The Road Less Travelled Paperback – 15 Mar. 1990

Over 30 years I've bought many copies of this book that I've given mainly to young people struggling with life and mental health, as it was a book that helped me the most when I was in my 20s struggling with deep depression. The book isn't specifically aimed at young people, it's for everyone, I just happen to have given it mainly to those who are a similar age to me at the time that I read it. Most have said it's really helped them.I was a little hesitant this time, wondering if it was by now a little dated in content, or they way it's written, but the young man I made this purchase for 2 months ago has just contacted me to tell me that as a self help and guidance book "It's the best I've ever read!" which is wonderful know, and it's not been unusual to receive this kind of response.I think it's quite easy to read. It's not so simplistic as to have some kind of message on each page, it's a serious book that helps with serious issues in simple language that's easy to understand.I'm aware of some of the criticisms the book appears to receive in some of the reviews. That the author is Christian, but I was never aware of that when I read it. It isn't overt. Some people question one or two paragraphs that sound like they're based in beliefs rather than solid theory. But Peck is writing from a basis of experience as well as theory, and that is valuable also in counselling sessions - you want someone who has some experience in life! But importantly I think, when you are young and struggling with something in life, you're not so pedantic and critiquing it on it's literary or theoretical merits, you just want help, from a self book!At the end of the day all that matters, is that you can understand what it's saying, that it makes sense, and makes you think about things in a different way, and that it helps. It may not be for everyone, but when it comes to mental health, there is no 'one-size-fits-all'. But judging by the sales & popularity of this book, it's helped a great many, and it's certainly worth a try! And in my experience, for myself, and for others I've gifted it to over the years, many in their late teens or 20s, most have got something of value from it, and it really has helped.

If a picture is worth a 1000 words, then a great title is worth twice. I never knew that I could get as much insight and enlightenment from a title as from the contents of a book. But, thoroughly enjoying this read, which has enlarged my appreciation for the title even more. The goal of finding The Road Less Travelled is to make it a part of our map contour. Although I found some culturally biased language used throughout, I have otherwise thoroughly being made a better human by its reading. Written with a simple elegance, beyond word description that only the soul comprehends.

The book states that a ‘life lived properly is supposed to be hard’. Could this also apply to self help books too ? “If they work they’re not an easy read” ? Well this certainly wasn’t for me (my brain still hurts). I think “Life Bible” as others have suggested would probably be a more accurate description than book.That said it was a very interesting read. I’d definitely give it a go. I think it’s a book you need to read yourself as everyone will glean different things from it. I have done an “interpretation” below though that I would’ve appreciated reading prior to the book. I was often left thinking that’s a great observation but how is all this fitting together ?DisciplineThis section focuses mainly on childhood and how a lack of love can lead to problems in later life.NeurosisTaking on too much responsibility. (Fearing abandonment, focusing on flaws).And/orCharacter DisorderTaking on too little responsibility. (copy others,don’t discipline themselves).What therefore should parents do ?Simply be there and aid children’s search to find reality. Give them attention; listen to anything they want to say.Teach them self-examination and that they’ll need to continually change and re assess things throughout their life.Encourage them to be as honest as possible, only telling white lies to not offend others, also to live mainly in the now.How ?Just keep the afore mentioned in mind and engage with children e.g Game play, homework,activities.(so does this = love ?)Love(Bringing us nicely onto the next section)Basically love is as in the previous section, commiting yourself to another. However in an adult healthy relationship you should expect to take as much as you give (listen and teach).People often have a scewed (prehapes based on lack of love as a child) view of love either it just happens or they have to devote themselves to the other (get angry when not mirrored). Truthfully it does require effort but you also need to remain independent to continue your own self examination and growth.Self examination in fact could be termed self love. (pushing yourself to do better).Considering real love needs quite a lot of effort, why do we want it so much ?To examine this lets go back to how we got on to the topic , bringing up our children.-Babies, develop a sense of me when mum doesn’t always come.- Terrible twos, tantrum to try and command people.- Three +, calm down a bit but want to be “superman”.-Adolescents, give up on the ‘dream’ realising they can only work in the boundaries of reality. This makes them feel alone (note difference lonely-lack of people, alone-lack of connection) and want love (real connection) a loving relationship allows the person to drop boundaries and be true to self.The above demonstrates the formation of boundaries (needed to not hurt others and climb the social structure). A lot of people choose not to think too much about this and ‘just go with it’, those who do can find it even harder to find someone to love who thinks on their level.Religion and GraceIn the 21st century you may feel the previous two sections pretty much give a good life bible. You’re wrong religion/grace is needed just as much as ever.There are still things unexplained by science / too complex (too many variables to control – these are on the increase in busy modern society) that we could go mad (detach from reality) contemplating them for too long. It’s incredibly helpful to term these ‘grace’ (or luck or chance).Religion has now come to be seen as, the set of rules we live by gained through various experiences and unique to us. These help us interact with others.Pitfalls in faith. If you do believe in a god (s) you can stop self-examination and just say that’s the way god(S) want it so not reaching your full potential.You can also punish yourself for evil , when nobodies perfect sometimes you don’t realise what you’ve done until it’s too late/ can’t face the alternative of looking inside yourself. (for whatever reason time, other commitments,mental e.tc.). Truth is the other part probably learnt through your mistakes anyway.If you’re anything like me you’ll be questioning if you’ve taken everything in you’ve just read. Don’t because our subconscious ability to learn is one of those things termed grace.ExtrasIf your looking for a phycologist it’s important to fit with them. Try for a while to see if it’s just your resistance to change. If it’s still not working try someone new.The book focuses on Spiritual power there is also political power. (as touched on in boundaries and ability to climb the social structure. (to do this effectively you may have to lie etc. so is it a balance between status and faith)?- I was originally inspired to read the book by a vlogbrothers video on the title. A very good watch.

I thoroughly enjoyed the stories of people who sought therapy. The different theories and outlook on love, grace and serendipity is interesting. A must read for deeper thinkers.

You can read this book again and again - there are so many interesting stories and profound insights into human nature and how it really works.