The Road Less Traveled: A New Psychology of Love, Traditional Values and Spiritual Growth
"Life is difficult." With these three simple words, psychiatrist M. Scott Peck opens a book that has transformed millions of lives and spent more than a decade on the New York Times bestseller list.
This Timeless Edition features a new introduction from the author and presents his enduring wisdom on the essential tools for navigating life's inevitable challenges. Peck argues that genuine growth comes only through confronting our problems, not avoiding them. He outlines four crucial disciplines: delaying gratification, accepting responsibility, dedication to truth, and balancing.
But this book goes far beyond self-discipline. Peck redefines love as an action rather than a feeling, explaining how true love requires the willingness to extend ourselves for another's spiritual growth. He explores the connection between mental health and spiritual development, showing how the two are inseparable.
With more than seven million copies sold in the United States and Canada alone, and translations into more than twenty-three languages, The Road Less Traveled has earned its place as a modern classic. The Washington Post called it "not just a book but a spontaneous act of generosity."
Whether you're seeking better relationships, deeper self-understanding, or a more meaningful life, this book offers a challenging yet compassionate guide. The path Peck describes isn't easy, but the rewards of walking it are immeasurable.
Interesting Facts
Ten Million Copies Sold: The Road Less Traveled sold more than 10 million copies, making it one of the most successful self-help books of all time. It spent more than ten years on the New York Times bestseller list and was translated into more than twenty-three languages.
Three Famous Opening Words: The book begins with just three words that became iconic. Life is difficult. Peck argued that once we truly accept this truth, we transcend it, and life becomes easier to navigate.
Rejected As Too Religious: Random House turned down the original manuscript, saying the final section was too Christ-y. Simon & Schuster took a chance, paying Peck just $7,500 and printing only 5,000 hardback copies initially.
Six Years To Bestseller: The book was published in 1978 but didn't make bestseller lists until 1984. Peck personally hit the lecture circuit and sought reviews in key publications to build momentum for his little-known work.
Written By Army Psychiatrist: M. Scott Peck served as a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army. He worked as chief of psychology at the Army Medical Center in Okinawa and assistant chief of psychiatry in the Surgeon General's office in Washington, D.C.
Four Parts Structure: The book is divided into four distinct sections. They cover Discipline, Love, Growth and Religion, and Grace, each building on the previous to create a complete framework for spiritual evolution.
Love Redefined As Action: Peck challenged romantic notions by defining love as the will to extend oneself for nurturing spiritual growth. He emphasized that love is not a feeling but an activity requiring effort and commitment.
Four Tools Of Discipline: Peck outlined four essential aspects of discipline for solving life's problems. These are delaying gratification, accepting responsibility, dedication to truth, and balancing conflicting requirements.
Inspired By Literary Flash: In 1976, Peck experienced a sudden flash of literary inspiration. He began writing a self-help book that uniquely combined psychology with spirituality, drawing from his private psychiatric practice.
Harvard And Case Western Graduate: Peck earned his bachelor's degree from Harvard University in 1958. He later received his medical degree from Case Western Reserve School of Medicine in 1963.
Baptized At Age 43: Though raised in a secular household, Peck was baptized as a Christian on March 9, 1980. He wrote about his spiritual journey from Buddhist and Islamic mysticism to Christianity in his second book.
Personal Struggles Revealed: After Peck's death in 2005, a biography revealed his struggles with infidelity and alcoholism. These revelations sparked debate about whether his personal failings diminished the value of his teachings on discipline and love.
Foundation For Community Building: In December 1984, Peck co-founded the Foundation for Community Encouragement. This nonprofit educational foundation aimed to teach principles of community to individuals and organizations seeking deeper connections.
Quotes
"The only real security in life lies in relishing life's insecurity." - M. Scott Peck
"When we love someone our love becomes demonstrable or real only through our exertion—through the fact that for that someone we take an extra step or walk an extra mile." - M. Scott Peck
"Love is not simply giving; it is judicious giving and judicious withholding as well." - M. Scott Peck
"Each one of us must make his own path through life. There are no self-help manuals, no formulas, no easy answers." - M. Scott Peck
"Love is as love does. Love is an act of will – namely, both an intention and an action." - M. Scott Peck
"The attempt to avoid legitimate suffering lies at the root of all emotional illness." - M. Scott Peck
"Once we truly know that life is difficult—once we truly understand and accept it—then life is no longer difficult." - M. Scott Peck
"Life is difficult. This is a great truth, one of the greatest truths. It is a great truth because once we truly see this truth, we transcend it." - M. Scott Peck
"Until you value yourself, you won't value your time. Until you value your time, you will not do anything with it." - M. Scott Peck
"The energy required for the self-discipline of honesty is far less than the energy required for secretiveness." - M. Scott Peck
"Love is the free exercise of choice. Two people love each other only when they are quite capable of living without each other, but choose to live with each other." - M. Scott Peck
"If being loved is your goal, you will fail to achieve it. The only way to be assured of being loved is to be a person worthy of love." - M. Scott Peck
"Our view of reality is like a map with which to negotiate the terrain of life. If the map is true and accurate, we will generally know where we are." - M. Scott Peck
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