Abounding Happiness and Abounding Faith are collections of quotations selected by M. Scott Peck, M.D. His background in psychology and theology contributes to his distinctive, broad-minded viewpoint, which brings together such disparate thinkers as Aristotle, Sigmund Freud, Samuel Clemens, and Meryl Streep. Peck's perceptive introductions give greater meaning to the already thought-provoking quotes. He admits, in a search for happiness, The truth is that our finest moments are most likely to occur when we are feeling deeply uncomfortable, unhappy, or unfulfilled. For it is only in such moments, propelled by our discomfort, that we are likely to step out of our ruts and start searching for different ways or truer answers. On one's quest for achieving faith, Peck tells us, St. Paul said, 'It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.' There is a certain loss of control involved that many people either will not or cannot bear. The ability or willingness to bear it is a gift. Faith is a gift. That doesn't mean the gift cannot be sought after and nurtured, however.