How Real Is Real?

by Paul Watzlawick

Book Overview

The connection between communication and reality is a relatively new idea. It is only in recent decades that the confusions, disorientations and very different world views that arise as a result of... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0394722566
• ISBN13: 9780394722566
• Release Date: January 1977
• Publisher: Vintage Books USA
• Length: 266 Pages
• Weight: 0.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 4.3" x 7.2"

Customer Reviews

A stunning insight into "Reality"

"How Real Is Real?" - Some may think a book with this title and this topic is a heavy, demanding read. But let that not mislead you: While Paul Watzlawick's book is terribly interesting and thought-provoking, it also very easy to read, entertaining and amusing. And it makes you realize that "Information" is not always what it seems to be. Based on many partly weird, partly funny and thoughtful anecdotes and sample cases, Paul Watzlawick delivers a broad view on what we usually call "reality". He shows that we're often quite alone with our seemingly subjective perception of what's "real". "How Real Is Real?" is amusing, informative and as thrilling and persuasive as a detective story. You can even try and verify many of the communicative games described in the book with your friends, your family of your colleagues. This book is not only valuable for potential Communication Scientists, but also for everyone who is interested in the way we communicate, in understanding, in truth and lies - and the effects and problems that come with them. This book is definitely a "Thumbs Up".

Excellent Anecdotal Primer for Communication Theory

I use this text as a warm-up to communication theory, and most students enjoy it thoroughly. Watzlawick cleverly intertwines interesting anecdotes with basic tenets of human communication in such a way that the reader can't put the book down. When he or she is finished, the reader walks away with a better sense of how people perceive "reality" and thus explains the basics of how communication works between individuals. I re-read the book at least once a year and always find something novel to take with me, as well. I highly recommend it to anyone, but especially those interested in pursuing a career where communication is involved--and these days that means just about every career you can imagine.

A Thinking Process

Confusions are a must in our society today, such as he said that she thinks that I think etc, etc, but only the gifted and the well read human beings are allowed to toy with ideas in terms of manipulation and power. This is a must read book for anyone who thinks they have all the answers. QUESTION EVERYTHING!

humorous & educational

this is a great book for a novice or anyone who wants to better understand the world around them. it is funny,entertaining,educational,and easy to understand! i thoughly enjoyed it and ordered several other books by the same author!

A little bombshell of a book

Drawing on many different sources, the authur shows us how strange 'ordinary' reality is. I challange anyone to read this book, for the first time, and not begin to think differently about this thing called 'Reality'. Facinating forays into topics such as, communicating with animals/dolphins, artificial intelligence,psychotherapy, and espionage.One is shown how 'constructed' reality is and hints at how this construction can be changed to improve our everyday lives.