This book explores the problems individuals face in their personal and social lives through the lens of general semantics, aiming to provide insights and techniques for better personal adjustment.
Living in harmony with oneself and others can be quite challenging. The concept of "normal" behavior often roots itself in what people are accustomed to, even if that involves ongoing tension, misery, or confusion. Everyday frustrations can silently accumulate and become overwhelming before one realizes it. The best strategy to combat this is to become more aware of these small issues and address them through principles of adjustment. For instance, students and teachers of communication might find value in a detailed analysis of speaking, writing, reading, and listening. These are broken down step-by-step in a specific chapter. Psychiatry and psychology students will benefit from insights on language and personality maladjustment, as well as personality reeducation. The principles explored are based on general semantics, an area of study that has been taught since 1939. These principles, although adapted from Alfred Korzybski's foundational work "Science and Sanity," have been tailored to fit the author's experiences in speech pathology and psychology. While Korzybski approved the manuscript, he is not to be blamed for any shortcomings. Feedback from academics and students has been instrumental, and the support of the author's wife has been particularly invaluable. This work aims to be both stimulating and practical, hoping to enrich understanding and daily living for those engaged in general semantics studies.
People often feel frustrated and distraught when pursuing vague, highly valued, and unrealistic ideals. This tendency reflects larger forces in society. Our language and culture encourage absolutist thinking, judging things as simply success or failure. This promotes unrealistic aspirations and inferiority feelings when goals prove elusive. Maladjusted people verbalize difficulties poorly, showing the importance of clear questions for finding solutions. General semantics offers techniques to unravel this confusion by reconsidering language structure. Our age questions old assumptions and seeks new wisdom through improved inquiry. Clearer language aids personal growth and social progress.
Final Summary: People in Quandaries: The Semantics of Personal Adjustment by Wendell Johnson emphasizes the importance of understanding and applying general semantics to enhance personal adjustment and enrich daily living. The book highlights the necessity of focusing on moment-to-moment applications of semantic principles to make significant long-term differences. It also provides various exercises and case studies aimed at fostering better self-awareness, communication, and problem-solving capabilities.
People in Quandaries is suitable for readers interested in psychology, self-help, and personal development, as well as professionals in counseling or therapeutic fields looking for a unique approach to personal adjustment problems.
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