Friedman's Fables
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Authors
Friedman, Edwin H
Issue Date
1990
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Type
Pamphlet
Book, Whole
Book, Whole
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Abstract
This book contains twenty-four case studies, stories meant to provoke questions, discussion, and reflection. They are not fables in the traditional sense I urge. But they are excellent stories for raising questions. Friedman's prologue describes the four illusions these fables aim to shatter: first, that communication is a cerebral phenomenon rather than emotional process; second, that insight will work with people who are unmotivated to change; third, that resistance to your message can be overcome by trying harder; and fourth, that seriousness is deeper than playfulness. The first two sections are dedicated, respectively, I believe, to #2 and #3. The third section, Bonds and Binds, has to do with commitment and tolerance for ambiguity, as far as I can tell. The fourth seems to focus on #4. I find the stories good. Among the best are The Bridge, 'Round in Circles, The Power of Belief, An American Holly, Soaring, Net Results, Metamorphosis, Attachment, Jean and Jane, The Magic Ring, Caught in Her Own Web, The Wallflower, Burnout, and Narcissus. Three of the literature-based studies seem to me tedious: Raising Cain (on the Adam and Eve family); Interlude (featuring Oedipus, Faust, and Cassandra); and Tradition (featuring Moses, Freud, and Marx). Cinderella does much better. The book comes with a pamphlet of discussion questions. Its introduction begins This is a paean for ambiguity. I have long believed that questions are more important than answers… (1). The pamphlet gives a helpful moral for each fable, though that moral too is up for discussion….
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Publisher
The Guilford Press
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Identifier
4314 (Access ID)