Towards a Better Society
Towards a Better Society
Rogers, C. R. (1961). On Becoming a Person. New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published over half a century ago, On Becoming a Person is a masterpiece beyond its time. Carl Rogers’ aspiration for publishing this book was “for more basic knowledge and more competent skills in dealing with the tensions in human relationships” (p. xx). The author had a deep desire to share his prolific experience of psychotherapy through various media for all, leaving nothing hidden. As Dr. Kramer points out in his introduction, Carl Rogers did not expect the national recognition he received, nor did he think the book would sell millions of copies when million was a rare number in publishing. Carl Rogers wrote in a clear and an easily comprehensible style combining his experience, research findings, a variety of disciplines, and future predictions. Rogers writes in a manner that causes the reader to feel as though he is talking to them. He describes what he has come to learn “from the thousands of hours [he] has spent working intimately with individuals in personal distress” (p. 16). The teachings all have much to do with being real, listening openly to oneself, allowing oneself to understand another person, and accepting another person. Recognizing the importance of connecting with the reader, Rogers speaks of his very strict upbringing. He grew up on a farm where he bred moths as a hobby, raised animals, and read books on scientific agriculture. His early interests in science and its methodology helps one understand why research was so important to Rogers, as well as why he went into the field of psychology. All of which are pertinent to understanding his therapy, to understanding him. Carl Rogers proceeds to flow into the discoveries he has made in his over thirty years of practice. What stands out is his highly positive regard of people that “[people] have a basically positive direction” (p. 26). Hence, “in therapy the
Rogers, C. R. (1961). On Becoming a Person. New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published over half a century ago, On Becoming a Person is a masterpiece beyond its time. Carl Rogers’ aspiration for publishing this book was “for more basic knowledge and more competent skills in dealing with the tensions in human relationships” (p. xx). The author had a deep desire to share his prolific experience of psychotherapy through various media for all, leaving nothing hidden. As Dr. Kramer points out in his introduction, Carl Rogers did not expect the national recognition he received, nor did he think the book would sell millions of copies when million was a rare number in publishing. Carl Rogers wrote in a clear and an easily comprehensible style combining his experience, research findings, a variety of disciplines, and future predictions. Rogers writes in a manner that causes the reader to feel as though he is talking to them. He describes what he has come to learn “from the thousands of hours [he] has spent working intimately with individuals in personal distress” (p. 16). The teachings all have much to do with being real, listening openly to oneself, allowing oneself to understand another person, and accepting another person. Recognizing the importance of connecting with the reader, Rogers speaks of his very strict upbringing. He grew up on a farm where he bred moths as a hobby, raised animals, and read books on scientific agriculture. His early interests in science and its methodology helps one understand why research was so important to Rogers, as well as why he went into the field of psychology. All of which are pertinent to understanding his therapy, to understanding him. Carl Rogers proceeds to flow into the discoveries he has made in his over thirty years of practice. What stands out is his highly positive regard of people that “[people] have a basically positive direction” (p. 26). Hence, “in therapy the