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Review Detail

 
Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health
Scientology Books
October 13, 2012    
When I went to a bookstore looking for a self-help book, Dianetics stuck out to me because of the television commercials that had been running on it at the time.I figured it would be a book on the power of positive thinking or some such approach to improving conditions in my life.By the time I got half way through the book it had blown me away! I had always enjoyed studying hard sciences and enjoyed reading science fiction novels so for me this book was a pleasant read.
Even so, I still had to read it twice to feel comfortable with the material presented in it.I have probably read this book 5 times and each time I read it I get more understanding out of it.

My advice to people who have a hard time reading or finishing it would be to pick up a lighter book on the subject such as "Dianetics: An Evolution of a Science" and/or "Self Analysis" and then tackle it again.

For people who think some of the info in the book is erroneous or false must understand that the science at the time it was printed was still in its infancy and advanced significantly as further research was done on the subject. However, the techniques put forth in the book are just as workable and valid as at the time the book was published.Some of the opinions of the author are just that and can be accepted or rejected as one may choose.

But if you really want to understand why man does the things he does I can think of no better book to read.
Overall rating 
 
4.3
Wow factor 
 
5.0
Informative 
 
5.0
Easy to understand 
 
3.0
Usefulness 
 
4.0
Reviewed by Looking4Myself November 10, 2012
Top 50 Reviewer  -   View all my reviews (3)

Nothing Like I expected

When I went to a bookstore looking for a self-help book, Dianetics stuck out to me because of the television commercials that had been running on it at the time.I figured it would be a book on the power of positive thinking or some such approach to improving conditions in my life.By the time I got half way through the book it had blown me away! I had always enjoyed studying hard sciences and enjoyed reading science fiction novels so for me this book was a pleasant read.
Even so, I still had to read it twice to feel comfortable with the material presented in it.I have probably read this book 5 times and each time I read it I get more understanding out of it.

My advice to people who have a hard time reading or finishing it would be to pick up a lighter book on the subject such as "Dianetics: An Evolution of a Science" and/or "Self Analysis" and then tackle it again.

For people who think some of the info in the book is erroneous or false must understand that the science at the time it was printed was still in its infancy and advanced significantly as further research was done on the subject. However, the techniques put forth in the book are just as workable and valid as at the time the book was published.Some of the opinions of the author are just that and can be accepted or rejected as one may choose.

But if you really want to understand why man does the things he does I can think of no better book to read.

Where I stand

I am a...
Independent Scientologist

Pros and Cons (optional)

Pros
Not only does this book explain what is wrong with the mind but gives you a solution that anyone can apply and get results with.
Cons
A difficult read for most people the first time through.

Bottom line...

Recommend it to a friend?
Yes
Was this review helpful to you? 

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self-analysis

START HERE

Self  Analysis (August 1951):  Possibly the best introduction to the subjects of Dianetics and Scientology. Self Analysis contains both a series of essays on the basic discoveries Ron had made up to this point in his research as well as an extensive auditing section that a person can do by themselves right at home. The book contains a special version of the Hubbard Chart of Human Evaluation and a series of tests one can do to discover where you're really at. Then, by applying the processes from the second half of the book, one is guided through a path of self-discovery. At the end, you will re-do the tests to confirm your improvement. How good can you get? These techniques have been in use for more than six decades and Ron referred to them again and again throughout his research, stating that the processes here were capable of curing any neurosis.

This is the starting point for anyone wanting auditing. You will be audited by L. Ron Hubbard himself through the pages of this book.

Find a copy in used bookstores or at Alibris.com, Amazon.com, eBay. Or you can buy a new copy from these Church of Scientology organizations (but once you give them your address they may continue to send you junk mail) Bridge Publications or New Era Publications.