by Carl R. Rogers
Currently reading this 400 page behemoth for a writing class. I chose it, glutton for punishment that I am. The topic isn't difficult but the sheer volume of information that is slightly above my head. I'm reaching to understand it all, I think I do, but will definitely need to re-read this one day when I'm a 'real' psychologist.
"As therapy goes on the therapist's feeling of acceptance and respect for the client tends to change to something approaching awe as he sees the valiant and deep struggle of the person to be himself." (p82)
by Oscar Wilde
Just so we get this out of the way first- I am NOT recommending this book. It was the library group discussion book this month. I read the preface, that told me enough, not interesting in spending my time reading it. It is full of indulgent behaviors but the biggest reason I didn't read it is that, as the writer of the preface goes to great lengths to point out, a majority of the text is plagiarized from other books popular at the time of it's writing. This was not discussed at book group, the moderator was very set in not wanting to discuss anything but the actual text. I tried to ask about Wilde, about the controversy around the book, about the plagiarism - no go. He didn't want to talk about it.
This bugged me sooo much. You can't read a book and not contemplate it's provenance, the circumstances surrounding it's writing, the time period, the author's views, etc. (Or in my case even think about reading a book without pondering such things) My guess is that he was wary of a nasty political debate over certain moral issues ensuing right there in his monthly ode to literature.
Call me a silly goodie two shoes for listing this if you must but omitting it is a falsehood. We do our best to read it after dinner, but before dessert, doesn't always happen but we try. It, like other scripture, is so amazing in it's ability to teach you in whatever place you happen to be in. The kids enjoy the stories and we can take time to point out morals behind the stories (this week was Ammon and cutting off all the arms, we love that one. We always say we would have loved to be the guy to carry all those arms back to the king, gory mess!). Then I can see analogies that apply to my specific problems, such as how to retain charity in an increasingly harsh world. Last week in stake conference an area authority mentioned that we should be scripture feeding not scripture reading. He even joked about the obligatory, guilt reducing 'read one verse before bed' tactic to daily reading.
"And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them. Behold, I will show unto the Gentiles their weakness, and I will show unto them that faith, hope and charity bringeth unto me - the fountain of all righteousness." Ether 12:27-28
That's it for now on books I'm reading. Unless you want to know about my textbooks. I thought so.
In general I have to say how grateful I am for books. REALLY REALLY grateful. Their impact on my life is indefinable. I'm at a loss for words.
(Ironically enough the kids just put on the movie, The Neverending Story)
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