Confucius, the Buddha, Jesus, and Muhammad are among the most thoughtful and influential people in history. By their words and examples, they have inspired countless individuals to live better and more meaningful lives and have shaped the institutions and worldviews we know today. Four Wise Men is an accessible introduction to each of these sages, viewed in their historical context, and a provocative comparison of their lives and teachings. Through careful study, Four Wise Men examines the ways these fascinating figures speak as one, as well as the ways in which they differ. Although their voices come from the distant past, these men still have wise words to say to us today. Table of Contents Acknowledgments A Note on Translations and Transliterations Introduction 1. Confucius 2. The Buddha 3. Jesus 4. Muhammad Conclusion Glossary Bibliography Works Cited For Further Study "Four Wise Men offers a compelling and provocative comparative study of extraordinarily gifted leaders whose lives and teachings not only shaped great world religions, they provided invaluable, timeless guides for how to live well even in the face of great adversity. Many who know Mark Muesse from his popular contributions to The Great Courses have already discovered his rare gifts as a teacher-scholar able to reach a wide audience. Four Wise Men is a superb, yet accessible resource for college and divinity students, book clubs, serious adult study programs in churches, and a wide range of interested non-specialists. I'll be using this book in courses on Comparative Religion for many years to come!"CHARLES KIMBALL, Presidential Professor and Director of The Religious Studies, University of Oklahoma; Author of When Religion Becomes Evil: Five Warning Signs Mark W. Muesse is the W. J. Millard Professor of Religious Studies at Rhodes College. He is the author of The Hindu Traditions (2011) and The Age of the Sages (2013).