Change; Principles of Problem Formation and Problem Resolution

"Written 34 years ago, "Change; Principles of Problem Formation and Problem Resolution" addresses the significant topic of Change in a manner as relevant, if not more so, than it was when the book was first published.

This is not an easy book...it links the mathematical areas of Group Theory and Logical Types with different types of change...but it is well-worth the effort required to complete, understand and appreciate the book's messages.

Terms such as "framing" and "reframing" are central to the ideas put forth in this book...these terms are frequently used today in leadership training and development courses. In an era where terms and buzzwords change frequently, I view the longevity of such terms as a testament to the lasting relevance of this book and its messages.

I highly recommend this book to all readers. The book covers a topic...change...that intersects many areas of life. It is well worth a read."
~ Written on 2008-07-23

"Despite what's absent, this is a good beginning. Different types of problems and solutions are explained in the context of the mathematic theories of groups and logical types. The analogy isn't perfect or all inclusive, but it will help you understand why some 'solutions' merely aggravate a problem, and why some successful interventions just don't "make sense". And when all else fails, keep in mind this quote from one of the authors' other books (The Language of Change) ..."The aim of realistic, responsible therapy can only be an increased skill in dealing with life problems as they arise, but not a problem-free life".

What IS included here is 5 star material. And we need look no further than the authors' words to understand why so much is missing. In summarizing some system failures (page 43)... "These are then the most flamboyant cases of systems pathology, in which even the attempt at pointing at the denial, let alone at the problem itself, is quickly defined as badness or madness, with badness or madness actually resulting from this type of terrible simplification --- unless the person has learned the crucial skill to see, but to be judicious in what he says. For he who sees behind the facade is damned if he sees and says that he sees, or crazy if he sees but does not even admit it to himself."

Our societies are imperfect systems and unless one wants to be categorized as "bad or mad" then there are some things best left unsaid. But, I'm not trying to market a textbook (like the authors were) so i'm free to elaborate.

The authors' background includes extensive experience in family therapy. They're very careful to avoid the idea of divorce as a practical solution in some cases. They even go so far as to describe divorce (page 49) as a symptom of utopia syndrome. If your spouse is torturing you with their insecurity/jealousy and defeating all attempts to help them grow beyond this, then divorce is a practical alternative. The famous family therapist Virginia Satir availed herself of this practical alternative twice.

The authors freely admit that some problems can't be solved. In discussing the mishandling of alcoholism, they analyze the Prohibition monster and it's attendant demons. What they don't say is that at the highest levels of the decision making process, prohibitions and "wars" on drugs aren't intended to alleviate the underlying problem. Prohibitions intend to exploit the problem by a) manipulating market dynamics for profit by a few b) creating jobs (bureaucracy and enforcement) and c) introducing additional opportunities for graft and corruption. Some exploitations masquerade as solutions and that is apropos to this subject.

Sexual taboos don't persist because they successfully solve what some moral authority has declared a problem. They persist because they considerably enhance human sexual experience. Forbidden fruit is sweet. Some 'solutions' do not require the existence of a real problem.

Some problems require genetic solutions. Not that I advocate genetic manipulation. I haven't decided that. Since the title might lead readers to believe that the book is more inclusive than exclusive, genetic manipulation could have been mentioned.
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~ Written on 2008-07-12

"There are many ways to produce change in a persons life. But when change does occur, do we know how we produced it? Many times we do not. That's where books like this come into play. It is a very dense book, so if you are not ready for a deep inmersion into the theories behind strategic therapy, you need not apply. Highly recommended for those interested in Watzlawick's other books. "
~ Written on 2008-04-17

"Overall, the book is a bit dry at times, but if you can read, knowing that you will stumble upon a real diamond from time to time, it's a book well worth reading."
~ Written on 2008-02-22

"Change is the ultimate illusion; nothing ever changes. The cover picture tells it all: is it night or day, earth or sky, field or bird, culture or nature? Illustrations of illusions. The only thing we can hope for is some enlightment regarding a different way to look at our perceptions of change. This book offer that: a short cut to the paradoxes of change. "
~ Written on 2006-07-16