The Road Less Traveled

by Brummie 13 Replies latest jw friends

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  Brummie

  Today I went up into my loft (and that itself is a less traveled road), after moving the cobwebs and several unidentified spiders I opened about 3 huge boxs of old old Watchtower books, 7 Studies, Rutherfords rainbow etc, There amongst all the books was a yellow/red book called "The Road Less Traveled" By M.Scott Peck.

  Has anyone read it? Is it good? I remember there being some huge controversy over this book and its new age influence, has anyone heard about that?

  I'm wondering whether to give my time to reading it or whether I'm going to get half way through and find it another religious con.

  I remember seeing it mentioned in COC. Dont know how I got it.

  Brummie
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  logansrun

  Brummie,

  It's a good read, although I don't agree with Peck on everything. Not by a long shot, actually. To me, it's more of a philosophy book than a book on psychology. It's about acceptance of yourself, acceptance of risk, change, responsibility.

  Yes, there are some "new-agey" comments littered throughout the book -- as well as some covert Christian underpinnings (although Peck now is a quite liberal Christian). I liked it more for Peck's writing style than for his general theories on psychology. For the latter I would recommend anything by Albert Ellis, founder of rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT). Peck's ideas are a little too vague for my taste. But, a good read nonetheless.

  Bradley
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  Brummie

  Thanks Bradley, perhaps I'll give it a read. It was the subheading "A new Psychology of love...Spiritual growth" That made me think it was just another religious take on things.

  I've heard it mentioned a lot in the past so my curiosity is aroused.

  Brummie
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  logansrun

  Peck also wrote several follow-ups to "Road." Among them are "Further Along the Road Less Traveled." I read that as well. Not as good as the original.

  My problem with Peck, again, is his vagueness and ethereal, fluffy viewpoints. Sure, it sounds good, but is it practical and realistic? That's why I say his book is more philosophy than science.

  Oh, and Peck really dropped a few notches down my respect-ladder when he alluded to the thought that some people might not just be mentally ill, but demon possessed! WTF? No wonder he's not viewed by the APA (American Psychological Association) with much respect.

  But, don't get me wrong, it's fun to read.

  Bradley
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  chachasmum

  Hi Brummie

  I read that book years ago, it's a good read. It also spent years on the New york times best seller list.

  Enjoy!!!!!!!
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  Robdar

  Wow, I just got off the phone with one of my boyfriends who told me to read M. Scott Peck's "People of the Lie". He also suggested "The Road Less Traveled". Is this a weird coincidence or whut?

  Robyn
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  jst2laws

  I did People of the Lie first. It is excellent

  I liked Road Less Traveled so much I buy old copies at used book stores when ever I see them and give them away to people I think would enjoy them.

  Jst2laws
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  larc

  Logunsrun,
  
  I agree with you that Albert Ellis is a far better thinker. For ideas expressed here, please, Ten Nutty Ideas, started by Tina, with contributions by yours truely.
  
  If you do a search on the word, Nutty, I am sure you can find it.
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  Gopher

  Here's a link to the "Ten Nutty Beliefs" post. Enjoy!!

  http://www.jehovahs-witness.com/6/9994/1.ashx
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  Englishman

  Brummie,

  Having read your posts for some time, I think I can be confident that you will thoroughly enjoy "The road less travelled".

  A somewhat less esoteric book, but nontheless fascinating, is Daniel Golmans "Emotional Intelligence".

  Englishman.