Wayne Dyer

Background

Wayne’s adolescence was spent on the east side of Detroit in an orphanage. After high school Wayne served in the Navy from 1958 to 1962. He obtained a degree (D. Ed.) in education from Wayne State University, and worked as a guidance counselor in a local high school, before becoming a professor of education at St. John’s University in New York City.

In addition to his academic work, Wayne had a private therapy practice in New York. His lectures at St. John’s were focused on motivation and positive thinking, and these drew a wide audience beyond enrolled students. He was soon thereafter contacted by a literary agent, who encouraged him to consolidate his teachings into written form, which resulted in his first book, Your Erroneous Zones.

This inspired him to resign from his teaching position, and pursue writing and public speaking on a full-time basis. Wayne Dyer went nationwide doing bookstore appearances and media interviews, while selling his book out of the back of his station wagon. He attained best seller status even before book publishers even noticed him.

This led to appearances on Phil Donahue, The Tonight Show, Merv Griffin, and other national television shows. He was soon creating audiotapes and new books on motivation and positive thinging. Wayne set himself apart by the use of his own life experiences as examples in his teachings.

He stressed self reliance and self actualization. He encouraged folks to let go of guilt, codependence, and provided many viable alternatives to traditional therapy. ADHD information abounds in the mental health literature, but Wayne gets to the essence of this, and many other psychological challenges.

Wayne’s message evolved over the years from strictly motivational to a more spiritual emphasis. It was a natural transition as he continued to grow and expand himself. This attracted the New Thought Movement to his teachings.

Check out the Wayne W. Dyer, Ph.D. website for additional information on his work and publications.

Wayne Dyer is a positive role model who has inspired many to let go of their fears and apprehensions, and to embrace fully their passions and enthusiasm for life. He stresses love, kindness, concern and peace in his writings and talks, and has this to say about religion and spirituality:

"Religion is orthodoxy, rules and historical scriptures maintained by people over long periods of time. Generally people are raised to obey the customs and practices of that religion without question. These are customs and expectations from outside the person and do not fit my definition of spiritual."

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