The four reminders encourage us to cultivate an appreciation for the precious opportunity our human life provides, contemplate the fleeting and fragile nature of life, take responsibility for the creative power of our actions and intentions, and move toward freedom from the mistaken view of self that keeps us bound to an endless round of suffering. They can help us establish a firm foundation for the development of love and compassion for ourselves and others.
— Aura Glaser, A Call to Compassion