ruiz
Don Miguel Ángel Ruiz is a renowned Mexican author, spiritual teacher, and former surgeon whose work has profoundly influenced the fields of personal development and spirituality. His most famous book, “The Four Agreements,” published in 1997, has sold over 5.2 million copies in the United States alone and has been translated into numerous languages worldwide. In 2014, Ruiz was recognized as one of The Watkins 100 Most Spiritually Influential Living People.
From Medicine to Spirituality
Born into a family with deep spiritual roots in rural Mexico, Ruiz initially chose a more conventional path. His mother was a curandera (healer) and his grandfather a nagual (shaman), exposing him to spiritual teachings from an early age. Despite this heritage, he pursued medical education and became a surgeon.
His life took a dramatic turn following a near-death experience that fundamentally altered his perspective. This pivotal moment led him to abandon his medical practice and embrace his ancestral spiritual traditions, particularly the ancient Toltec wisdom that had been part of his family’s heritage for generations.
The Toltec Tradition
The Toltecs were not merely a historical civilization but also a society of scientists and artists dedicated to preserving and exploring spiritual knowledge. They flourished in central Mexico between the 10th and 12th centuries CE, establishing their capital at Tula (Tollan) in what is now Hidalgo state.
Cultural and Architectural Legacy
The Toltec civilization made remarkable contributions to architecture, art, and craftsmanship. They are particularly famous for:
- Colossal stone sculptures, including the Atlantean figures at the Temple of Tlahuizcalpantecuhtli
- Distinctive pyramid structures and urban planning
- Sophisticated metalwork, pottery, and featherwork
Their aesthetic influence extended to later Mesoamerican cultures, including the Maya and Aztecs, who revered them as master builders and artists.
Spiritual Philosophy
At the heart of Toltec philosophy was a profound spiritual system that blended ancestral knowledge with innovative ideas. Their polytheistic religion prominently featured Quetzalcoatl, the Feathered Serpent deity. Beyond religious practice, Toltec wisdom emphasized:
- Personal development and the pursuit of knowledge
- Living with balance and integrity
- Self-awareness and personal freedom
Though their civilization declined in the 12th century due to various factors, their spiritual and philosophical legacy endured, inspiring later cultures and eventually reaching modern audiences through teachers like Don Miguel Ruiz.
The Impact of The Four Agreements
Since its publication, “The Four Agreements” has become a cornerstone of contemporary spiritual literature. Ruiz’s genius lies in distilling complex Toltec wisdom into four straightforward principles that anyone can apply to their daily life.
The book offers a practical framework for breaking free from self-limiting beliefs and achieving personal freedom. Its enduring appeal stems from its simplicity and the universal applicability of its teachings across cultural and religious boundaries.
Expanding the Teachings
Following the success of “The Four Agreements,” Ruiz authored several other influential works:
- “The Mastery of Love” (exploring relationships through the Toltec perspective)
- “The Voice of Knowledge” (addressing how we create our own suffering)
- “The Fifth Agreement” (co-authored with his son, Don José Ruiz)
These books expand upon his initial teachings, offering deeper insights into personal growth and spiritual development.
Ruiz’s Philosophy and Legacy
Don Miguel Ruiz’s core philosophy centers on the idea that suffering is self-imposed through agreements we make with ourselves and society. By adopting new agreements based on love and truth, we can liberate ourselves from unnecessary pain and limitation.
His teachings emphasize:
- Self-awareness and conscious choice
- The transformative power of belief
- Personal responsibility for one’s reality
- Love as the guiding principle for a fulfilling life
Beyond his written works, Ruiz continues to influence countless individuals through speaking engagements and workshops. His message of personal empowerment has resonated across cultures, making him one of the most significant spiritual teachers of our time.
In essence, Don Miguel Ruiz serves as a bridge between ancient wisdom and modern understanding, offering timeless principles for navigating the complexities of contemporary life with grace, authenticity, and joy.