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Publication
Walker (1978), Hardcover, 433 pages
Description
Religion & Spirituality. Self-Improvement. Nonfiction. HTML:Now featuring a new introduction by Dr. M. Scott Peck, the twenty-fifth anniversary edition of the classic bestseller The Road Less Traveled, celebrated by The Washington Post as "not just a book but a spontaneous act of generosity." Perhaps no book in this generation has had a more profound impact on our intellectual and spiritual lives than The Road Less Traveled. With sales of more than seven million copies in the United States and Canada, and translations into more than twenty-three languages, it has made publishing history, with more than ten years on the New York Times bestseller list. Written in a voice that is timeless in its message of understanding, The Road Less Traveled continues to help us explore the very nature of loving relationships and leads us toward a new serenity and fullness of life. It helps us learn how to distinguish dependency from love; how to become a more sensitive parent; and ultimately how to become one's own true self. Recognizing that, as in the famous opening line of his book, "Life is difficult" and that the journey to spiritual growth is a long one, Dr. Peck never bullies his readers, but rather guides them gently through the hard and often painful process of change toward a higher level of self-understanding.… (more)
Media reviews
This book is truly a classic in the field of psycho therapy. It deals in n insightful way with the causes and solutions of neurosis among other problems we all deal with in our lives. It gave me an insight to why my 22 and 21 years old are like they are. I could have been a better father who had
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more consideration of how my personality affected them. I learn more about myself everytime I read it. It is written in a manner that is entertaining rather than dry.
I am happy I have read this wonderful book. Show Less
User reviews
LibraryThing member LisaMaria_C
I found the book shelved in "Self Help" in the Barnes and Noble bookstore. Yet The Road Less Traveled is on The Ultimate Reading List for "inspirational non-fiction." For that read "spiritual" and most often "Christian." That's fitting, because although the author was a practicing psychiatrist,
I found his examination of romantic love particularly interesting. He doesn't believe in what he calls the destructive "myth" of romantic love. He feels that falling in love is always a temporary, fleeting sensation involving a seeming collapse of ego boundaries. That "true love involves an extension of the self rather than a sacrifice of the self" and is an action, decision and choice more than a feeling. Love as he defines it is the "will to extend one's self for the purpose of nurturing one's own or another's spiritual growth."
This is pop psychology, no question, but his book is not all "just love yourself" pablum. I have to admit, having known people who have spent years in psychotherapy, I'm skeptical of Peck's claims for it, and at times he himself comes across as a bit self-aggrandizing, especially in his 25th Anniversary Introduction--in that it's-not-me-but-God-wrote-it-way. He controversially wrote in the original edition that if having sex with a patient would help, he'd do it. And given at least one anecdote, I get the distinct impression Peck considers homosexuality disordered. (Remember, this book was published in 1978. The American Psychiatric Association had declassified homosexuality as a mental disorder only five years before that.) So I don't read this book as if I'm a believer reading scripture. But he's thought-provoking, was an experienced working psychotherapist and his ideas are worth considering. The first book I ever read by him and still on my book shelf was actually People of the Lie which I picked up precisely because evil is a subject few psychologists seem to take seriously, and I found his examination of the subject fascinating.
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it's obvious that the spiritual theme is to the fore just from a perusal of the section titles: I. Discipline II. Love III. Growth and Religion and IV. Grace. In his Preface Peck states he makes "no distinction between the mind and the spirit, between the process of achieving spiritual growth and achieving mental growth. They are one and the same." He claims that "mental illness occurs when the conscious will of the individual deviates substantially from the will of God, which is the individual's own unconscious will." It's easy to see why this book would be popular among those who follow Twelve-Step Programs, where accepting a "higher power" is one of the steps. Regardless, that doesn't mean you have to be religious to get anything out of the book. I'm not. But I thought the book had interesting insights into the process of maturity, growth and change and though Peck is Christian, the book cites tenets not just of Christianity but Buddhism and Hinduism. His very first sentence is "life is difficult" and he connects this to the central belief of Buddhism that life is suffering. In other words, that a fulfilling life takes work--discipline--that neurosis is often an effort to avoid necessary suffering. Reportedly Random House turned the book down as "too Christ-y," but I think even the last parts on religion and grace could be put into secular terms--although it would be a bit of a strain, and I admit the second half didn't really speak to me and is a major reason I didn't rate this book higher. Nevertheless, Peck reads as non-dogmatic and as psychologically and spiritually eclectic.I found his examination of romantic love particularly interesting. He doesn't believe in what he calls the destructive "myth" of romantic love. He feels that falling in love is always a temporary, fleeting sensation involving a seeming collapse of ego boundaries. That "true love involves an extension of the self rather than a sacrifice of the self" and is an action, decision and choice more than a feeling. Love as he defines it is the "will to extend one's self for the purpose of nurturing one's own or another's spiritual growth."
This is pop psychology, no question, but his book is not all "just love yourself" pablum. I have to admit, having known people who have spent years in psychotherapy, I'm skeptical of Peck's claims for it, and at times he himself comes across as a bit self-aggrandizing, especially in his 25th Anniversary Introduction--in that it's-not-me-but-God-wrote-it-way. He controversially wrote in the original edition that if having sex with a patient would help, he'd do it. And given at least one anecdote, I get the distinct impression Peck considers homosexuality disordered. (Remember, this book was published in 1978. The American Psychiatric Association had declassified homosexuality as a mental disorder only five years before that.) So I don't read this book as if I'm a believer reading scripture. But he's thought-provoking, was an experienced working psychotherapist and his ideas are worth considering. The first book I ever read by him and still on my book shelf was actually People of the Lie which I picked up precisely because evil is a subject few psychologists seem to take seriously, and I found his examination of the subject fascinating.
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LibraryThing member edward.mannix
This is one of the key books that started my conscious growth process as a young adult. I read it when I was 19 at just the right moment, and it served as one of the entry points into the genre of self-help and spirituality literature, which as a whole has had a profoundly positive affect on my
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life. Great book. Show Less
LibraryThing member lgaikwad
His definition of love is "The will to extend one's self for the purpose of nurturing one's own or another's spiritual growth."
"Ultimately, all couples learn that a true acceptance of their own and each other's individuality and separateness is the only foundation upon which a mature marriage can
"Ultimately, all couples learn that a true acceptance of their own and each other's individuality and separateness is the only foundation upon which a mature marriage can
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be beased and real love can grow." Show Less
LibraryThing member kellyholmes
I haven't read this book from cover to cover, but the parts I have read I've loved.
LibraryThing member herebedragons
It's been a while since I read this book, but I remember finding it genuinely inspirational back when I read it. Probably worth re-reading again someday.
LibraryThing member rayski
Psychoanalysis concepts. Very good discussing the impact of life changing events causes on depression. Good coverage on the disciplines of mental management. Didn’t like his discussion of Love, but the other areas were well worth a read and very timely for me.
LibraryThing member john257hopper
Much of this book was very good, especially the first section on Discipline and I can see myself coming back to this many times and drawing genuine inspiration from it. However, I found the last section on Grace unconvincing and a bit unsatisfactory, labouring some some rather subjective points
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overmuch. But excellent overall and probably deserves most of its accolades. Show Less
LibraryThing member jadelgador
The book covers basic human nature and it is an interesting perspective, discipline and love to grow and understand reality.
LibraryThing member Deesirings
I read this at a time when I really needed it (probably in late 2000, early 2001) and it really spoke to me. I've read portions of it again since then. I should probably re-read more of it more often. It is a life affirming and life altering work.
LibraryThing member diannella
An excellent book! Many valuable life lessons! i
LibraryThing member Arctic-Stranger
We start with "life is suffering," and we go on from there. Peck is an insightful therapist, at least on paper, and a decent writer. This book is a "classic in the field" but mostly because it broke new ground when it came out--mixing religion and therapy in a way that does justice to both. Now
But it all started with Peck, at least at the popular level. I read this at pivotal time in my life, and ended up making a career change because of it. Going back to some its ideas has helped me in some relationship changes. All of this is to say that, in spite of being a "classic" it is still good, and worth reading.
As an aside, I heard Peck speak once, and he says that he wrote the book and was pretty non-religous when he wrote it, but decided to do his research after writing (yes that is a bit backwards) and gained a personal appreciation of religion. They fact that he was not heavily involved in religion as he wrote this shows, but in a positive way. He does not come off as doctrinaire or dogmatic.
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books like this are a dime a dozen, most of them from a buddhist perspective. But it all started with Peck, at least at the popular level. I read this at pivotal time in my life, and ended up making a career change because of it. Going back to some its ideas has helped me in some relationship changes. All of this is to say that, in spite of being a "classic" it is still good, and worth reading.
As an aside, I heard Peck speak once, and he says that he wrote the book and was pretty non-religous when he wrote it, but decided to do his research after writing (yes that is a bit backwards) and gained a personal appreciation of religion. They fact that he was not heavily involved in religion as he wrote this shows, but in a positive way. He does not come off as doctrinaire or dogmatic.
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LibraryThing member bill316
Does "the most important book I've ever read" constitute a review? I'll throw some comments in below...
LibraryThing member e.krepska
It is a psychology book directed towards patients and psychologists. It consists of three chapters: discipline, love and grace. While I just loved the first chapter, I got through the first half of the second one, and could not bear the remainder.
The first chapter, about discipline, explains how
The next chapter talks about love and defines love much more broadly than in the traditional sense. Love is growing through giving, and, for example, in this sense a therapist 'loves' his patient and both benefit from the relationship. I found this part slightly boring but acceptable.
In the mid of the second chapter and all through the third one, on 'grace' the author drifts toward religion and how it is helpful in life. Well, I just happen to completely disagree, and maybe that's why I found this part completely unappealing. You might wander what kind of 'grace' is it. Yes - it's a religious term.
To sum up: I recommend the first chapter to everybody. If religion is important in your life, I you might want to read the whole book.
The first chapter, about discipline, explains how
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"Life is difficult" and taking on challenges and facing the problems is the only way to live happily, develop spiritually and have good relationship with one's family. This chapter feels like a very non-infantile self-help book - even an eye-opener about some aspects. It also has many interesting, sometimes amusing examples.The next chapter talks about love and defines love much more broadly than in the traditional sense. Love is growing through giving, and, for example, in this sense a therapist 'loves' his patient and both benefit from the relationship. I found this part slightly boring but acceptable.
In the mid of the second chapter and all through the third one, on 'grace' the author drifts toward religion and how it is helpful in life. Well, I just happen to completely disagree, and maybe that's why I found this part completely unappealing. You might wander what kind of 'grace' is it. Yes - it's a religious term.
To sum up: I recommend the first chapter to everybody. If religion is important in your life, I you might want to read the whole book.
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LibraryThing member peonygoat
An excellent and inspiring work about dealing with inner pain from a psychotherapeutic and spiritual perspective.
LibraryThing member John5918
I read this book many, many years ago. It is a great book, very inspiring indeed and still valid today. I don't think his later books are as good - this one probably marked a paradigm shift. It seems to have become a foundation book for the "self-help" and "new age" movements, but that should not
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be allowed to diminish its value as a serious work. Show Less
LibraryThing member johnkuypers
This book is defined for me by his terms "Character-disorder" and "Neurotic". They explained my marriage, it's failure and my role. Timeless book.
LibraryThing member FKarr
Lent: self-improvement through discipline, love, growth, and finally grace; really bogs down in the grace section: God as coincidence, God as dream-giver, etc
LibraryThing member El18
A new psychology of love, traditional values and spiritual growth.
LibraryThing member ffortsa
I had deliberately ignored this book since it was published to great acclaim many years ago, as I don't read self-help books, but it was there on the shelf in the beach house and I got curious. Two thirds of it was, I thought, a very thoughtful description of the manner in which psychotherapy can
That said, I still detected a bit of preening from time to time, a self-commendation for his great skill.
The last third was a bit more trying for me, as it deals with the relationship of spiritual growth (which he equates with mental growth) to a relationship with God. He tries hard to allow all versions of this relationship with God - as a world view it is very useful. But he is clearly a believer (and I am not) and his later text has that proselytizing feel underneath.
When I brought it up to Jim, he was of the opinion that Peck said nothing new, but I thought he said it gracefully, with only the appropriate number of examples, unlike most of the self-help books these days, which are flooded with them. So it was an ok read for me, and I'm glad I know what the fuss has been about.
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help a patient, although some of the casual assumptions of gender roles were howlers from 35 years ago, and Peck is writing from a perspective before the great advances in brain imaging and understanding of the physical and chemical processes of the brain.That said, I still detected a bit of preening from time to time, a self-commendation for his great skill.
The last third was a bit more trying for me, as it deals with the relationship of spiritual growth (which he equates with mental growth) to a relationship with God. He tries hard to allow all versions of this relationship with God - as a world view it is very useful. But he is clearly a believer (and I am not) and his later text has that proselytizing feel underneath.
When I brought it up to Jim, he was of the opinion that Peck said nothing new, but I thought he said it gracefully, with only the appropriate number of examples, unlike most of the self-help books these days, which are flooded with them. So it was an ok read for me, and I'm glad I know what the fuss has been about.
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LibraryThing member SueinCyprus
Interesting book about spiritual growth. Written from the point of view of a psychotherapist it primarily looks at what we mean by love in its broadest sense. There's an overview of various psychological conditions, and a look at how some people manage to overcome them, with or without the help of
Fascinating insights, often thought-provoking in the earlier chapters. Towards the end the author looks at the subject of 'grace' from a pseudo-Christian perspective. He gives rational and logical reasons for the existence of God, but then suggests (in somewhat New Age style) that God is the sum total of our unconscious minds, and that our most important aim in life is not so much to become like God, but to become part of him.
Worth reading despite now being twenty-five years out of date; could make interesting discussion material.
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a therapist. Fascinating insights, often thought-provoking in the earlier chapters. Towards the end the author looks at the subject of 'grace' from a pseudo-Christian perspective. He gives rational and logical reasons for the existence of God, but then suggests (in somewhat New Age style) that God is the sum total of our unconscious minds, and that our most important aim in life is not so much to become like God, but to become part of him.
Worth reading despite now being twenty-five years out of date; could make interesting discussion material.
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LibraryThing member cdiemert
Confronting and solving problems is a painful process, which most of us attempt to avoid. Drawing heavily upon his own professional experience, Dr. M. Scott Peck, a practicing psychiatrist, suggests ways in which confronting and resolving our problems can enable us to reach a higher level of
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self-understanding. Show Less
LibraryThing member poppycock77
First of all, this book wasn't what I expected at all. From the title, I thought it was going to be very religion-oriented. I would say that only about 5 percent of the book addresses religion, other than the fact that he says early on that he uses the terms "mind" and "spirit" interchangeably.
I really loved this book, except for a couple of annoyances that prevented me from giving it 5 stars. There was one sentence in the book that displays the fact that it was written 30 years ago. He offhandedly mentions that a man in therapy with "homosexual tendencies" was able to "get the courage to ask a girl out." Everyone should know by now that homosexuality can't be and shouldn't be "cured." In his final section about religion, he also clumsily attempts to discuss science, miracles, and other things that appear to be way out of his depth as a psychoanalyst, although I did mostly agree with him about the importance of grace.
All in all, though, I really enjoyed reading it, and it made me think a great deal about the mental lengths everyone goes to in order to deceive themselves and others, mostly to avoid the short term pain and suffering of inconvenient truths.
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He's also extremely critical of organized religion and the negative effects it can have on people. It's mostly a description about how and why people go through psychoanalytic therapy and what it is, exactly. I really loved this book, except for a couple of annoyances that prevented me from giving it 5 stars. There was one sentence in the book that displays the fact that it was written 30 years ago. He offhandedly mentions that a man in therapy with "homosexual tendencies" was able to "get the courage to ask a girl out." Everyone should know by now that homosexuality can't be and shouldn't be "cured." In his final section about religion, he also clumsily attempts to discuss science, miracles, and other things that appear to be way out of his depth as a psychoanalyst, although I did mostly agree with him about the importance of grace.
All in all, though, I really enjoyed reading it, and it made me think a great deal about the mental lengths everyone goes to in order to deceive themselves and others, mostly to avoid the short term pain and suffering of inconvenient truths.
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LibraryThing member WaterMillChurch
Psychotherapist Dr. M. Scott Peck guides readers to see purpose in life is to nurture one's own or another's spiritual growth. In fact this is how he defines love. I found this book full of down to earth, common sense, uplifting insights. He starts out saying that life is difficult because we find
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the process of confronting an solving problems to be painful. The tendency to avoid problems and the emotional sufferin inherent in them is the primary basis of all human mental illness. Since most of us have this tendency to a greater or lesser degree, most of us are mentally ill to a greater or lesser degree. In the book he discusses discipline, love, growth & religion, and grace. Show Less
LibraryThing member moukayedr
I read this book slowly and enjoyed immensely, as it contained so many nuggets of wisdom and food for thought.
Dr. Peck was not stingy with references and further reading tips. There is a lot to think about if you read the material with an open mind.
I like his interpretation of the original sin in
Dr. Peck was not stingy with references and further reading tips. There is a lot to think about if you read the material with an open mind.
I like his interpretation of the original sin in
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the chapter on faith. But I also like his section on love, and how he defines it as the will to extend one's self for the spiritual evolution of oneself or another person. The ideas of this book will remain with me for a long time and guide me further in my reading on spiritual evolution. Show Less
LibraryThing member kslade
Fantastic book on facing life and its challenges.
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Original publication date
1978
Physical description
433 p.; 9.9 inches