For weeks I’ve been writing on the 10 Commandments of sound character development. Heeding these learning imperatives help a person develop integrity and authenticity. (See also: A Sincere Heart is a Humble Heart.) And as I pointed out last week, all the “commandments” work together. Each reinforces the others.
Commandments Book Coming Soon
It’s no secret to the readers that my planned book on the Commandments has been delayed. I’ve been traveling around the country doing professional training workshops. The workshops provide therapists with the perspective and tools necessary to deal effectively with character-impaired individuals and their aggrieved relationship partners. But my heavy travel schedule has unfortunately hampered the release of the book. Still, it should hopefully be available by the end of Spring.
New Thinking on Character Disorders
There’s some new thinking these days on the nature of character disturbance. We’ve come to appreciate that most disturbances exist along a spectrum of severity. And we now appreciate that folks can have a variety of problematic character traits. Narcissism, for example, is a feature of many character disturbances. But what’s really new is the perspective we’re now taking on the nature of a character “disorder.” The focus now is on the obstacles certain character traits pose to relationship depth and intimacy.
Embracing the 10 Commandments promotes good character. But doing so also promotes healthy, intimate relationships. And healthy relationships make for strong marriages, families, and communities. This is what my life’s work has been all about. And it’s the reason for all my books. So, I pray that as my workshop schedule winds down, my final tome will be forthcoming soon. Look for an announcement on the 10 Commandments of character book by Spring’s end.
Tidbits
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Dr. Simon,
I have followed your blog for many years now. All your preceding books and works have been a window into the mechanics of the charactered disturbed individuals that we as a world have to live with and deal with everyday.
Your work has opened my eyes in a way no other author, has explained, in simple simplicity, this critical disturbance of character that is so prevalenty affecting our whole world. At the same time you offer simplistic answers to the “Whys.”
What is so important in this present book you are concluding on the Commandments is, it is in fact a guide for individuals on how to take back their life. A lifeline of sorts, explaining all the who, whats, whys and mostly importantly, how the victims, or shall I say, the people who are adversely affected by the CD, can take back their lives and make this a better world, One at a Time.
For me, to use these adverse experiences as an opportunity to separate the good from the bad and become a better person. The Commandments, a structure to follow, to become my authentic self, a guide which helps me to grow in strength and character.
It has not been an easy journey by any means. I can only say, at least for now, I thank God with all my heart he led me to your blog. I am honored to walk behind so many, who have been here before me and had the courage to share, bearing their souls in hopes of helping another. I pray I can follow, in all humility, in their footsteps.
,
All I can say is, I am personally grateful to you, Dr. Simon, for the impact your work has personally had in my life. Not to forget the faithful posters.
God bless you and your family and I pray you still have another book yet to follow. I hope you will consider the archives as a masterpiece in the makings, there is so much knowledge here waiting to be written for the sake of posterity.
1 Corinthians 13 vs 13
There are in the end three things that last: faith, hope, and charity (love) and the greatest of these charity/love.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for showing us this example of love/charity.
Blessings
Bonfire of the Vanities
Indeed, thanks Dr. George.