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Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health
Scientology Books
October 13, 2012    
Released on May 9th, 1950, this is the handbook, still in use, that enables any two relatively strong people to unlock hidden clarity within their own minds. This book has a reputation for being "complicated" and "difficult to understand." Actually, Dianetics is simple — and correspondingly powerful. What is complicated is the average person's prior notions regarding the anatomy of the human mind. These complexities collapse on the simplicities described in the book and the result is momentary confusion. Stay with it, and the confusion will pass, revealing true clarity.

Imagine a young man who never knew his father but suspects his father's brother's uncle's cousin grandson was actually his father but was killed in the war because he was close friends with his mother... etc. And one day while explaining his theories to an elderly neighbor, the old man says, "Actually, I'm your father." The result is going to be an acute state of confusion. That is an example of a complexity collapsing on a simplicity. The young man could stop at that point, but he's on the verge of finally knowing the truth. And likewise, so are you.

Dianetics was humankind's first clear look into the human mind. Dia, through + nous, the mind. If you decide to read the book and start getting confused, relax — it's working. Give it some time and understanding will dawn.

I first read the book in 1981 and tried out the therapy on a friend. It worked EXACTLY like LRH said. I was amazed. I have used it many times since and it always works.
Overall rating 
 
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5.0
Reviewed by Thoughtful October 22, 2012
Last updated: November 09, 2012
Top 50 Reviewer  -   View all my reviews (11)

The therapy it lays out works

Released on May 9th, 1950, this is the handbook, still in use, that enables any two relatively strong people to unlock hidden clarity within their own minds. This book has a reputation for being "complicated" and "difficult to understand." Actually, Dianetics is simple — and correspondingly powerful. What is complicated is the average person's prior notions regarding the anatomy of the human mind. These complexities collapse on the simplicities described in the book and the result is momentary confusion. Stay with it, and the confusion will pass, revealing true clarity.

Imagine a young man who never knew his father but suspects his father's brother's uncle's cousin grandson was actually his father but was killed in the war because he was close friends with his mother... etc. And one day while explaining his theories to an elderly neighbor, the old man says, "Actually, I'm your father." The result is going to be an acute state of confusion. That is an example of a complexity collapsing on a simplicity. The young man could stop at that point, but he's on the verge of finally knowing the truth. And likewise, so are you.

Dianetics was humankind's first clear look into the human mind. Dia, through + nous, the mind. If you decide to read the book and start getting confused, relax — it's working. Give it some time and understanding will dawn.

I first read the book in 1981 and tried out the therapy on a friend. It worked EXACTLY like LRH said. I was amazed. I have used it many times since and it always works.

Where I stand

I am a...
Independent Scientologist

Pros and Cons (optional)

Pros
Contains a therapy that not only works, it can produce miracles in some cases.
Explains the hidden source of negative self image and gives you something you can do about it.
Cons
Can be hard to understand at first for people who are indoctrinated with inaccurate data about the mind or brain.
Contains some obsolete ideas about the origin of aberration being pre-natal or being due to attempted abortions.

Bottom line...

Recommend it to a friend?
Yes
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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.