Customer Reviews

Ecstasy: Understanding the Psychology of Joy

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An Essential guide to understanding why our culture is constantly obssessed with seeking fulfillment that we never achieve.Robert A. Johnson makes us aware of why the esctasy we crave is unattainable in the ways we are seeking it and how to attain it. I have reread this book so many times and always am finding new meaning in it. Johnson is an eloquent and thorough. This book will make you think differently about life.

I like Johnson's books--they are good vehicles for the lay person to navigate the complexities of archetypal psychology. This book presents a psycholotgical/cultural interpretation of the Dionysus muths in a simple, direct, and usually-insightful manner.

The author sometimes uses too-broad strokes, trotting out wild generalizations about cultural phenomena that seem a little too superficial, a little too pat to be wholly convincing.

Also, if you are looking for a *practical* book, this probably isn't it. The chapter on using the Dionysus myth in your own life is woefully thin, which the author admits right off the bat. In fact, he refers you to his earlier book, Inner Works, for a more detailed, specific method of practical applications. That said, Johnson's thin volumes (this one is about 90 pages), really need to be read and used in conjunction with that book.

this is a book to be experienced, to be savored, and read,in between the lines, so that you may recognize the god of joy within. i tried to make the book last as long as i could. johnson has a wonderful way of informing the reader of his/her heritage and gently waking them. all his books are excellant.

Some of Mr Johnson's ideas seem a little simplistic. But his theory of honoring the Dionysion side of ourselves and culture would probably be therapeutic and healing. His examples of this are worth reading.

Still reading ... we need to let out more of the joy locked up inside people ...

This book explores a portion of - or may have been the impetus for -"Living the Un-lived Life." (I'm too lazy to see which was published first!)

Explores the myth (story that weaves together the fundamental experience of those whose shoulders we stand on)of Dionysus, and then dissects it through Jungian psychoanalysis and a touch of humor and elegance.

I have enjoyed many of Robert Johnson's books, but ECSTASY might be my favorite. Johnson sheds light on the current psychological shortcomings of western culture that has spread worldwide. He helps remind us that everything we need is within us and that looking outside of ourselves for joy merely provides a string of quick fixes that cannot sustain us. Well worth a read! Debra

I read everything i can to better understand the human psyche. This one was a superficial stretch.

Having to read this book for a Mysticism class I was appalled at the irresponsible and totally inacurate information slanderously thrown together. This book pastes Dionisus into any form utilizing kindergarden techniques. The author claims to have spoken with Dr. C. G. Jung, but his lack of knowledge suggests strongly that he has only glanced at Jung's collected works. Ecstacy is an insult to any educated person in the ways of psychology, religion, pagan philosophies, inner spirituality and growth. Personally, it should be removed from all bookstores and book outlets as it is a pathetic excuse for writing. In short, do not read this book.