A friend gave me this book after I told him how much I enjoyed Peck's first book, "The Road Less Traveled"
M. Scott Peck has a very accessible writing style and does a wonderful job bringing out truths behind everyday life that will seem both revolutionary and self-evident at the same time. In this follow up to his original work, he has himself undergone a spiritual awakening but continues to speak in a humble voice about what he believes to be the weakness of a psychiatry that neglects spirituality.
While he repeats many points from his first book, this work certainly enriches and adds to it as well. The biggest take home messages for me were a) spiritual development is just as important as psychological development (if not more important) and b) although Peck chooses Christianity as the religion that most aligns with his own version of reality, he acknowledges the sanctity of all forms of religion -- his is an accepting brand of Christianity though he warns against the heresy of any religion too uncomfortable with paradox. He reminds us to always ask: what is missing?
The Road Less Traveled: A New Psychology of Love, Values, and Spiritual Growth, 25th Anniversary Edition is an enlightening and thought-provoking book that offers insight into the nature of love, personal growth, and spirituality. Dr. M. Scott Peck, a renowned psychiatrist, draws on his decades of experience to present a compelling argument for living a life of discipline, responsibility, and commitment to personal growth.
The book is divided into four sections - Discipline, Love, Growth, and Religion - each of which explores different aspects of the human experience. Peck's writing is clear and concise, and he presents his ideas in a way that is accessible to readers of all backgrounds. He challenges readers to examine their own beliefs and behaviors, and provides practical advice on how to live a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
One of the most compelling aspects of The Road Less Traveled is Peck's emphasis on the importance of discipline. He argues that true personal growth requires a willingness to face and overcome discomfort and challenges, and that this process requires a significant amount of discipline and effort. This message is particularly relevant in today's society, which often prioritizes instant gratification over long-term goals and personal growth.
While The Road Less Traveled is a classic in its own right, Peck's follow-up book, Further Along the Road Less Traveled: The Unending Journey Toward Spiritual Growth, is also worth exploring. This sequel expands on many of the themes introduced in the first book and offers new insights and examples of how to achieve spiritual growth.
One of the key differences between the two books is that Further Along the Road Less Traveled places a greater emphasis on the role of community in personal growth. Peck argues that while discipline and self-reflection are important, they are not sufficient on their own. Instead, he suggests that we must also build strong relationships and connections with others in order to achieve true spiritual growth.
Overall, both The Road Less Traveled and Further Along the Road Less Traveled are excellent resources for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of themselves, others, and the world around them. While they may have different focuses and priorities, both books share a commitment to helping readers live more fulfilling and authentic lives.
so i just finished 'further along the road..' and i personally think its amazing,the way of writier to express his own spiritual growth..though i think many points have been cleared its common among people who are missing solid faith grounds i was kinda bothered that the messege was unclear towards chirstinaity,maybe this book is directed more to them rather than any other religion. again it was the writer own expiernce towards god and it felt really good actually.
" έχω την πίστη- ή τη θεωρία, αν προτιμάτε - ότι υπάρχει πραγματικά μια αόρατη τάξη πραγμάτων πίσω από το πέπλο του υλισμού"
" γνώσεις μας μοιάζουν με ένα μικρό σκάφος που ανεμοδέρνεται στη θάλασσα της άγνοιάς μας, σε έναν ωκεανό μυστηρίου"
" ισχυρογνωμοσύνη είναι η μη χαλιναγωγημένη ανθρώπινη θέληση , ενώ θέληση είναι η ισχυρή βούληση ενός ανθρώπου ο οποίος είναι πρόθυμος να πάει όπου τον καλεί ή τον ωθεί μια ανώτερη δύναμη"
" είναι νομοτελειακό να γερνάμε σωματικά...δεν είναι υποχρεωμένοι να σταματήσουν να αναπτύσσονται πνευματικά. Και έτσι η δυνατότητα αυτή για διαρκή αλλαγή είναι το πιο εντυπωσιακό χαρακτηριστικό της ανθρώπινης φύσης μας"
" η αρχική σχέση ανάμεσα στη θρησκεία και την επιστήμη ήταν πολύ στενή. Και η σχέση αυτή είχε ένα όνομα - φιλοσοφία"
" οι θρησκευόμενοι έχουμε "πνευματικές κρίσεις". Είναι πολύ πιο σπουδαίο να έχεις μια πνευματική κρίση παρά μια κατάθλιψη"
"καθώς πάλευα με το μυστήριο του θανάτου μου, αναζητώντας το νόημα αυτής της ζωής, βρήκα αυτό που έψαχνα. Είναι απλό. Είμαστε εδώ για να μάθουμε. Όλα όσα μας συμβαίνουν μας βοηθούν να μάθουμε κάτι"