At times the book is a little too simplistic and overstated, but, in general, it works and is worth your time and energy. One is that I make no distinction between the mind and the spirit, and therefore no distinction between the process of achieving spiritual growth and achieving mental growth. This is a great truth, one of the greatest truths. Because once it is accepted, the fact that life is difficult no longer matters. Most do not fully see this truth that life is difficult.
Life is a series of problems.
Discipline is the basic set of tools we require to solve life's problems. Although I agree with Peck that this is often the case, it does not have to be this way. We can confront and solve problems with exhilaration, joy, flow, and the thrill of the challenge. It is for this reason that wise people learn not to dread but actually to welcome problems and actually to welcome the pain of problems. Most of us are not so wise.