The Road Less Travelled* is a book I’ve wanted to read for years, not for any reason other than I remember people talking about it when I was a child, meaning I didn’t actually know what it was about. The book was originally published in 1978, becoming a bestseller in 1984, and is based on M. Scott Peck’s experience as a psychotherapist, and discusses love, traditional values and spiritual growth.
I was intrigued enough by Peck’s writing to complete the book, but found it dry and difficult to keep reading (my version was printed in 1990 and maybe a modern printing will have more white space so be more comfortable to read). As lots of people mentioned this book as I was growing up I expected a book that would really impact me, but apart from the first chapter and a few quotes I’ve included in this post, I found the rest of the book disappointing and did not pick up on any underlying lessons, except that most people can benefit from seeing a psychotherapist.
Although I was disappointed with the book overall, I did take away three points from it, each highlighted through a quote below:
- To take responsibility for my life and actions because problems don’t go away if you hide from them
- Discipline is important for success
- To be lovable we need to be loving (think about what can I do for others instead of what can they do for me)
Even though there are some sections I really enjoyed, it is not a book I recommend because I’m not sure I got enough out of it to justify the time spent reading the book. However, if you are interested in reading the book I’m happy to pass on my copy (it is registered on Bookcrossing and is old, well travelled and worn).
Have you read The Road Less Travelled*? What did you think, did it have more of an impact on your life than on mine? What personal development books do you recommend? Let me know through my poll and it may influence what I read next.
*Disclosure: this post includes affiliate links which mean if you buy something after following a link I will earn a percentage of the sale but it will not cost you any more.
Hi Kate,
I was delighted to see this book in your blog. It had a huge impact on me-it started me off on the road to becoming a counsellor. This together with Rogers ‘On Becoming a Person’ were the writings that informed formed and reformed my way of being in the world.
Regards,
Allie
Allie, it is interesting to hear from someone who love the book and that it had such an impact on your life. Although overall I was disappointed with it, I keep coming back to some of the quotes I mentioned that life is difficult and working to solve problems. Those two are helping me to move forward towards solutions at the moment.
I haven’t heard of On becoming a person, so will look into it. Thank you for the recommendation.