| I attended an est training back in 1979 or 80. Basically, if it
has not changed much, they impart an outlook on life that essentially
stresses individual responsibility and accountabilty for all one's
thoughts, beliefs, and actions.
I never cared for what I felt was "high pressured" sales tactics in
order to have people sign up for the 'training.' Neither did I care
for the secrecy and mystique that was built up around it, however, much
of the training is very experiential in nature, and therefore hard to
describe.
If you examine the different aspects that distinguish a cult from other
groups, est, imho, does fit the workings of a cult. Also, Werner
Erhardt, the founder, has not been the recipient of very good press
recently (within the last year). There are reports from seemingly
reliable sources, including family members, that indicate he's
been physically abusive with some of those closest to him.
My experience since has shown that almost everything (if not
everything) I learned through the est training can also be learned
elsewhere, oftentimes for a great deal less money and aggravation.
Others may have different experiences and outlooks however that will
be helpful as you consider this more closely. Keep asking around.
Kb
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| re: .0
>thought was bogus. I was going to pay for something that I have no
>idea of what it is, especially if its very expensive. It seemed like
I just want to make a correction. What I meant to say was "I was *not*
going to pay for something that I have no idea of what it is,".
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|
Hi there,
I also attended the training (same one Karen did), and went on to
attend some of the seminars offered, as well as participated as a
volunteer at trainings. I too had the same feelings about the high
pressure, etc. I think it was overdone in many instances, but I
also saw that at times, confronting certain resistances brought
wonderful breakthroughs in self-awareness. This is a very individual
experience.
I gained a lot from my experiences with this organization and, to me,
it was an important step in my growth. Then there came a time where
it wasn't appropriate anymore and I moved on.
To each his own. There are other ways of learning the same things.
This just happens to be one of many stops along the journey.
Carole
|
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Subject: EST guru sues CBS, Enquirer, Hustler
Date: Wed, 4 Mar 92 13:38:42 PST
CHICAGO (UPI) -- A man who says CBS, Hustler magazine and the National
Enquirer misrepresented his philosophy and held him up to ridicule has
sued the three organizations for defamation of character.
Werner Erhard, credited with ushering in the ``individual
transformation'' movement of the early 1970s, did not specify a dollar
amount in the suit filed Tuesday in Cook County Circuit Court, but said
damages are vast and ongoing.
He is seeking punitive and compensatory damages.
Erhard, 56, born John Paul Rosenberg in Philadelphia, in 1971 founded
of the ``est'' movement, which sought to transform individuals and
society through philosophical self-examination. Est graduates are
encouraged not to discuss the training program, which combines
authoritarianism and certain conscious-raising techniques as well as
techniques for motivating sales personnel.
Erhard is considered the father of the ``me generation'' and has been
described as one of the country's top salesmen of peace of mind.
Erhard said CBS falsely portrayed him ``as a role model claiming to
be God and involved in 'idolatry.''' Erhard said that protrayal was
false because he ``strongly and consistently encouraged people to think
for themselves.''
Erhard said a March 3, 1991, CBS report on him was broadcast in
``total disregard for the truth.'' He said the piece accused him of
running a cult and practicing mind control and rape.
In a report on the CBS news magazine ``60 Minutes,'' one of Erhard's
daughters accused him of incest.
A Jan. 21, 1991, story in the National Enquirer allegedly described
Erhard as the leader of a fanatical organization in ``which you are told
you're worthless ... and made to believe in only one person: Erhard.''
The suit also described that statement as untrue.
The August 1991 issue of Hustler allegedly held Erhard up to ridicule
and also made several false statements, the suit said.
No comment was available from the three defendants.
Erhard last year was hit with more $20 million in liens by the
Internal Revenue Service for unpaid taxes in 1981, 1982, 1983 and 1986.
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