A New Psychology of Love, Traditional Values and Spiritual Growth
The Road Less Traveled helps us explore the very nature of loving relationships and leads us toward a new serenity and fullness of life. It helps us learn how to distinguish dependency from love; how to become a more sensitive parent; and ultimately how to become one’s own true self.
Recognizing that, as in the famous opening line of his book, “Life is difficult” and that the journey to spiritual growth is a long one, Dr. Peck guides through the hard and often painful process of change toward a higher level of self-understanding.
The Road Less Traveled
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Key Takeaways
Life is Difficult. One of the biggest truths we will ever have to face. I guarantee you, you will never have a flawless life. On the bright side, you may find your passion or travel the world. On the down side, you may lose a friend or your job. But once we truly understand and accept that life is difficult then life is no longer difficult.
Lesson 1: Accept Responsibility For Your Problems
Life is full of problems. They cause us pain, which is why we try to avoid them. We procrastinate and make up excuses, hoping that problems will go away. They won’t. Actually confronting and solving problems is what helps us grow. Whichever problem you are avoiding, it will not fix itself.
The very first step to solving your problem is to accept that you have one. You must take responsibility. For those willing to take the time that’s necessary, will find themselves cured.
Lesson 2: Love is Separateness
Genuine love is where each person respects one another’s individuality and sees each other with a separate identity. This applies the love for your intimate partner, friends, and family. Those who fail to see this can become narcissistic and clingy. Don’t expect people to be just like you.
Lesson 3: Honesty is Freedom
Be honest from the start. We tell lies to avoid pain in the moment at hand underestimating the chain of problems it will cause in the future. Peck says it takes time and self-discipline to be honest. There are no shortcuts.
But when is it ok to lie? Sometimes the benefits of lying outweighs those of telling the truth, but we often drastically underestimate them. So be honest more often and you won’t have to put on a disguise, stress out or hold back your personal growth. Honesty is freedom.
