Customer Reviews

Friedman's Fables

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I took a leap with the idea that the fable of "The Bridge" would be a helpful teaching tool for my group of recovering alcoholics and addicts. They listened attentively to the story of the man handing a stranger the end of the rope and then jumping. Many of them could relate to the feelings of being stuck and with the moral and ethical dilemma of having to make a critical decision. I plan to use other fables from the collection after such a lively discussion. Never underestimate the abilities of people in recovery to benefit from meaningful dialogue.

More parables than fables, Friedman's genius as a storyteller in the rabbinic tradition shines through. This collection of short fables are ingenious studies of human nature from a Family Systems point of view. Though the book has many uses for teaching and therapy, its best use is pure enjoyment!

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.

Did you know that Rabbi Friedman's wife has recently published his last work, Failure of Nerve: Leadership in the Age of the Quick Fix? It can be ordered through the Edwin Friedman Foundation. It would be a great addition to your inventory.

This is a book that stands the test of time. It really speaks to multiple generations and can be used to teach multiple generations. I had a colleague say he used it for teaching youth and I recently used it in an adult study. One of the reasons the book can be used across many generations is because the writing it simplistic but does not talk down to the reader. The stories contain great lessons that everyone needs to hear and many of us need to hear over and over again.

There is one thing that anyone contemplating purchasing this book should be aware of, that I was not: it comes with a study guide! The study guide has the morals listed as well as group questions. The study guide is a great addition if you are going to use this book for group study, a lesson, or just to have for your own edification.

I love this book. Heard exerpts from it years ago at a retreat. I bought it and have gone back to it time and again for the insightful lessons.