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Reading material that may help
On the subject of addiction, but also on other subjects, too, I'd like to recommend a book I found very helpful called
"The Guru Papers: Masks of Authoritarian Power" by authors Joel Kramer and Diana Alstad. From the title, it would appear that the book has nothing to do with addiction, but that appearance is misleading. A quote from the back cover of the book says: "The chapter on addiction presents an exciting and provocative new concept about the origin and process of addiction. A must read for therapists and addiction counselors." ~~Ann McKain, Ed.D, President of the American Academy of Psychotherapists, 1994-96.
The heading of the chapter on addiction reads: Who is in Control?--the Authoritarian Roots of Addiction.
Sections within the chapter read:
--What is Addiction?
--The Divided Psyche: Symptom of a Dysfunctional Morality
--Taming the Beast: The Inner Battle for Control
--Addiction as Revolt against the Inner Authoritarian
--Failings of Disease and Responsibility Models
--Twelve Steps to Where?
--Developing Wholeness and Self-Trust
At any rate, I found this book to be very helpful and really very enlightening about the nature of authoritarianism, especially all the hidden authoritarianism that goes un-noticed in all the assumptions we have about how to live life.
Fascinating
Hi Sapphire,
Sounds fascinating, but before I run out and buy it, what is the main premise of the book?
Thanks,
P.
Well, I think it would be
Well, I think it would be best to let the book speak for itself:
"Beneath the visible authoritarianism in politics, social structures and personalities is a far more pervasive, covert authoritarianism. It is hidden in culture, values, and daily life. By unmasking authoritarianism in such areas as addiction, initimate relationships, morality and religion, the authors expose it as a major factor in social disintegration.
Part One examines the most extreme example of one person giving power to another, the guru/disciple relationship, because this reveals less obvious occurrences of control. "Guru" is a metaphor for anyone who manipulates others under the guise of "knowing what's best" for them, whether leaders, mothers or lovers.
Part Two docodes the authoritarian control concealed in contemporary values and beliefs. It portrays how basic problems, both personal and global, are tied to authoritarian assumptions so embedded they are taken for granted.
"The Guru Papers" shows there is a worldwide battle for people's minds over basic values. At stake in these "moral wars" is our very survival as a species. When people take back the authority that has been unknowingly invested in others, this can unleash the intelligence and care needed to ensure that our history will continue."
Does that answer your question? If not, I will try to think of a short way to describe the book of my own, but from having read it many times, I would say that the synopsis above is really very accurate.
Library
I got a copy from our library
Have you read it...and if
Have you read it...and if so, what did you think of it?
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Beware of the dog, and don't underestimate the cat
sorry
it's in a stack of things to do....perhaps in a month?
Oh, I didn't mean to rush
Oh, I didn't mean to rush you. I just though that perhaps you'd already read it.
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Beware of the dog, and don't underestimate the cat
A very imprtant book indeed
It's somewhat of a difficult read but well worth the effort. Part of the difficulty is how it challanges some of my (society's) core beliefs....now that's a good read! Question authority, Advocate democracy on all levels of your Self and Society.
http://www.reuniting.info/node/3205 is a nice thread
Much Love