The Road Less Traveled Set : A New Psychology of Love, Traditional Values, and Spiritual Growth

by M. Scott Peck

Book Overview

A psychiatrist suggests ways in which confronting and resolving problems, a painful process most people try to avoid, can lead to greater self-understanding and spiritual growth.

Customer Reviews

A little far out but keep an open mind.

I was turned off by this book when he condoned open marriage. If you ignore that paragraph , I believe there is a lot to learn from this book.

Excellent self-development book

I recommend this book on finding your identity and strengthening it. Very interesting the chapter about healthy separateness in marriage!The Art of Loving

A classic self help, spiritual discovery book

The book opens with the words "Life is difficult." Once you accept that, it becomes a lot easier! But most of us don't accept that. We think if we do things the right way, or if other people would, then eventually life would become easier. Our material needs will be met, love will bloom forever, bad things won't happen to us, and life will unfold according to our individual needs and wishes.Guess again. If you're constantly trying hard and finding life to be a major disappointment, you may find comfort and practical help in the reading and re-reading of this book.Peck writes in an easy to read, easy to understand manner, writing of his life and that of many of his own patients. He begins with a section on Discipline; the next is on Love; then Growth and Religion; closing (how appropriately) with Grace.When first I read this, in my mid-twenties, (living life in what one of my 'friends' called Life in the Breakdown Lane) the sections didn't look like they'd offer anything to help me. Discipline was something I wanted to act out against, not find solace in. The section on Love, I was disappointed to find, did NOT provide any instructions on how to find a knight on a white horse. Growth and Religion seemed some kind of a paradox to me, and I was sure that Grace was nothing more than a name I wished I had.But within those Sections I have again and again(at different levels) found peace of mind through solutions that at first I didn't fully understand, but came to believe in -- for anyone looking for help in improving their lives, from a non-dogmatic, non-fundamentalist point of view, I'd strongly recommend this book. Read it, learn from it, and just as happens to the bunny in the children's book, The Velveteen Rabbit, you'll find yourself becoming more alive, and more 'real.'I'd also encourage the reading of Sheldon Kopp's "If You Meet the Buddha on the Road, Kill Him" and (if you're looking for some comic relief, always good when stressed) watch "Groundhog Day."This is truly a gem of a book (though I haven't liked many others of his).

The Uber-Self-Help Book

M. Scott Peck's brilliant description of the human condition is the uber-self-help book. If you want to know why the world today (and twenty some-odd years ago when the book was written) is awash with narcisists, liers, responsibility shirkers, loveless relationships, and instant gratification consumers, this is the book for you. And yes, you will find that you exhibit some symptoms of every problem he describes. But how do we combat our own weakness? He explains all. As Dr. Peck says (paraphrased), "Why do people lie? To avoid pain." Simply stated and direct, he writes with a style that exposes the elephant in the room. Every person owes it to themselves to read this book and look in the mirror. This book is not a substitute for therapy, or a spiritual guide. This book is an eye opener, to show you the way towards a healthy mind and spirit...hence the title. Highly recommended.

A Healer

I am a therapist. Part of my treatment for all of my patients includes giveing them a copy of this book and book An Encounter With A Prophet. Both books are God sent.