The Power of Positive Thinking in 1955. Meyer writes that "The Power of Positive Thinking" provides partial awareness to the limitations of the readers but does not supply the necessary self-confidence to overcome those limitations. He proceeds to compare Peale to a con man saying that the problem with Peale lies in the “paltriness of the confidence he preached. He did not really try to fool you into thinking you could do much, or be much, or live much. He did not make you aware of greater heights any more than of greater abysses.” Psychologist Martin Seligman, former APA president and founder of positive psychology,
The Power of Positive Thinking that go wrong in our lives). Peck defines sound mental health as “a dedication to reality at all costs”. This includes tolerance for delayed gratification, the pain of problem-solving, and the willingness and ability to take responsibility for mistakes. Peck's groundbreaking 1979 bestseller, "The Road Less Traveled", clarifies that pain is unavoidable; it is when people seek to avoid all pain that results in greater pain and an inability to grow mentally and spiritually. While Peale's work emphasizes the great value in focusing on the positive rather than the negatives in life he also preached honesty, hard work, and taking