Insights from ‘The Four Agreements’ by Don Miguel Ruiz

Question 1

What are the four agreements in Don Miguel Ruiz’s philosophy?

Answer 1

Be impeccable with your word, Don’t take anything personally, Don’t make assumptions, Always do your best.

Question 2

Fill in the blank: The word ‘impeccable’ comes from Latin words meaning _____

Answer 2

without sin

Question 3

True or False: According to Ruiz, self-rejection is considered a significant personal ‘sin’.

Answer 3

True

Question 4

What internal habit develops from constant judgement as a child according to ‘The Four Agreements’?

Answer 4

An inner judge that continuously criticizes and finds fault.

Question 5

What agreement suggests we should avoid using harmful language towards ourselves and others?

Answer 5

Be impeccable with your word

Question 6

According to Ruiz, why should you not take anything personally?

Answer 6

Because people’s actions are a reflection of their own inner state, not a reflection of you.

Question 7

Fill in the blank: To avoid interpersonal conflicts, Ruiz advises us to avoid making _____ and instead seek clarification.

Answer 7

assumptions

Question 8

What is one way Ruiz recommends practicing the agreement to ‘always do your best’?

Answer 8

Focus fully on an activity without overexerting, and enjoy the process.

Question 9

True or False: Taking an insult personally is like ingesting poison.

Answer 9

True

Question 10

What mindset shift can help when someone acts hurtfully toward us?

Answer 10

Instead of ‘Why me?’, think ‘Poor them,’ recognizing their actions reflect their own suffering.

Question 11

Application: If you fail to uphold one of the agreements, what should you do according to Ruiz?

Answer 11

Forgive yourself and start over; each day is a new opportunity.

Question 12

Comparison: How does doing your best differ from overexerting according to Ruiz’s teachings?

Answer 12

Doing your best involves fully focusing without draining joy or exhausting yourself, unlike overexertion.

Question 13

Fill in the blank: Ruiz suggests imagining each word you say as being broadcast to the world to assess whether your words _____ or depress people.

Answer 13

uplift

Question 14

What is the purpose of practicing the four agreements regularly, according to ‘The Four Agreements’?

Answer 14

To gradually move toward personal freedom and reduce self-judgement.