CompleteMartialArts.com - The Gift of Fear: Survival Signals That Protect Us from Violence
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Manufacturer: Little, Brown and Company
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Binding: Hardcover Format: Bargain Price Label: Little, Brown and Company Manufacturer: Little, Brown and Company Number Of Items: 1 Number Of Pages: 334 Publication Date: 1997-06 Publisher: Little, Brown and Company Studio: Little, Brown and Company
Each hour, 75 women are raped in the United States, and every few seconds, a woman is beaten. Each day, 400 Americans suffer shooting injuries, and another 1,100 face criminals armed with guns. Author Gavin de Becker says victims of violent behavior usually feel a sense of fear before any threat or violence takes place. They may distrust the fear, or it may impel them to some action that saves their lives. A leading expert on predicting violent behavior, de Becker believes we can all learn to recognize these signals of the "universal code of violence," and use them as tools to help us survive. The book teaches how to identify the warning signals of a potential attacker and recommends strategies for dealing with the problem before it becomes life threatening. The case studies are gripping and suspenseful, and include tactics for dealing with similar situations.
People don't just "snap" and become violent, says de Becker, whose clients include federal government agencies, celebrities, police departments, and shelters for battered women. "There is a process as observable, and often as predictable, as water coming to a boil." Learning to predict violence is the cornerstone to preventing it. De Becker is a master of the psychology of violence, and his advice may save your life. --Joan Price
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Customer Rating: Summary: A valuable tool... Comment: Simply put, this book is a very valuable tool, especially with what's happening in this country, and the world. I found a copy at a thrift store and was so impressed that I gave a copy to each of my nieces as graduation gifts. Customer Rating: Summary: Illuminating study. Comment: I enjoyed most DeBecker's elaboration on events that cause a lot of people to react by saying, "He must be crazy," or, "There is no way we could have seen that coming." There are pre-incident indicators for most of these events, people simply choose to ignore them for one reason or another.
I also see parallels with the current war on Islamists. Our President's persistent argument that we're facing "evildoers" while ignoring their motivations and not even attempting to understand them is exactly what most people do when faced with every day threats of the kind discussed in this book. Customer Rating: Summary: This book is a gift that keeps on giving... Comment: My highest recommendation.
I can't praise this book enough. If you are being STALKED, look no further... This book is especially for YOU. Having been a victim of stalking myself please take my word: Don't walk but run! Order this book now or go get it at the bookstore (which ever is the fastest and safest way for you). It will help you beyond measure in a way that nothing else can. Best of all you don't have to read it in a conventional way. Just thumb through the pages and you'll know where to stop and read. It is very to the point without any needless extra filler material to take up space.
I would also highly recommend this book to all females in general and to all parents so that they can use it to teach their children the truly great gift of fear and the understanding of how to trust their instincts for survival.
Buy this book! You will never forget it or regret it.
Customer Rating: Summary: Fantastic content and presentation Comment: It's obvious that De Becker has exceptional intelligence and excels at whatever he does, simply from the skill with which he wrote this book. I especially like how he didn't mince words, led clearly from the topic of one chapter to another, and repeated over and over in different ways the central concepts of his book.
I do agree with previous reviewers' criticisms, such as his dubious statistics, his peculiarly nameless name-dropping (a famous film and recording star who was not only his client but a dear friend..?), and somewhat critical stance on guns. But come on people. Gavin de Becker is not going to take away your right to bear arms.
But the main premise of this book, listen to that intuitive fear signal and don't say, 'oh it's probably nothing,' is fantastic. Also, why have I never seen the main elements of a con drawn out so clearly? Forced teaming, too many details, charm, etc... this was very valuable to me, as was the opportunity to understand acts of violence from a point of view of prevention instead of the insane point of view that the news media takes. Also I loved his criticism of the media, concrete evidence of how ridiculous most news stories are, and suggestion that we all take a break from the evening news. I've been taking that break for about 10 years now. Thanks Mr. De Becker! Customer Rating: Summary: Spectacular Practical Application for Intuition Training Comment: It's unfortunate that the word "fear" dominates the title of the book which is a whole lot more about recognizing and enhancing intuition and safety. I recommend this in my intuition workshops. It's a great book!
