Est: Playing the Game

Ahiman Rezon 1756

Self-help program

est: Playing the Game
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Formation	1971
Type	Self-help
Headquarters	San Francisco, California
Membership	N/A
Language	English
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est: Playing the Game was a self-help program developed by Werner Erhard in 1971. The program was part of the larger Erhard Seminars Training (est) series, which aimed to transform participants' ability to experience life and personal effectiveness.

History

The est training was first offered in San Francisco, California in October 1971. The program quickly gained popularity and spread to other major cities in the United States. By the mid-1970s, tens of thousands of people had participated in the training.

Program Structure

The est training was an intensive 60-hour course conducted over two weekends. Participants were required to follow strict rules, including remaining in the training room for long periods, not using the restroom without permission, and adhering to a specific diet. The training included lectures, group discussions, and experiential processes designed to challenge participants' beliefs and perceptions.

Philosophy

The philosophy of est was based on the idea that individuals are responsible for their own experiences and that they have the power to transform their lives by changing their thinking. The training emphasized personal responsibility, integrity, and the importance of living in the present moment.

Impact and Legacy

The est training had a significant impact on the self-help and personal development industry. Many of the concepts and techniques introduced in est have been incorporated into other self-help programs and therapies. In 1984, Werner Erhard replaced est with a new program called The Forum, which continued to build on the principles of est.

Criticism

The est training was controversial and faced criticism for its intense and confrontational methods. Some participants reported positive life changes, while others felt the training was psychologically damaging. Despite the controversy, est maintained a dedicated following and influenced many other self-help movements.

See Also

• Werner Erhard
• Erhard Seminars Training
• The Forum (Landmark)
• Self-help
• Personal development

External Links

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