In Still Life, Louise Penny introduces Inspector Armand Gamache of the Surêté du Québec for the very first time. If it’s been awhile since you’ve read the first book in the series, we invite you to refresh your memory of the novel with our Re-Read lead by Lesa Holstine. You can also learn more about the real-life inspirations behind the settings and cultural references in the book, try a recipe the characters enjoy in Still Life, and explore more of all things Still Life here at GamacheSeries.com.
“They are four sentences we learn to say, and mean.” Gamache held up his hand as a fist and raised a finger with each point. “I don’t know. I need help. I’m sorry. I was wrong.” Is there a set of rules you live by? Let us know in the comments!
143 replies on “The Wisdom of Armand Gamache: Still Life”
I don’t know.
I’m sorry.
I need help
I was wrong.
In a very old fashioned way, my go to calendar is still a paper monthly planner. At the beginning of each month I write those 4 lines on the front cover so that I encounter them every morning. Thank you Louise for helping keep me grounded.
Before repeating a story about someone, ask yourself: “Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary?” If it doesn’t pass each question, don’t repeat it.
My mother emphasized this to us. As a hospital social worker for over 30 years. I have used this with many groups to improve communication & networking.
I am a trauma therapist and have used it with groups. It is something to which it is easy to relate
Hmmm… sure that last one isn’t I forget??
First, do no harm.
First, do no harm. Should be the first thing we learn and first thing we teach our kids.
Choose your fights. Some aren’t worth the energy you would need to expend.
First, do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
Grow where you’re planted
Does it need to be said and choose your battles have resonated with me in my later years here. I used to feel I had to fight everything. I cannot wait for the next book, I read the first one for a book club and then read every one after that.
Mine is the same, only different words, “do unto others as you would have them to you,” which requires a certain amount of awareness of what one isactually doing!
So many comments that share Gamanche’s wisdom are those I heard growing up from grandparents and my mother . I enjoyed being reminded of my great fortune to be raised by such wonderful human beings.
I have not truly considered a specific set of rules I live by. But, I find that Armand’s advice to ask oneself, “Does it need to be said?” has daily applicability for me.
Same here including the quote that goes along with it: “Is it true?”
First murder victim in the Gamache series here. I will always remember the shock and enormous laughter I experienced when I read the very first sentence in Still Life! Then meeting Louise in person and introducing myself to her. She was hilariously funny about it! ❤️❤️❤️
“Comparison is the thief of joy” (Attributed to Theodore Roosevelt)
Anything for a quiet life.
It’s one we all need to follow 🩷
Choose your battles.
I use this one as advice to parents-to-be, adding that children are little for such a very short time – enjoy it!
I wish I could attach a photo to this comment, but those four phrases have been on a sticky note on my computer monitor for many years. I see it every day and it reminds me to be fully present in life.
Ever since a beloved friend introduced me to these books, years ago, I’ve found these four phrases so helpful. I’ve shared them with our family and used them with my teams at work and with community groups. They help us do one of the most important things. You communicate by listening to one another. I also live my life trying to do what is right with love.
You can’t change the behavior of others….but you can change how you respond to them. Inspector Gamache is often kind and respectful to difficult people and personalities. They in turn, respond in different ways over time.
My Dad used to say this to me. “Don’t hang on to anger. The only person it hurts is yourself.”
It is not important that the world move on your time schedule, simply in your direction.
It’s so hard for me to say I don’t know. I’m learning. Gamache is helping too.
Mine is saying I need help. You’re so right Peggy, Gamache is a great teacher!
Me too. Being inside the community of Three Pines enables me to learn and observe superb leadership and enjoy the wonderful characters. It’s worth watching the series available on either Prime or Netflix too
Armand is a very wise man . I think the hardest words to say for some of us,myself included are the last two , I’m sorry, was wrong.
I often think of these 4 profound invitations to living well. Armand & all the crew (team, family and 3 pines community) have become dear friends. Thankyou for introducing & sharing them with me, Louise! Shalom to you ~ Naomi
I always put this on the board in my classroom. I’d ask students if they would add anything. The most common addition was “please forgive me.”
What a great way to start your day, week, school year. They are such small words, but such a huge message. I taught for 26 years, retiring in 2012, long before I came to know Armand. My sentence was, “When one’s words are no better than silence, one should remain silent.” (It didn’t always work.)
What an excellent idea to teach kids how to grow up. This world would be a better place if there were more teachers like you
I love this, Be glad for the good fortune of others…profound, and perfect. ❤️