The Road Less Traveled: A New Psychology of Love, Traditional Values and Spiritual Growth

by M. Scott Peck

What makes life difficult is that the process of confronting and solving problems is a painful one.

It is only because of problems that we grow mentally and spiritually.

“Neurosis is always a substitute for legitimate suffering.”

And without healing, the human spirit begins to shrivel.

There are four: delaying of gratification, acceptance of responsibility, dedication to truth, and balancing.

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. It is the only decent way to live.

when one considers oneself valuable one will take care of oneself in all ways that are necessary.

Problems do not go away. They must be worked through or else they remain, forever a barrier to the growth and development of the spirit.

It is choosing to suffer now in the hope of future gratification rather than choosing to continue present gratification in the hope that future suffering will not be necessary.

“If you are not part of the solution, then you are part of the problem.”