"Although not intended as an ethics text, the authors poignantly illustrate the moral philosophy of care ethics and the moral consequences of humans situated in uncaring worlds. Spouses, partners, parents, healthcare professionals, corporate executives, and political leaders may all benefit from a fresh reminder that more care in our personal interactions is the same model of ethics needed for global survival."
Ronee Smith Griffith, Ph.D.
Relational Ethics Institute, Director
"I was deeply moved by Robert Firestone’s and Joyce Catlett’s inspiration for writing this wise and insightful book. Each chapter is full of information and new insights, and the book as a whole points the reader to “a more satisfying and effective mode of existence, a lifestyle based on a non-defended, vulnerable, and feelingful approach to life.” I whole-heartedly recommend the book to all readers, professional and lay alike, who are concerned with the deterioration of basic human ethics evident all around us."
Ayala Malach-Pines PhD
Professor Ayala Malach-Pines is a clinical, social and organizational psychologist, Professor
Department Head at Ben-Gurion University in Israel and author of "Falling in Love: Why we choose the Lovers we choose" "Romantic jealousy: The shadow of Love" and "Couple Burnout: Causes and Cures".
“This addition to a canon of sophisticated psychology applies Robert Firestone’s concept of the voice process to our relationships and leadership. It shows brilliantly how our defenses damage our creativity, joy, relationships, and can cause abuse to others. This valuable, muscular book suggests how we can change this.”
Christopher J. Morrant MB, BS, FRCP(C)
Psychiatrist, Vancouver BC
Private Practice
"This wonderful book rescues ethics from the dusty shelf of rules and abstractions.
With sound scholarship, fresh thinking, and a friendly voice, Firestone and Catlett help us confront the most urgent questions of human existence and our relationships with each other. An invaluable resource to learn from, argue with, and think through who we are and want to be."
Kenneth S. Pope, Ph.D., ABPP, Diplomate in Clinical Psychology
Author (with Melba Vasquez, Ph.D., ABPP) of Ethics in Psychotherapy and Counseling: A Practical Guide, 3rd Ed.
"In examining the ethics of interpersonal relationships Firestone and Catlett take a psychologist’s aim at power, friendship, and transience and place them in a historical and pragmatic perspective. They posit the universal fear of mortality as an engine that ultimately generates interpersonal rifts as well as global abuses of power. This is thought-provoking reading!"
Thomas F. Nagy, Ph.D.;
Independent practitioner in Palo Alto, California; Consultant in psychological ethics; Staff psychologist at Stanford Hospital and Clinics; author, Ethics in Plain English.
