Confronting and solving problems is a painful process, which most of us attempt to avoid. Drawing on his own professional experience, the author, a psychiatrist, suggests ways in which facing our difficulties can enable us to reach a higher level of self-understanding. He discusses the nature of loving relationships.

A graduate of both Harvard University and Case Western Reserve, Dr Peck served in the Army Medical Corps from 1963 to 1972 and had a private practice in psychiatry from 1972 to 1983. Since then, he has devoted much of his time and financial resources to the work of the Foundation for Community Encouragement, a nonprofit organization which he and his wife, Lily, helped found in 1984. See the author website: www.mscottpeck.com

A brilliant self-help book, which I found genuinely inspiring...I love this book, it's my spiritual refuge and I'm certain everyone will find something to console them within these pages - Boy George, Sunday Express; 'Magnificent...This is not just a book but a spontaneous act of generosity written by an author who leans towards the reader for the purpose of sharing something larger than himself' - Washington Post