The Meaning of Gifts

Synopsis: When we give something to someone we enter into a many-sided relationship, for in return we hope for the gift of love. Endorsements: "Paul Tournier's discovery of a 'Medicine of the Person' came from his experience that a more open encounter with others (which challenged his natural shyness) was therapeutic. This discovery changed his subsequent medical approach to his patients. "This book looks beneath the surface of these human encounters. It was a gift to his wife--and is a gift to the reader. You will discover what makes these values of universal relevance." --John Cox, Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry, Keele University, and former Secretary General of the World Psychiatric Association Author Biography: Paul Tournier (1898-1986) was a general practitioner in Geneva and also an active Christian. In 1940, he published his first book, La Médecine de la Personne, later translated into English as The Healing of Persons. He changed his medical practice by taking most of his time for listening and talking to his patients, not only considering the physical dimension of their being but also the psychological and spiritual dimensions. In 1947, he founded the International Group of Medicine of the Person. He wrote many books which were widely received throughout the world and were translated into more than thirty languages.