Praise for The OPA! Way
“‘Meaning is being,’ said the great philosopher-physicist David Bohm. The flip side of this nugget of wisdom is that without positive meaning our life is empty, dull, and a drain on those around us. The OPA! Way is a meaning-filled alternative, a doorway to a fulfilling, majestic, and joy-filled existence, seen through the prism of perennial Greek insight.”
—LARRY DOSSEY, MD, author, One Mind: How Our Individual Mind Is Part of a Greater Consciousness and Why It Matters
“At a time when the world seems to be plunging ahead into a future dominated by information technology, apps, increasing individual isolation in a cyber-environment, and obsessive preoccupation with answering one’s emails, The OPA! Way offers something else: a life based on values that go back to ancient Greece; a world in which friends and neighbors spend time together exchanging ideas and experiences; and a future in which service to others offers the richest personal rewards. Is there any doubt that The OPA! Way is by far the better path?”
—MICHAEL S. DUKAKIS, former Massachusetts governor and U.S. presidential nominee; distinguished professor of political science
“For me, The OPA! Way is the ONLY way. This is not just a book. This is a profound, soul-enriching philosophy that captures the true meaning and essence of our lives. The OPA! Way is guaranteed to change the way you see the world forever. I recommend everyone read this book.”
—DEBBIE MATENOPOULOS, author of the best-selling cookbook It’s All Greek to Me and two-time Emmy Award nominee
“Having reviewed several recent books on meaning in life, I finally found a book that really addresses the fundamental issue of human existence in a lucid and practical manner—The OPA! Way. Inspired by Odysseus and informed by Viktor Frankl, the authors are able to show us the profound truth that meaningfulness lies in connecting with meaningful relationships, deeper purpose, and an appreciative attitude. Alex Pattakos and Elaine Dundon have just written another bestseller!”
—DR. PAUL T. P. WONG, editor of The Human Quest for Meaning, 2nd edition
“A must-read and good parenting, teaching, or self-help tool, as the daily affirmations of The OPA! Way are time-tested methods on how to live the good life and ‘enjoy yourself’ in the pursuit of happiness in a way that honors and best serves the well-being of individuals, communities, and, in turn, all of humanity.”
—GEORGE ELIAS STEPHANOPOULOS, executive producer of Golf in the Kingdom and creator of the film Swing Away set in Crete, Greece
“This is an extraordinary book with many insights and directions for leading a healthier, happier, and more meaningful life. Congratulations to Alex Pattakos and Elaine Dundon for your exceptional contribution to Living.”
—E. MIKE VASILOMANOLAKIS, MD, chief of staff and director, cardiology division, Community Hospital of Long Beach, California; Grammy Award–winning music producer
“Alex Pattakos and Elaine Dundon have done it again. With The OPA! Way, they brilliantly articulate that we all need meaningful relationships, must engage with deeper purpose, and must tackle life with the goal that we can truly make a difference. This book is indeed a prescription for lives worth living for all of us!”
—THE HONOURABLE CAROLYN BENNETT, MD, member of Parliament (Canada)
“Truly . . . outstanding! I can’t begin to tell you how this book touched my heart, spirit, mind, and body. I believe The OPA! Way should be mandatory reading for everyone! It should be taught in schools. Doctors, psychologists, nutritionists, employers, coaches, athletes, fathers, mothers, presidents, and all people around the world should have this on a special bookshelf and incorporate it into their lives and work. At the tender age of 18 months old, I became a type 1 diabetic. I have no recollection of any life other than a daily routine of checking my blood sugars and taking insulin shots. Life for me is always a bit tenuous. Yet, I am so blessed to be a diabetic for no other reason than it has made me understand what is truly important on this journey of life. It’s all here in this inspirational book, as Alex and Elaine take you on a beautiful odyssey of meaning and purpose while visiting Greece. Like Alex, my family comes from the Sfakia region of Crete. It was such a joy to read about the Cretan people and Greek people in general and the beauty they carry naturally within. They are grateful for the simplest things in life. We all should be grateful. The world has much to offer us . . . and us to it. Thank you, Alex and Elaine. I feel our souls are one. Okay, I am ready to dance and take off on my journey again . . . OPA!”
—ADONI MAROPIS, actor, filmmaker, and athlete
“Alex and Elaine have made profound connections between the wisdom of the ancient Greeks and the crises of modern life to help us all chart a path toward a life of meaning.”
—JOHN METAXAS, news anchor, CBS New York
“Until The OPA! Way, the benefits of growing up within the community-oriented and human-centered Greek culture were buried way back in the depths of my childhood mind. Greeks have always lived in symbiotic harmony between individual ambition and the common good, called the ‘village.’ As the son of Greek immigrants and growing up in Chicago’s close-knit Greek community, this was second nature to me, and something I took for granted. OPA! Alex and Elaine, thank you for reminding me!”
—JOHN P. CALAMOS, SR., founder, chairman, CEO, Co-CIO, Calamos Asset Management, Inc.
“‘OPA!,’ a well-known exclamation deciphered into the core of human existence and existential sanity. With insight, sensitivity, and knowledge, Alex Pattakos and Elaine Dundon go beyond scientific or philosophical observations and ascertainments. In simple words and examples they present the core philosophy for a meaningful life, which could even be called survival in this difficult era. The OPA! Way, based on ancient tried values of humanity, forgotten in the antagonistic quest for progress and power through the years, proposes a practical and feasible answer to the eternal question of dealing with life with a reason for living, through dignity and respect for oneself and the people around. A must-read book for every thinking human being, and its content especially discussed with the younger generation of today!”
—ALIKI MITSAKOS, MD, PHD, cofounder, The International Center for Leading Studies, Athens, Greece
“I love it. The OPA! Way is one of the most important books on Meaning to come along in years because it is based on the wisdom of Greek philosophers and traditional Greek culture. Breaking and going beyond the stereotypes that typically define what it means to be ‘Greek,’ The OPA! Way is a celebration of Greek life that offers a rare yet very practical guide to finding joy and meaning in everyday life. I applaud Alex and Elaine for their insights and advice that show all of us, Greeks and those not of Greek heritage, that living a life of meaning is possible. Let’s all say, ‘OPA!’”
—GREGORY C. PAPPAS, founder and chairman, Greek America Foundation; CEO, The Pappas Media Group; and founder and publisher, Greek America Magazine and The Pappas Post
“In a day and age when most of us have too much to do and too little time to do it, Alex and Elaine have written a book that’s sorely needed. They provide ageless and wise advice on what really matters—a life worth living. I hope that you take the time to read it, study it, and most importantly, LIVE it. I know I plan to.”
—FRANK YIANNAS, vice president of food safety for Global Brands, Walmart; adjunct professor, Michigan State University; past president, International Association for Food Protection; and author of Food Safety Culture
“In The OPA! Way, Alex Pattakos and Elaine Dundon turn to Greek culture as its muse for defining the meaning of life and find a treasure trove of insightful discoveries about the human spirit. After you read it, you’ll want to shout ‘OPA!’”
—NIKI LEONDAKIS, CEO, Commune Hotels & Resorts
“Alex and Elaine generously share with us what was so graciously shared with them on their travels through Greece: how to find the true joy of living based on very simple yet fulfilling principles.