|
Review Summary: Ancient method of teaching paradigm-shifting concepts |
Date: 2008-08-24 |
|
| |
Details: In the modern world, I teach in the following manner: I give a reasoned presentation of facts, concepts, and conclusions; if you are too dense to "get it," I provide illustrative stories.
In the ancient world, I teach in the following manner: I provide an illustrative story; if you're too dense to "get it," I provide a reasoned presentation of facts, concepts, and conclusions. But I will avoid giving the point; I will let you wrestle with the story for quite some time...or for the rest of your life. In the struggle, wisdom is attained.
Friedman returns to this ancient (rabbinic?) form of teaching--teaching the reader through parables. To spur thinking, cause mental anguish, and provide fodder for discussion on leadership, self, triangles, purpose, and the other elements of Bowen Family Systems theory, Friedman has created 24 fables, an interlude, and an epilogue--all intended to challenge, educate, and stick with the reader.
As with any anthology of stories, some works are better than others, but all come very close to hitting the mark and making profound points. The characters are only as developed as they need to be to make the point; in fact, the brevity and stilted nature of the fables are what give them their aesthetic charm.
Provided with "Friedman's Fables" is a discussion guide, helpful for pondering the fables solitarily or in groups. Beware, though. Also provided are the various fables' morals (or points)...for those who are too dense to "get it." |
| |
|
Review Summary: An asset to therapy |
Date: 2008-06-26 |
|
| |
|
Details: These stories are excellent tools in illustrating therapeutic points to patients. Ironically, Friedman addresses the drawbacks of the psychological profession, but is helping the therapeutic process. Great addition to any clinician's library. |
| |
|
Review Summary: Family systems theory through powerful story telling |
Date: 2007-12-13 |
|
|
| |
|
Details: This book of parables takes the reader into the world of family systems theory in such a way that family systems becomes not just a theory but a part of one's life. With the supplemental discussion guide, it is an excellent resource for introducing the concepts and ideas of family systems to groups who have not studied or read on the subject before. All in all, an excellent book. |
| |
|
Review Summary: A Brilliant Work |
Date: 2005-12-11 |
|
|
| |
|
Details: Ed Friedman provided his readers and students with more than information about the human condition. He has given them a way to think, not just what to think. This book of fables, as the study booklet that accompanies it makes clear, is about life questions. A great deal of what one can know about life and self depends upon (a) where one stands when asking questions, and (b) the clarity and orientation of one's questions. The greatness of Ed Friedman is the clarity with which he has engaged the world. His "Generation to Generation" is a powerfully clear treatise on self and systems that has had a profound effect on thousands. I am given to understand that his daughter is arranging for editing and publishing "A Failure of Nerve" (available since 1999 only as a bound manuscript, loosely edited). Ed Friedman learned systems theory from Msurray Bowen (1913-1990), and his variant of Bowen Theory remains one of the clearest and most compelling expositions of the power of Bowen's work. "Friedman's Fables" is a testament to what can be done with Bowen when one thinks about the human condition with freedom and creativity, informed by the discipline of the most mature theory of human functioning today. |
| |
|
Review Summary: Review by Rabbi G. Lilienthal, Ph.D. |
Date: 2005-06-09 |
|
|
| |
|
Details: Friedman's Fables are a resonant statement by a very quiet man. Ed Friedman was that quiet man. He constructed a modern use for the ancient form of allegory, first used in King Solomon's written works, to drive home difficult-to-accept truths and ethical principles, in a group setting. His "fables" are the outcome of his many years of psychoanalytic work in very large congregational groups, and in my view, are a work of genius. Each fable deals with a different aspect of the group unconscious, and facilitates a ready demonstration of the inevitable group acting out that results from the return of the repressed. |
| |
|
out of 9 Reviews
