Preface

Preface to: Discovering Interests in Living and Working

Behavior in man has been studied ever since man has observed man. Much of such study has been to his benefit in managing his daily living and working. Logicians throughout the ages have sharpened his rational processes and thus greatly benefited him wherever thinking is the primary tool in the handling of his problems. Psychiatrists in their pursuits have arrived at insights into man's unconscious behavior for better understanding of impulses that motivate him. In recent years psychosomatic medicine has begun to spell out the complex interactions between mind and body. As yet the new findings are hardly commensurate with the demand for help in man's adjustment to the complexities of the modern world. While group therapists have manipulated him to a happier adjustment, they have failed to give him the key to their conditioning processes. Thus when faced with new situations, he is without principles to generate appropriate adjustment behavior and derive happiness from so doing.

It is here that Winkler’s method fills a gap and points to a precise way.  With keen phenomenological insight he recognizes the rational aspects of emotional behavior. Seizing upon this rational constituent gives the opportunity not only to develop a rationale for adjustment behavior, but also to give the person helped a tool in his hand ready to be used in new problem situations.  The arrangement of the system's important factors in mnemonic form-provides a basis for unified understanding and rapid retention.

The success of Winkler’s system is phenomenal wherever applied. Individuals,  whether children or adults, usually can solve their own adjustment problems when they have learned the method. Teachers who apply the system to their class work find it gives them answers that apply directly to problems heretofore touched only briefly by academic psychology. business, and industry that have made it available to staff and labor force find it an excellent morale builder and improver of human relations, Moreover, once acquired, the workman can carry this tool with him into his private life and create adjustment where formerly blind driving forces from within and without frequently left him and his family confused.  Here then is a simple, practical course concerning man’s self-improvement and happiness.  It promises more help then we have had available for either young or old.

Its principles can be mastered quickly and used for any goal desired.  If you want to be shy or to free yourself from being a shy person Winkler tells you how to reach either goal.  His principles are learned like those of arithmetic, as a method which can be applied to a host of problems without infringement upon individual rights or purposes.  You may wish to be cautious and see only defects and dangers in your situation; you may see his need to the point that it makes your life miserable.  You may wish to temper your viewpoint with interest and enthusiasm toward your home, work and relations with people without becoming over-confident or careless.  It is up to you. The calculus is there to help you reach new zest and happiness through “Discovering Interests in Living and Working”

Wayne State University

Dr. William Reitz

Professor of Educaton