“Life is difficult. This is a great truth, one of the greatest truths.” M. Scott Peck

The Road Less Traveled

“Delaying gratification is a process of scheduling the pain and pleasure of life in such a way as to enhance the pleasure by meeting and experiencing the pain first and getting it over with.” In other words-deal with it.

*delaying of gratification
*acceptance of responsibility
*dedication to truth
*balancing

Tools For Dealing With The Pain Of Problems Constructively.

I have had this book in my possession for several years, but only recently have I decided to delve in and take in all that Dr. Peck has to offer regarding my personal journey through this life. And our journeys are personal, aren't they? We journey side by side, yet alone—such a paradox. Most of us don't like to voice how difficult life can truly be. It is easier to push it away and create a happier vision than to delay the gratification of something much better once we deal with our said problems. This book deals with such things. Here are the nuggets of wisdom that spoke to me.

The Journey of Self-Discovery

Radical acceptance rests on letting go of the illusion of control and a willingness to notice and accept things as they are right now, without judging.

“When we avoid the legitimate suffering that results from dealing with problems, we avoid the growth that problems demand from us. “

“Reality is that when you stop believing in it, it doesn't go away. “

“A life of total dedication to truth also means a life of willingness to be personally challenged.”

“The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it and join the dance”

“To willingly confront a problem early before we are forced to confront it by circumstances, means to put aside something pleasant or less painful. It is choosing to suffer now in the hope of future gratification., rather than choosing present gratification in the hope that future suffering will not be necessary.”

“To be free, people must assume total responsibility for themselves, but in doing so, must possess the capacity to reject responsibility that isn't truly ours. Balancing is the discipline that gives us flexibility. “

“Those things that hurt is instruct” Benjamin Franklin

"Confronting and solving problems is a painful process which most of us attempt to avoid. Avoiding resolution results in greater pain and an inability to grow both mentally and spiritually. Drawing heavily on his own professional experience, Dr M. Scott Peck, a psychiatrist, suggests ways in which facing our difficulties - and suffering through the changes - can enable us to reach a higher level of self-understanding. He discusses the nature of loving relationships- how to distinguish dependency from love; how to become one's own person and how to be a more sensitive parent. This is a book that can show you how to embrace reality and yet achieve serenity and a richer existence. Hugely influential, it has now sold over ten million copies - and has changed many people's lives round the globe. It may change yours."

M. SCOTT PECK

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