How Real Is Real? [Paperback]

Paul Watzlawick (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 12, 1977

The connection between communication and reality is a relatively new idea. It is only in recent decades that the confusions, disorientations and very different world views that arise as a result of communication have become an independent field of research. One of the experts who has been working in this field is Dr. Paul Watzlawick, and he here presents, in a series of arresting and sometimes very funny examples, some of the findings.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This is an astounding book. Watzlawick waltzes with ease and elegance through semantic traps, pitfalls in logic and all the other contraptions by which 'people can drive each other crazy' or, as he so correctly observes, by which they 'communicate'....This is popularization in the best sense, that is, where complexity is not simplified but clarified." -- Heinz Von Foerster

From the Inside Flap

The connection between communication and reality is a relatively new idea. It is only in recent decades that the confusions, disorientations and very different world views that arise as a result of communication have become an independent field of research. One of the experts who has been working in this field is Dr. Paul Watzlawick, and he here presents, in a series of arresting and sometimes very funny examples, some of the findings.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 266 pages
• Publisher: Vintage; First Edition edition (January 12, 1977)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0394722566
• ISBN-13: 978-0394722566
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 4.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #199,756 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A stunning insight into "Reality", July 21, 2003

By 

Sebastian Klammer "se_klammer" (Berlin) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: How Real Is Real? (Paperback)

"How Real Is Real?" - Some may think a book with this title and this topic is a heavy, demanding read. But let that not mislead you: While Paul Watzlawick's book is terribly interesting and thought-provoking, it also very easy to read, entertaining and amusing. And it makes you realize that "Information" is not always what it seems to be. Based on many partly weird, partly funny and thoughtful anecdotes and sample cases, Paul Watzlawick delivers a broad view on what we usually call "reality". He shows that we're often quite alone with our seemingly subjective perception of what's "real".

"How Real Is Real?" is amusing, informative and as thrilling and persuasive as a detective story. You can even try and verify many of the communicative games described in the book with your friends, your family of your colleagues. This book is not only valuable for potential Communication Scientists, but also for everyone who is interested in the way we communicate, in understanding, in truth and lies - and the effects and problems that come with them. This book is definitely a "Thumbs Up".

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Anecdotal Primer for Communication Theory, December 6, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: How Real Is Real? (Paperback)

I use this text as a warm-up to communication theory, and most students enjoy it thoroughly. Watzlawick cleverly intertwines interesting anecdotes with basic tenets of human communication in such a way that the reader can't put the book down. When he or she is finished, the reader walks away with a better sense of how people perceive "reality" and thus explains the basics of how communication works between individuals. I re-read the book at least once a year and always find something novel to take with me, as well. I highly recommend it to anyone, but especially those interested in pursuing a career where communication is involved--and these days that means just about every career you can imagine.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars How wet is this Book?, December 7, 2003

By 

paul mason "dedarkone" (Barrie On) - See all my reviews

This review is from: How Real Is Real? (Paperback)

I don't mean literally wet of course. It is possible though that the communications theory at its core could be dry even dull to one with no interest in the subject matter. That is most definitely not the case though. The anecdotal layout of Watzlawick's writing makes for an informative and fascinating read.
Through no fault of the author's some of the anecdotal stories are a little dated due to the time of publication such as when he writes about cold war situations in his disinformation sectiom. However this does not take away from the theories being discussed in these parts so do not affect the overall reality of the book haha.
If nothing else this book should inspire the reader to question exactly what is reality and muse about objectivity vs. subjectivity in communication thus affecting one's own reality and I think he succeeds admirably in getting his points across in an interesting often funny medium.