"The Road Less Traveled", by M. Scott Peck, MD
This riveting classic is packed so densely with life lessons and tools for self-understanding that it is difficult to have a quick discussion of any single aspect of the book. More than merely a self-help book, it is transformational. We focused our discussion in particular on the role of discipline in living a Christian life, and also the role of love: self-sacrificial versus "romantic" love. We also talked about the way in which Peck links spirituality with psychological health, and in particular the importance of doing the work of self-discipline and character-building in our interactions with others and in raising our children.
The Road Less Traveled by M. Scott Peck is controversial with good reason; Peck struggled to live what he taught and went on to write things that some consider heresy. But in The Road Less Traveled we find a younger, more balanced man seeking truth and often, in our opinion, hitting upon it. Peck wants to show us the connection between our psychological and spiritual health and we believe there truly is an important interdependence there. As with any valuable book, we recommend you read it for yourself, embrace the truth you find and discard the rest.
Principle: “When we teach ourselves and our children discipline, we are teaching them and ourselves how to suffer and how to grow.”
Themes: discipline; truth; love; growth; neurosis; grace; worldviews; responsibility
Favorite Quote: “By casting away their responsibility…they have ceased to grow spiritually.”
Read with: Parenting with Love and Logic; Man’s Search for Meaning; “Education and the Pursuit of Happiness”; The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People; Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin; Toward a Psychology of Being
Read: Psychology Today Interview with Peck
Discussion Questions:
1- How does Peck define: discipline, truth, responsibility, love and grace? Do you agree with these definition? How does defining these words help you better understand yourself and how to live?
2- What does Peck say are the connections between the mind and the spirit? Do these really exist? How do you know? Why does these connections matter?
Principle: “When we teach ourselves and our children discipline, we are teaching them and ourselves how to suffer and how to grow.”
Themes: discipline; truth; love; growth; neurosis; grace; worldviews; responsibility
Favorite Quote: “By casting away their responsibility…they have ceased to grow spiritually.”
Read with: Parenting with Love and Logic; Man’s Search for Meaning; “Education and the Pursuit of Happiness”; The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People; Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin; Toward a Psychology of Being
Read: Psychology Today Interview with Peck
Discussion Questions:
1- How does Peck define: discipline, truth, responsibility, love and grace? Do you agree with these definition? How does defining these words help you better understand yourself and how to live?
2- What does Peck say are the connections between the mind and the spirit? Do these really exist? How do you know? Why does these connections matter?
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