In Search of Stones: A Pilgrimage of Faith, Reason, and Discovery

by M. Scott Peck

Book Overview

Peck's "The Road Less Traveled" has become both a part of the popular culture and an inspirational guidebook for a generation. On the surface, this is the story of a 3-week trip through Wales,... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0786860219
• Release Date: April 1995
• Publisher: Hyperion
• Length: 416 Pages
• Weight: 1.77 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.6" x 1.4" x 6.5"

Customer Reviews

Peck, the "evangelist of integration".

This is the eighth Scott Peck book I have read... and he has yet to bore or disappoint me! In Chapter 13, he calls himself an "evangelist of integration" referring to his interest in bringing together the fields of general science, psychology, and theology in his writings. With this book we may add history, archaeology, and philosophy to the mix. By his own admission, he is a man "driven to integrate everything that is properly interrelated." As the subtitle of In Search Of Stones would suggest, this is exactly what he is attempting to do here in this 21-day journal-like account of a trip through Wales, Scotland and England with his wife Lily in June of 1992. To me, it is truly fascinating how their trip turns into an obsession of locating and studying the megalithic standing-stones that are everywhere scattered along their experience. Each day is a new chapter, respectively focusing on the following topics: Reason, Romance, Addiction, Holiness, Changing, Religion, Aging, Parenthood, Money, Death, Pilgrimage, Gratitude, Peace, Adventure, Consideration, Space, Time, Art, Integration, Despair.One does not have to always agree on every Peck-point (ie., in ch.10, he rejects the Christian doctrine of the resurrection of the body) to yet find him challenging, and yes... inspirational. He shares his thoughts in a way that never comes across ex cathedra, and the reader is never judged, but is rather, allowed to judge. I love his knack for summary statements... for instance, mental health is "an ongoing process of dedication to reality at all costs." Contemplation is "a lifestyle dedicated to maximum awareness." Salvation is "an ongoing process of becoming increasingly conscious." Of money, he says that "enough of it is not enough, at least not when we are chasing after the illusion of total security." He says that "death is probably the most important fact of life," and that "a grateful heart is one of the prerequisites for being a genuine Christian." He suggests that "laziness" might be the essence of what we call original sin. (Laziness not as physical lethargy, but mental, emotional and spiritual inertia). Peck says that "courage is not the absence of fear but the capacity to go ahead in the very direction of which you are afraid."I read this book while at a spiritual retreat and found it very inspirational, thought-provoking, and as metaphysically challenging as anything he's written, including his "In Heaven As On Earth." This is as close as he's come so far to an actual autobiography... here we are not on the couch in his office, but we are rattling along with him down bumpy backroads, being disappointed at yet another less-than-3-star accommodation... and peering into every farmer's field for perhaps another serendipitous adventure with the stones. Do whatever you have to do to get your hands on a copy of In Search Of Stones. I cannot possibly believe that it is currently out-of-print.

The Book is Educational, Self Revealing and Thoughtful

"In Search of Stones" is a book to be enjoyed and savored on many levels. First the book is educational. We accompany Dr. Peck and his wife Lily on a three-week trip through the countryside of Wales, England and Scotland in search of the ancient megalith stones erected by prehistoric people between 4,000 and 1,500 BC. But their obsession with stones also acts as a catalyst for Dr. Pecks exploration of topics such as religion, romance, despair, addiction and peace. We learn about George Fox the 17thC Englishman who founded "The Religious Society of Friends" known today as the Quakers. Fox not only inspired thousands to "see the light of Christ" in each other but also to match his bravery in the face of imprisonment, beatings, illness and hardship. Their silent group meetings could only be broken by anyone who was "moved" to speak by their Inner Light. Secondly the book is autobiographical. We learn about Dr. Peck's fears and shortcomings. Although I was saddened to learn about his sexual infidelities, regular recreational use of marijuana, nicotine addiction and about a "strong habituation to alcohol" I also appreciated his honesty. It took courage to shatter his public image of saintly self-control. In revealing the pain and shame of his own inner space Dr. Peck gives us permission to explore our own unconscious mind. Thirdly, the book is thought provoking and inspirational. Dr. Peck discusses the three prevailing beliefs about good and evil: the denial of evil, the denial of goodness, and the acceptance of good and evil. He endorses the latter and believes that evil was defeated when Jesus died on the cross. Redemption is the simple mop-up operation of what remains. Although I believe evil is another mask of God to teach us unconditional love I appreciate his sharing his thoughts, thereby giving us an opportunity to discover where we stand. Dr. Peck believes integrity is more important than inner peace; apathy, not hate, is the opposite of love; life is full of paradox and that salvation is an ongoing process.

Refreshingly honest and insightful

I first read this book some five years ago. It was my first Scott Peck book. I have since read the entire Road Less Traveled series, and others, and I found In Search of Stones to be his best. Frankly, I am quite surprised at some of the negative reviews appearing on this page. A reviewer suggested that Dr. Peck should feel shamed at his infidelity. It takes a great deal of courage to openly admit our mistakes, as Dr. Peck has done. He made willing changes in his behavior, and therefore deserves forgiveness. Perhaps other couples experiencing similar difficulties could take a lesson from him. His honesty makes the work all the more endearing. The book could easily be considered an authoritative work on the megalithic sites of Great Britain--a facinating subject. The journey through Great Britain and Dr. Peck's observations parallel beautifully with the journey of life. I recommended this book to a friend as she wanted something to read during a two week trip to Turkey--she loved it! The first 20 or so pages sing of ego--but right after he admits his infidelity, the book glides along beautifully.

Honesty and authenticity - cornerstones of Peck's narrative.

This is the first Scott Peck book I've read, although I have been aware of him for several years. I found it refreshing and full of valuable insight about the things that are truly valuable in life. The book is quite readable and anything but dull. In fact, I looked forward to reading the next chapter or two each night while on a long business trip. Peck seems to have a knack for making a solid case for his views of Christianity and morality without overstating his point. The recounting of a trip he and his wife made to Wales and Scotland is deftly interwoven with many relevant truths discovered in his life over some fifty-plus years. I am thanful he was perceptive enough to see these truths and skillful enough to share them easily with his readers. His book has given me a refreshed view of the values in my own life. I recommend it to serious readers ready for some introspection of their own lives, combined with bits of humor and history.

Deep insight, travel & autobiography masterfully blended.

If you're a Scott Peck fan just buy this and read it - it's great. Here Scott Peck blends the story of his and Lily Peck's three week journey through Wales, England and Scotland looking for ancient megalithic stones, with profound insights on life and living and enough stories from his life to make it semi- autobiographical. Each chapter covers a day of their journey (the outward search for meaning and mystery) interwoven with a discussion on various aspects of life (the inward search) after which each chapter is named. These include Reason, Romance, Ageing, Death, Parenthood, Money, and Peace to name but a few (20 in all). For those familiar with Sott Peck, this intimate sharing of his life should prove most rewarding. In fact, with startling honesty and humility Scotty unequivocally removes himself from any pedestal on which many may have placed him. Still he emerges as a gifted man of great insight, his sharing of which, really is a gift to us. I found these triple aspects masterfully blended - a tribute to Scott Peck's considerable talent as a writer. Thoroughly enjoyable and highly educational. Congratulations M. Scott Peck - an excellent book.