Existential Psychotherapy

This is a psychology book, maybe not what some would consider about “behavior,” and it’s a fairly heavy and dense one. But I feel I must include it as it has helped me understand human mental struggles more than any other book I’ve read. And a key part of understanding human behavior, especially the broader societal and political aspects, is understanding those dark, often under-the-surface struggles that we all deal with. It is the wisest book I’ve ever read, and I have bought it for many people. Yalom has become a sort of secular guru for me. It is that… show more.

Contrary to its technical-sounding title, this is a very down-to-earth, readable book focused on four central concerns that everyone must cope within their lives. As with Becker, one of these concerns is how to function well despite the knowledge of our mortality. The second concern is how to lead a meaningful life rather than feel trapped in a meaningless one. The third concern is with isolation. How can we maintain fulfilling relationships even though no one can know fully your inner subjective experience and you can’t know anyone else’s? The final concern is with freedom. How to live autonomously, the… show more.