The Road Less Traveled

A New Psychology of Love, Values, and Spiritual Growth, 25th Anniversary Edition

By: M. Scott Peck M.D.

Narrated by: M. Scott Peck M.D.

Length: 4 hrs and 23 mins

Publisher's summary

Perhaps no book in this generation has had a more profound impact on our intellectual and spiritual lives than The Road Less Traveled. With sales of more than 7 million copies in the United States and Canada, and translation into more than 23 languages, it has made publishing history, with more than 10 years on The New York Times best seller list.

Told in a voice that is timeless in its message of understanding, The Road Less Traveled continues to enable us to explore the nature of loving relationships and leads us toward a new serenity and fullness of life. It helps us determine 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 "Life is difficult" and that the journey to spiritual growth is a long one, Dr. Peck never bullies his listeners, but gently guides them through the hard and often painful process of change toward a higher level of self-understanding.

Combining profound psychological insight and deep spirituality, this is an audiobook that provides inspiration and understanding.

©1986 M. Scott Peck, M.D., All Rights Reserved (P)1986 Simon & Schuster Inc., All Rights Reserved, AUDIOWORKS Is an Imprint of Simon & Schuster Audio Division, Simon & Schuster Inc.

Critic reviews

"It is not just a book but a spontaneous act of generosity." (The Washington Post)

Revised Edition Highly Recommended

Buy this book! Put it into your digital library and listen to it once a year - just like your physical, or changing the batteries in the smoke alarm. Why, you ask?

The aspiration is to keep an internal balance as we face the increasing barrage of life stressors. Occasionally we need to "reset" and this book has supplied that, in part, for me. This is a slightly updated (for the better) version of the original that I have listened to and shared with others over the last 20 years. Scott Peck gives the same neutral performance in this revised reading that does not distract from the message and still affords easy listening.

The Road Not Taken...

I really don't like BS, and particularly dislike self-help BS. As with all successful self help books, this book states the obvious truths as if they are original. The author points out self discipline, responsibility, dedication to the truth, and good prioritization are all useful. He notes "Real" Love is an active choice, but is often confused with infatuation or ideas about romantic love. Definitely true, but all pretty well known.

This book goes on to describe the author's views on religion, evil and "grace" including the author's belief in miracles and psychic abilities based upon his personal experiences. The evidence he provides seem rather weak and completely unscientific and anecdotal. The religion presented is vaguely Christian, but seemed to me to be selfish variant of Christianity where the point is one's own spiritual growth (as opposed to Christ, who focused on loving and giving).

The author was a Freudian psychologist who seemed to believe that most people require vast amounts of (expensive) analysis (maybe helped out with what he calls "truth serum") to prepare them to help others in the same "Godlike" ways he does.

I was particularly unsettled by the author's description of Evil and Evil people. It seems he based his concept of Evil on the Freudian analysis patients he was unable to help (because of their inherent lack of empathy and deceptive nature.) It seems, in his theory, these people are destine to be Evil (grace has been withheld, but there appears to be some tiny chance that could change, but probably not.) The author's description of these Evil people (who have a pathological lack of empathy and don't respond to analysis) seemed to me like people with neurochemical or neurophysical abnormalities that don't respond to analysis, not Evil people.

As I listened to this book I could palpably feel the author's fear and self loathing permeating the writing and a strong undercurrent of his desperate will for power. He seems to feel that "life is difficult" and filled with "problems". This may resonate with some readers looking for self-help, but didn't resonate with me. Life can be difficult and have problems but these are challenging parts of life that make life interesting.

As I finished this book I was virtually certain if I looked up a bio of the author I would find a troubled life after the writing of this book. Bingo. Serial philandering, alcohol abuse, divorce, estranged children, fascination with exorcism, etc. It seems odd to me to take advice on life and love from such an author.

Always Wonderful

Have been re-reading the same copy of this book for 22 years. Now on tape, great messages!

you will keep coming back to this book

This short book has helped me to think clearly about the human condition. From the first chapter on he had my attention. His ideas about love and marriage, though brief, have become a bedrock for my marriage. I listened to this book three times over the past 10 years and will continue to listen for the rest of my life.

The KING of all self-development books!

Originally written in 1978, but truth knows no time. I've read a number of similar books and I feel that this the greatest of them all. The author himself narratorates this title and put the same firm and lively tone used in his writing. It truely is an extrodinary book. If you seek a self-help book that doesn't always serves up advice with the sugar coating (like Dr. Phil) then this book is for you.

Love and Light

Excellent

I have listened to this audio book several times since I purchased it less than 2 weeks ago and I love it. Peck addresses so many issues I can identify with in myself or in my loved ones it's great. This book is a MUST for those interested in improving themselves and their relationships.

Timely information

I came across this book at the time where I'm looking at what's not working in my life. I am not interested in taking off the top layers of stuff but want to dig down to uproot the very foundation of me that is not stable. This book has given me a lot of information in order to successfully do that. I'm excited about who I will be as I work through all that Dr. Peck has shared. Thank you for helping me get my life and relationships back!

Life changing

This book is the stepping stone to true personal self development. This book is life changing. Listen to this book and hold on to every word.

a heartfelt work

opened the door to spirituality and to god which i believed to be
locked. thankyou m scott peck

Didn’t follow the book

I was disappointed because I wanted to listen to the book not the abbreviated summary. I wish if it was stated clearly before I purchased it.

Years of pleasure

Would you consider the audio edition of The Road Less Traveled to be better than the print version?

I can't say that one is better than the other they both have their advantages, they both offer understanding and comfort in a crazy world. i like audio books at night when my eyes are too tired to read but love to dip into actual books when inspired at any other time of the day

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Road Less Traveled?

There are too many to even begin to describe, it just makes so much sense of the world and of us as people. If you believe in traditional values and are awakened or awakening to the unseen aspects of life (i.e your spiritual path) you will find a great deal to feed your soul here

Have you listened to any of M. Scott Peck’s other performances? How does this one compare?

Further down the road less traveled, the follow on book from this is very similar and as the title says, 'Further down the road less traveled'

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, its hard to stop once you start, I have read the book over and over, sometimes in one day, it has a healing calmness to it, its sensible, there are no 'far out concepts' to grasp. It makes sense

Any additional comments?

I have bought this a few times as presents for the people I love in my life, the last time to my 25 year old son who loved it as much as I do. I can't recommend this book highly enough

Road travelled too often

I re-trod this road because someone was looking for an entry into the world of psychology and I couldn't think of anything better, simpler or more common sense-filled. It was a mistake, as it is now very dated indeed, and after having heard Peck reading his own work, I found I didn't like him very much - rather pompous and distant. Shame - I think it gave a lot of people the chance to really think about their lives, relationships, and ways of functioning which they had never considered before. Its enormous success as a publication did not do him any favours, judging by what he wrote next and further on.

The problem is that people do not recognise their own narcissism, and mistake it for confidence or even talent. One can 'know' psychology as a science and source of information without knowing anything about actual human beings. That has to be experienced, and narcissism enables us to avoid the very suffering which makes human beings of us all.

Excellent book about our journey thorough life.

A great insight into life's journey , the hurdles we come across and difficulties with our emotions. A brilliant book to listen to when my depression is bad and I need a life check for reassurance.

Highly recommended

Enlightenment?

I bought the book years ago and some how I had just never got round to reading it. I saw it on Audible and bought it for my walk to work.

Some of the ideas contained are quite thought provoking and while I am not sure agree with it all, it has made me think a little more about certain aspects of my life.

The ideas and tools like delaying gratification that are contained in the book are 'basic' they are not always easy to apply.

Overall a great book that bas helped me to ask some serious questions of myself... only time will tell if these lead to any significant personal growth.

As a side note, the audio version has made me pick up the book in the hope of being able to find some additional levels and meaning within the work.

Useful tool using great stories but gets all religious near the end

Listening to this you get an insight into yourselves and your reactions to things.
It's a bit dated therefore gender stereotypes abound as do US centric bias on some of the case studies.
Also all the religious nonsense at the end detracts from its value to secular/atheist/humanist listeners
However all in all a very useful tool.

revelations abound

What did you like most about The Road Less Traveled?

I first read the road less travelled 20 years ago I was astounded by its simplicity in conveying the complexity of mental and emotional existence. Reading it again was like meeting up with a dear old friend
Comforting, familiar yet learning new revelations.

If you’ve listened to books by M. Scott Peck before, how does this one compare?

I read the book originally but to hear the message from the messenger himself really brought it to life.

one of best narrated audiobooks I have listened to

loved it first audiobook I have finished in a long time. Scott doesn't hold back and says it as it is although we may not always want to hear the truth that we are responsible no one else can solve our problems and there are no quick fixes which alot of modern self help books claim

a must read!

unless you are God, you need to read this book. dont go back to sleep!

disappointing

honestly are you looking for a more peaceful and happy life? then read eckhart tolle the power of now or a new earth. there is some interesting sections and ideas in this book however it is not life changing.
Im afraid this falls short as a spiritual text. I agree it is very dated and there are no comforting words here.

I will be reading this again!

This book was recommended to me by a friend. I found it very easy to understand and it helped me to consider some of my thoughts and behaviours. I don't think I've got everything from it yet so I'll definitely be reading it again.