Handbook for the Third Millennium

Among the most exciting, interesting and challenging of the books I've read are those by Ron Smothermon, a physician, psychologist, philosopher, ethicist, and personal counselor. Ron's Third Millenium; 2000 and Beyond is well beyond the usual psychological/philosophical investigations, and, if its suggestions are followed, will have a profound influence on your life, and that of those with whom you share yourself. Ron reminds us, as he has before, that "There are two possible ways to interpret reality [1] as if it existed independent of your observation, the scientific method, and [2] that it is literally created by your observation, the creation method". He then suggests that we take the second, and explores, intelligently and responsibly, the effects of such a commitment on his part. Later, he recommends "What is required to master the ability to experience loving and being loved is to take the stand that all expressions are expressions of love". And "To return to a child's state of consciousness it is required to give up blaming any, and all, outside causes for your experience of pain and suffering". These are clearly challenging hypotheses/conclusions on which to base one's life. Ron moves in and out of them with careful thought, encouragement, and even experiential questions and exercises after each brief chapter to help the reader integrate the learning: to make it the basis for life, rather than 'an interesting book.' Third Millennium takes the stand that you are the stand you take: a great possibility that will, as more people live with it, allow them to understand and live that "Life is a laboratory course in being well. It is not enough to act well. You must be well. The well-being of the world depends on your diligence in this laboratory course."

Ron's writting is precise and to the point. In all of his books he communicates ideas in a way that a shift in one's point of view is clearly avilable. A shifted point of view leds to shifts in one's actions and one's ways of relating. It has impacted my life tremendously. I consider The Handbook for the Third Millennium to be Ron's best work so far.