[ book tip by Sonya Davda ] The RLT is one of those books that purport to change your life. Written in 1978, it describes itself as 'a new psychology of love, traditional values and spiritual growth'. The author, a Harvard-educated psychiatrist, divulges case studies of his patients, with their various neuroses and personality disorders and you begin to recognise these traits and behaviours, which are common in modern society.  

If you have a general or even fleeting interest in psychology you will find this book fascinating. It’s a classic, although mocked at the time of release because of its religious overtones and notions of good and evil. However, the thing you find gratifying about this book is the way it gives you actual steps to work towards spiritual growth – an ideal that Peck says we ought to strive for. For only in this can we be truly happy. These steps, which have strong psychological grounding, include: delaying gratification, taking responsibility, a dedication to truth and reality and balancing. Sounds simple but as Peck goes into greater detail you realise it’s no picnic.  

An important element in our spiritual growth is love, of ourselves primarily, and then of others. This book will tell you how to love someone (after learning to love yourself first,), what form 'true love' should take and the transformative power of love. So if you’ve ever been in a loving relationship, you will find this book invaluable. It is also a great all-round self-help book which I believe everyone can benefit from. Demystifying the notion of therapy being for 'crazy' people, it ultimately encourages you to be one of the brave and take the road less travelled for yourself. However you stumble across this book you’ll be glad you did.

[ Favourite quote ] 'As a psychiatrist, I feel it is important to mention at the outset two assumptions that underlie this book. One is that I make no distinction between the mind and the spirit, and therefore no distinction between the process of achieving spiritual growth and achieving mental growth. They are one and the same.'

[ book info ] Scott Peck, M: The Road Less Travelled. (Book language: English) Arrow Books, 1983 (1978). ISBN: 009 9727404.