CURRENT LITERATURE
The two authors of this book (Cape, Jos. 6d.) have asked what are the essential needs to well-being, to what extent are these needs met in society today, and if they are not being met, why this is so. They could not have set them- selves to answer anything more ambitious yet necessary. The first part of the book contains some general principles, mainly based on psychology, of what is essential to well-being, and what are some reasons for its absence. This has been done by Mr. R. G. Coulson. In the second part some aspects of the structure of our society have been examined and several important reasons deduced for dissatisfaction, unhappiness and the absence of well-being inherent in it. This has been done by Major B. T. Reynolds. The third part contains some practical suggestions for remedying the dis- satisfying, obstructing, frustrating tendencies of our society. These suggestions are based on the theory outlined in the first part and on the various practical experiences of the authors in the different experiments they have carried out. Their findings will seem inadequate to those who demand revolution rather than reform, but the authors can reply that in their case the personal approach has worked. Two features of the book must commend it to all unbiassed readers. The authors have based their moral code on a sound psychology, and they have put their theories to the test of practice and offered a case book of experiments which will interest all social workers.
Previous page
