Scientology: A New Slant on Life

by L. Ron Hubbard

The brain consists of more than 10 billion cells. Are YOU one of them? Two of them?

Or are YOU something else? Scientology can tell you. And when you finally know the answer, it puts the whole of life in the palm of your hand.

Because the subject matter of Scientology is you.

What are the two rules for happy living? What is the Basic Mystery? And what are the qualities which embody true leadership? How does a person become a real professional and what exactly is the anatomy of failure?

A milestone on your journey to spiritual knowledge, this book gives real life answers where other books only pose more questions.

Genres: Philosophy, Religion, Nonfiction, Self Help, Spirituality

374 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1976

About the author

L. Ron Hubbard is universally acclaimed as the single most influential author and humanitarian of this modern age. His definitive works on the mind and spirit—comprising over 350 million copies in circulation and more than 40 international bestsellers—have resulted in a legacy benefiting millions and a movement spanning all cultures.

Reviews

[Lyn *GLITTER VIKING*]

Who wants some beautiful quotes??

"A society in which women are taught anything but the management of a family, the care of men, and the creation of the future generation is a society which is on its way out."

How about:

'The historian can peg the point where a society begins its sharpest decline at the instant when women begin to take part, on an equal footing with men, in political and business affairs, since this means that the men are decadent and the women are no longer women. "

VOMIT.

[Atefeh · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm on chapter 9 and may already be sucked into the cult. It makes sense y'all!

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another easy to read book that aims to help man attain his goals of happiness and survival in a world that is devoid of such things.

[Mattias · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is explaining the meaning of Scientology and what it is made up of. This book is about a Scientologist himself explaining how Scientology could be the new evolution in life.He is answering a whole lot of questions that could be asked about being a Scientologists. L. Ron. Hubbard is trying to get the point across that Scientology could become a big thing in someones life. Like other religions such as, Christian, Muslim, Catholic. Ands so on and so forth. He is trying to tell us that Scientology is the way to happiness.
Not only did this book have me laughing my brains out it lowered my faith in humanity. Because I think Scientology is a joke it’s that the author was saying all this as if it’s true. This author was just talking about theories and just saying them as if they were facts. I have a quote here that he said in the “about author” section.
“I like to help others and count it as my greatest pleasure in life to see a person free himself of the shadows which darken his days.” I don’t know how a crazy man is going to help others. I have nothing against Scientology, but this book is filled with lies and theories.
I gave this book a one star because like I said this is just man with a bunch of theories that are not necessarily true. I think I made it clear by how much I think this book is the worst book ever.

[Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not really interested in becoming a Scientologist. I was just curious about it since you only hear negative things in the media. As a Latter-day Saint, I am well aware that people's beliefs can be misrepresented and don't want to be responsible for "persecuting" anyone myself.

This was a pretty good collection of essays about a smattering of subjects. I still have only a vague idea of what Scientology is except buying L. Ron Hubbard's books and courses. I don't mean that as a criticism. I just don't feel like I have much understanding even after reading the book. This seems more like a human potential sort of thing and only is a "religion" because it's hard to address the spirit of man without discussing matters of the spirit and giving your own interpretation.

I was surprised to find that some of Hubbard's ideas I agree with. Scientology is still no less of a mystery to me though. It still seems to me like "The Matrix". No one knows what "it" is until they've taken the red pill and it's too late.

[Yoly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Para los que tengan curiosidad acerca de Scientology creo que lo mejor que pueden hacer es leer este libro.

Yo soy scientologist desde hace varios años y creo que ya sea o no tu intención ser scientologist leer este libro no te hará ningún daño y probablemente encuentres cosas que te agraden.

[Kristine · Rating 1 out of 5]

Reading this just makes me mad. If there were such a thing as evil, L Ron Hubbard is it.

[Jonathan Black · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, I'll start this review by saying I'm NOT a Scientologyist. I do live in Clearwater, FL which is known as their "Mecca."


I first read this book probably 15+ years ago. I was in my early twenties and curious about what Scientology actually was, what they believed and the main contribution to my curiosity - Dianetics, the 'science' behind the religion that appeared everywhere I could look.


I will say that I'm a Pagan and have been for the larger bulk of my life but raised loosely Methodist.


A New Slant on Life is a book by L Ron Hubbard that is compiled of numerous essays Hubbard wrote covering the underlying principles of his practice over a wide variety of topics like: Is It Possible to Be Happy?, Personal Integrity, Man's Search for His Soul, On Our Efforts for Immortality, 'The Eight Dynamics,' The 'Affinity, Reality and Communication' Triangle providing the components for interpersonal relationships, Handling the Confusions of the Workaday World, Marriage, How to Live with Children, What Is Greatness?, etc.


As you can see from the chapters alone it's a very broad listing of aspects handled in day to day life by everyone. That's always been the appeal of Scientology is that it is 'open to everyone.'


The book itself is actually decent and what doesn't come off as common sense is a lesson learned in delivering a self-help approach to daily living. There is some good information in here but it covers a lot of ground rather quickly and in the most basic of ways, often reading more like stereo instructions than a manual to any dedicated faith-based path.


Many things are simply talked about in general all-encompassing definitions that paints a relatively positive - albeit a strange position to pivot coming away with a "still-searching for answers" sort of 'educated confusion' to the same questions I had coming into the book as I'm left after actually reading it. This is also on purpose to appeal to your curiosity and leave an open door for a visit to your local Mission or Org for more details.


There are also numerous postage -paid advertisers for other free materials handed out by the Church inside the book. Please note - these making materials, while curious and brilliant in their own positioning, are actually covered in further books and are available -widely - for free online. I do not recommend filling out the cards to mail them because this is how you get on their 'mailing list' which is set to be still standing even after your 50 billion year contract is up.


This book is well written but while it speaks to an overall idea of what life should look like it doesn't actually cover any of the information you hear about in the papers or documentaries and that's also for a reason. Those things are the building blocks of Scientology underneath it all...and after having paid more than anyone ever should to be blindly led through enlightenment. But, this review is on the book itself and not Scientology as a whole.


As laid out in this book and other works readily available for purchase, you're given a generalized view in your head of a high functioning society that acts in open communication to its members for the highest good, without crime, war, etc - basically the proverbial 'promised land' here in everyday life. A utopian society as described should be the aims of everyone with or without organized religion. But these are the central themes throughout the rest of the "Basic Books". It all can be easily promised - and somewhat delivered - in applied teachings.


The book ends with another generalization layed out in 'My Philosophy - Ron's personal statement on what motivated his life's work and the quest for Scientology. " It quickly sweeps across the churches 'doctrine' that stands as fact for the overall career and character of Hubbard in who he was and why he created this religion in the first place. Personally, I can't speak to the REAL motives or underlying motivations in writing and collecting what equates to a massive body of knowledge and content by any means but impressive in accomplishing for the given timeline. I don't think Hubbard set out with the conscious effort of doing anyone a disservice or impeding harm of any kind to anyone and, in fact, I think that he most likely started the journey as all writers do, with a great idea in your head and a need to fill in the details along the way. Having written and devoted your time, efforts, your life to this belief system you've created with anything other than good intentions would be the making of a monster. And I don't think he initially intended to fill the shoes he actually did in reality. The truth is we'll never know. No one knows. That's where the belief part of religion meets with the mind and logistics in any application of faith-based living.


I have to say I recommend the book in offering it to those who can go in with an open mind and not get too swept away by the exterior packaging you're given in the Brand of Scientology. The principles outlined in this and other Basic Books by L Ron Hubbard can be followed independently, on your own and without ever stepping foot in a church. However, the reality of what's inside the packaging is something you are forced to entertain in your local Mission or Org while given a highly detailed road map of material and levels of indoctrination that, truthfully, only the highest ranking members will ever lay their hands on and even then, it's after paying millions of dollars to the church in the form of 'donations' for your courses and auditing. This isn't a secret or even a side comment to the church in my mentioning it because from the start it clearly states what the church charges and at what levels and for what classes.


If you want to be a Scientologist you can do it with or without the church - to some degree - in using the information provided in these books and free of charge. But, good luck.


In closing, I still recommend giving it a go if you're interested in Scientology or other Self-Help guru-led movements from Leaders like Tony Robbins. I refuse to say the book isn't worth the time. I think everyone will come away with what they put in to venture it a go and give an alternative point of view a little look see. It's a relatively quick read, written for the comprehension of all ages from youth to adult in age and it does provide a glimpse into the Idea of a brighter future ahead, whether it can actually deliver on those promises, however, only time will tell.

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first I was skeptical that this book would reveal anything to me. But just as any dialogue with one's self and another in the form of a written work, something awakes. There is a lot of theories that I find very solid in this volume. There seemed to be a vagueness though, and I haven't gotten into the things that Scientology teaches... but after reading this I may. This seemed more of the precursor, or advertisement, less of the meat and bones of the belief system.

[Larisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the simple approach Scientology has on life. It doesn't feel like a religion. It is just a practical way of living. Period.
I can easily relate to the 8 dimensions and the way they interact with one another. They are a powerful guide on how to live good without compromising your soul, other beings, the planet or the Universe.
I take it as an invitation to reflect on my decisions considering these dimensions, while focusing on my goals. Nothing more, nothing less.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

very interesting!

[Andy Nolch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What an interesting book. I do feel after reading it like I know a lot more about life and am wiser. I can use this information at work. We need this taught at high school!

[Taylor Kerns]

lol scientology

[Einzige · Rating 2 out of 5]

For starters this isnt so much a book as it is a collection of short essays and what seem to be excerpts from lectures. Likewise the version I am reading is the pre Golden Age of Tech edition produced whilst Hubbard was alive so the current version might be different.

What you get in this book is a collection of essays on a broad variety of topics from how to raise children and the media to the nature of the mind and purpose of life. Now throughout all these works you will find some nice paragraphs or ideas - although none of them are particularly galvanising. However they are invariably buried amoungst a lot of jargon and other ideas which are declared rather than explored, with Hubbard enjoying the suffix "ness" (most notably creating the word communicatingness).

The end result of this is that whilst this book might lead you to think Hubbard had some clever things to say the answers in this book will be very limited to those who aren't already quite familiar with the subject and or studying its courses specifically. The essay on child raising was a tad concerning.

My favourite quote-
"Imagining that one can see is a condition worse than being unable to see. The
humanities imagined too many things to see. They never cared to look. And so they have
failed."

Just for some fun Hubbard ripping Kant a new one -
"The philosophers, themselves, put themselves out of communication with the people by insisting upon using words of special definitions which could not be assimilated with readiness by persons in general. The currency of philosophy could not be duplicated readily by those with relatively limited vocabularies. Take such jaw cracking words as“telekinesis”. While it probably means something very interesting and very vital, if you will think back carefully, no taxi driver mentioned this word to you while you were paying your fare or even during the more verbose moments of the ride. Probably the basic trouble with philosophy was that it became Germanic in its grammar, an example set by Immanuel Kant. And if you will recall that wonderful story by Saki, a man was once trampled to death while trying to teach an elephant German irregular verbs. Philosophy shed some of its responsibility for a cycle of communication by rendering itself unduplicatable by its readers. It is the responsibility of anyone who would communicate that he speak with such vocabulary as can be understood."

[L.L. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Najbardziej ucieszyło mnie, że tą książkę szybko się czytało :D myślałem że będę brnął całymi dniami, a jednak nie, 4 dni wystarczyły i mam to z głowy ;) Ale trzeba przyznać, że ma dużo "pustych" stron, np. tytuły rozdziałów są na osobnych stronach, podrozdziały, kilka obrazków... no ogólnie dużo jest przestrzeni i duża czcionka. Może to tylko "Dianetyka" była taką cegłą, inne są najwyraźniej dużo mniej obszerne ;)
No ale co do treści... Po pierwsze rozdział o pracy, to praktycznie powtórka książki "Problemy pracy", więc przypuszczam że inne rozdziały też mogą być powtórką innych książek autora, a tu może mamy takie podsumowanie/streszczenie... i trzeba też przyznać, że treść w zasadzie jest w porządku, nawet spoko rady, rozdział o dzieciach nawet bardzo dobry aaaale... jakoś w praktyce to się chyba nie zgadzają te założenia z rzeczywistością u nich, a przynajmniej z tego co mówią ludzie, którzy od scjentologów odeszli ;)
W każdym razie książka jest rzeczywiście łatwa w czytaniu ale i tak się cieszę, że mam to już za sobą i z podobnymi dam sobie spokój ;)

(czytana: 20-23.02.2023)
3/5 [5/5]

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picked this up in a bargain bin hoping for a laugh, and instead I got a masterclass in rhetoric and logical fallacies. He scathingly describes the idiot press and fakeness of psychologists who are out to get him and that only the truly enlightened man can love the people who aren't enlightened. He tells you to not accept anything a scientist tells you at face value, demand facts and inspect them thoroughly for yourself; then constantly tells you that scientology can fix all without a single word about how. And that doesn't even begin to talk about the blatant sexist undertones.

The only reason I didn't give the book 5 stars was because it scares me that people read this and actually believe that L. Ron Hubbard has any kind of answer to anything.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the description of the magic ARC triangle- life has to have affinity, reality and communication to connect with people. That resonated and made me realize why everyone I know is in a similar situation to me.

I liked the professionalism - anything you do, do it as a professional to professional standards.

I completely agree that honest people have rights too.

I also liked where he talked about freedom and what they truly is. Let kids be free to make their own decisions - don’t control them. Let honest people be free to be honest.

While a lot of it didn’t resonate with me, the above did.

[Fritz Alders · Rating 5 out of 5]

A New Slant on Life was the first book I read in the subject of Scientology. In its pages, I consistently discovered real help I could easily digest and apply to handle life's incessant and often seemingly unyielding challenges. It is chalk full of practical and effective tools for life and living.

This book was the gateway to greater ability and happiness which I have found by applying Scientology.

[Melissa Helton · Rating 1 out of 5]

One of those books you pick up with a thought of "Hmm. Wonder what this is all about." Yeah. So much crap. The writing is fine. The content, not so much. But it's a good example of what all religions do: they give us enough real Truth to snag us and a deep part of us recognizes and connects to that Truth. And then the religions pile on all the toxic, manipulative, exploitive, damaging human crap on it and forbid us to separate the two.

[Massimo Bruno · Rating 5 out of 5]

On the contrary of the book Scientology: The Fundamental of Thought, this is a less technical book and so easier to read for the people who are not familiar with technical terms of this philosophy. When I read it I started looking at life with some very new viewpoints I never thought about. A refreshing way to see life, but more than this it gives you a particular understanding of life and the people around you

A great start to explore and understand this new philosophy.

[Paul Hawthorne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book and was stunned at the authors understanding of how life actually IS.
It couldnt have a better title as the chapters take apart various situations in life and leave you with a much greater understanding of it.

it definitly is a new slant , and probably one you havent looked at yourself.

really very happy i bought and read this.

[Valerie · Rating 1 out of 5]

The tech dosen't work. Hubbard lied about his discoveries. There are people that will help you get back on your feet if you want out. Contact The Aftermath Foundation. Disconnection is not ok. David Miscavige beats his staff. The church is shrinking and the stats are bogus. You are in an organization that would rather harm you than help the world.

[Erik Flores · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for anyone struggling in life. I study all religions and this book has valuable knowledge that has helped me a long with the book "the problems of work" by L Ron Hubbard. These books have helped me with my business and personal life.

[Alex Pinnock · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book I recommend to anybody interested in Scientology. It contains a collection of letters by LRH that cover the very basics of the religion. This book absolutely has the power to change your life if applied. An excellent summation of the religion.

[Nina Verde · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every chapter had a message that I can do something about any part of my life.
My feminist inclination got me to wonder what age we are living in, but then I just decided to give it a try. Let’s try out some of the suggestions… I can align it in my feminist life too. And that saved my day. 🙏

[Nate Horn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very well written and easily understood. It's a simple read and if gives you a basic understanding of Scientology as Hubbard tries to a answers the meaning of life through it.

[KATHI LIKES · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book covers some basic principles when applied in life will help you to better handle your everyday situations. The use of these when dealing with others has amazing effects.

[Luke Ernst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book that gives you a new perspective on life. Read it!

[Fairy Biba · Rating 4 out of 5]

I Read it for curiosity, I must say it has some quite goods illuminating thoughts and ideas, worth reading!

[Jason Diaz]

DNF but certainly read enough of it to notice it sparking my own sharp mental decline