We've Had a Hundred Years of Psychotherapy--And the World's Getting Worse [Paperback]

James Hillman (Author), Michael Ventura (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 14, 1993

This furious, trenchant, and audacious series of interrelated dialogues and letters takes a searing look at not only the legacy of psychotherapy, but also practically every aspect of contemporary living--from sexuality to politics, media, the environment, and life in the city. James Hillman--controversial renegade Jungian psychologist, the man Robert Bly has called "the most lively and original psychologist we've had in America since William James"--joins with Michael Ventura--cutting-edge columnist for the L.A. Weekly--to shatter many of our current beliefs about our lives, the psyche, and society. Unrestrained, freewheeling, and brilliant, these two intellectual wild men take chances, break rules, and run red lights to strike at the very core of our shibboleths and perceptions.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

A series of dialogs and letters between the authors delves into psychotherapy's legacy. Although traditional therapy assumes that healthy individuals make for a healthy world, Hillman ( Blue Fire , LJ 10/1/89) and Ventura ( Shadow Dancing in the U.S.A. , LJ 10/1/85) contend that therapy encourages self-preoccupation, leaving no attention or energy for the woes of the outside world. Similarly, the "inner child" movement has created a population of self-centered, juvenile adults who feel they have little power. Political apathy, a dying environment, and an inability to form real relationships are among the ills resulting from this solipsism. Hillman, who studied with Jung, and L.A. Weekly columnist Ventura offer no solutions, but their book bursts with vigorous ideas, tangents, and humor. Thought-provoking, fun, and not quite like anything else on the shelf. Recommended for public and academic libraries.
- Maureen R. Shields, New City Lib., N.Y.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: HarperOne; 1st HarperCollins Pprbck Ed., 1993 edition (May 14, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0062506617
• ISBN-13: 978-0062506610
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 5.7 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #647,865 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An unflinching critique of modern psychotherapy, April 22, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: We've Had a Hundred Years of Psychotherapy--And the World's Getting Worse (Paperback)

In this stream-of-conciousness assay of modern psychotherapy, James Hillman and Michael Ventura pull no punches in their thoughful and provacative conversations and letters. The interplay of Ventura's relentless questioning and Hillman's ascerbic and, at times, seemingly heretical replies strip the clothes off the emperor of modern psychotherapy. The synergy created in the authors' conversations and exchange of letters in worth the price of admission alone. This book is essential reading for those willing to question the value and values of modern psychotherapy and its grip and the psyche of Western culture.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Much more than psychotherapy, October 25, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: We've Had a Hundred Years of Psychotherapy--And the World's Getting Worse (Paperback)

This is unquestionably one of the best books I've ever read-and it is much more than a critique of the legacy of psycotherapy. Hillman and Ventura improvise their way through a series of dialogues, rants, ruminations that question and turn upside down many of the most dearly beloved tenets of our current culture-the importance we attach to "personal growth" being just one example. The book is very opinionated (thank goodness), gutsy and provocative. It's also very deep-but not in a self conscious or pretentious manner-it just helps to reveal the depth that's there in the everyday world. The best thing about it is that after you've read it you'll want to live your life with the same critical intensity. Really great book.

19 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Weve Had 100 Years of Psychotherapy & we're still weird?, May 21, 2000

By 

Rebecca Brown "rebeccasreads" (Clallam Bay, WA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: We've Had a Hundred Years of Psychotherapy--And the World's Getting Worse (Paperback)

In this intense, incisive & barefaced series of dialogues & letters between two spirited people, we get searing insights into the legacy of psychotherapy & just about every aspect of contemporary life. After we found this book we finagled several of our friends into reading it. Our experience of what James Hillman & Michael Ventura spoke & wrote changed our minds & the way we went about living & loving. Fascinating!