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The King Within

Accessing the King in the Male Psyche

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The King Within

By: Douglas Gillette
Narrated by: David Dukes
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About this listen

In this pioneering contribution to the men's movement, Robert Moore, a Jungian psychoanalyst and Douglas Gillette, a mythologist, examine the inner "King"—one of the four archetypes of the male psyche. The King Within both responds to the needs formulated by the men's movement and addresses the larger questions of male psychology. The inner King integrates power and nurturing, firmness and caring, courage and creativity, self-affirmation and self-sacrifice. From a central position between the world of imagination and the world of action, each man is challenged to take up his own scepter, to dream, and to make those dreams come true.

©1992 Robert Moore (P)1992 Phoenix Books, Inc. Gender Studies Human Sexuality Personal Development Personal Success Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Social Sciences
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this is essential material that every man should take in and metabolize. my only complaint with this is that it's way too short. I will need to find something more substantial. a good starting place, but a starting place only.

essential stuff, but too short!

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Amazing concepts and ideas about our inner psyche and the various forms we embody to ultimately become one. Amazing book, must read if you want to understand the man within and how to go about your mission in a mature way

Understanding our deep selves

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A must for all humans who want to bring a real sense of meaning and fulfillment into their lives, learning how to listen to and access the wise king within you is undoubtedly the most important skill a young man can cultivate, and surely a life affirming skill for any human to be in touch with.

Learn Yourself

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This book definatly does have a lot to teach me although there are a few things new readers should be weary of.

1. The author uses 50 words when 5 would suffice. Sure it makes them sound really smart and is more accurate if drafted as a law but comes off as long winded which isn't ideal for an audio book that is only 3 hours. Furthermore, it can make the point get lost in a sea of noise and jargon when it isn't necessary.

2. The author will not go over what the 4 archetypes (king, magician, warrior, lover) are or their characteristics at the start. Look these up first This! This is assumed knowledge and not knowledge that I had before starting.

3. Will sometimes refer to a concept and continue before explaining the concept. If you dont understand, don't rewind, keep listening and they explain it after (sometimes).

4. Refers to other famous names in the field and their work. This is good although it cam come off as gospel truth when there is no definitive way to determine if they are correct but that is the nature of the field. (I'm just sceptical of people referring to "facts" when in reality, it is just the best guess by an expert).

Mixed feelings

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I found it remarkably inspiring. Definitely worth reading for any man looking for inward balance

Deeply insightful and brilliant

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Wanted a book about becoming a better man in life and relationships. I found it to be a bunch of ramblings about unrelated stuff.

What the?

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Somewhat superficial analysis of the archetypal king - there is mention of how it relates to other archetypes but it is not a depth profile or the process to incorporate the archetype except the suggestion to ask your subconscious for a sign. It is fairly fluff material except for some passages which are inspiring without delivering a methodology of approach or even delving into the archetype itself beyond the somewhat obvious. It becomes repetitive as well because the few points are driven over again and again. Worth a listen if you have t heard of archetypes before or never read about the energy of the organising King archetype

Promises more than delivers

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