M. Scott Peck

M. Scott Peck became famous when he published The Road Less Traveled in 1978. In this book, Peck uses his experiences as a psychiatrist to argue that people need to face the difficulties of life and overcome them with honesty, commitment, and spiritual growth. Since then, Peck has published more than fourteen books on similar themes. In the following viewpoint, Peck challenges his readers to examine how they view the world and how they view themselves. If people do not honestly face the world and themselves, their lives will, at best, be limited. Peck warns that dishonesty with ourselves can often do great harm. As you read, consider the following questions:

1. According to Peck, why are “maps” important in our lives?
2. Why is it difficult to update our maps of the world?
3. Why...