This not-so-tongue-in-cheek book not only defines the various degrees of "Jerks," but teaches you how to cope with them. It's a must read if you are a jerk or if you are confronted with a jerk.
Paul Meier uses his own humor and knowledge, scripture verses, questions and answers, and other books on the subject to explore this and find creative ways to stave off the behavior of the jerks we all have in our lives, even ourselves.
Meier's basis for the book is that we all are under at least one of three categories:
"Mild to moderate selfishness (referred to as First-Degree Jerk). Serious to acute selfishness (referred to as Second-Degree Jerk). Severe to sociopathic selfishness (referred to as Nth Degree or Predatory Jerk)."
We all know someone or some people that fit into at least one of the above. At the time I happened to be acquainted with a second-degree jerk. I felt trapped because it was a new job for me and the jerk was my boss. He was a very aggressive married man who became interested in me and wouldn't take no for an answer. I learned from the book that my boss enjoyed the power he had over me. After I used some of the illustrations in the book, he gave up.
It's interesting to see how Meier probes the mind and motives of various jerks, especially the predatory Jerk. He explains why we are such soft touches for this type. He then gives us 32 defense mechanisms to help tackle these challenges. Mr. Meier's goal for the reader is to always move toward maturity which is a "lifelong pursuit."
Paul Meier, MD is co-founder of the Minirth Meier New Life Clinics. He received an MS in cardiovascular physiology from Michigan State University and his MD from the University Of Arkansas College Of Medicine. He completed his psychiatric residency at Duke University Medical School. He also received an M.A. in Biblical Studies from Dallas Theological Seminary and has taught pastoral counseling in seminary.
Dr. Meier has written or co-authored more than forty books, including Love Is a Choice, Worry-Free Living, Love Hunger, and The Third Millennium.
This article was written by Stephanie Whitley owner of the online pet supply store "Pet Stash". You can view that site by clicking the following link: http://www.petstash.com
