Psychology and the Human Dilemma

I'm only on page 20 & my head is about to explode. This book is NOT written for the lay person. I'm not a trained psychologist, but I've read hundreds of self-help, psychology, philosophy, and Buddhism books that made me think. But this (at least the Introduction section "What is the Human Dilemma?") is on a different level. Maybe someone with a psychology degree will already have more foundational knowledge that will make it easier to comprehend on the first read-through. And, in skimming through the rest of the book, it looks like if I power through this section, it will become much easier reading in future chapters as they appear less academic.However, all that said, I love this stuff. But if the rest of the book is like this, it will probably take me a month to read it as each paragraph makes me think, translate it into my layman's understanding, highlight, underline & take extensive notes in the margins, so I can then read my notes later to put all the puzzle pieces together in my mind.At this point, I'm judging the whole book on this first section, but thus far, Rollo May's other books "The Discovery of Being", "Man's Search for Himself", and "The Courage to Create" have been much more accessible for me. But, again, I'm sticking with this one to see it through.So it's a qualified/conditional highly recommended. If you are a layman and don't want to squeeze your brain a little harder than normal, don't get it. It will just be a waste of your money. But if you're, like me, a glutton for punishment when the reward may be a greater understanding of yourself and your fellow humans, go for it.

Rollo May is one of the most important voices in the history of psychology. How do we deal with the knowledge that we are going to die? How do we coexist with this and not render our lives meaningless? May is a brilliant thinker and theorist. Never offering simple solutions, he understands the importance of grappling with dilemmas and paradox. Ultimately, we find meaningful ways through our art, music, and relationships, etc. We find the courage to choose life.

Rollo May is unique in his approach, understanding, insight and voice. A Joy to read and I would recommend him to anyone interested in his psychological insights and direct approach to face life in it's existential magnitude.

All I can say is buy every book Rollo May has written then ready them all.

Amazing book.

Every young psychotherapist should have to read Rollo May or some of the other existential humanistic therpapists. Homework assignments may change behavior but presence changes both the client and therapist!