M. Scott Peck is known worldwide for his best-selling books for adults and children, in which he utilised his background in medicine, psychiatry and theology. His first and perhaps best known book, The Road Less Traveled, was published in 1978. His later books, The Different Drum (1987), and A World Waiting to be Born (1993), were powerful calls for building community, peacemaking, and civility in the world.
M Scott Peck was born in New York City. A graduate of a Quaker school, he earned his undergraduate degree from Harvard College in 1958 before entering the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. Upon earning his M.D., he served in the U.S. Army, resigning in 1972 as a lieutenant colonel, assistant chief psychiatrist and neurology consultant to the U.S. Army surgeon general. He had a private psychiatry practice in Connecticut from 1972 to 1983.
In 1984, Scotty, as he was known to his friends, co-founded The Foundation for Community Encouragement (FCE). This nonprofit foundation was created to promote the principles of community through workshops held around the world. He continued to serve the organization after retiring from its board of directors. His efforts earned him the Kaleidoscope Award for Peacemaking in 1984, the Temple International Peace Prize in 1994, and the Georgetown University Learning, Faith and Freedom Medal in 1996.
M. Scott Peck died on Sept. 25, 2005 at the age of 69. His work continues to inspire people around the world. M. Scott Peck’s call for discipline, love and grace and the pursuit of community has created a legacy that will impact the quality of relationships for generations to come.
Text abridged from Foundation for Community Encouragement website.
M. Scott Peck’s books about Building Community, The Different Drum: Community Making and Peace and A World Waiting to be Reborn: Civility Rediscovered are available from various sites online.
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