The Principles and Philosophy of the Option Method

We are pleased to announce the release of the first published works of Bruce M. Di Marsico. During his lifetime Bruce's students frequently asked him to write a book. Bruce, it seemed, was much happier devoting his time to writing for his lectures and classes and spending time with his students. He never did get around to publishing a book himself, but he left us with a wealth of material to work with.

In this book there is something for everyone, those who had the opportunity to know him and especially those who had not. "The Principles and Philosophy of The Option Method" is the first book of his writings ever published. It encapsulates his entire philosophy. His widow, Deborah Mendel, has put together his most succinct work, writings that he had evolved and refined over the thirty some odd years he shared Option with us. This book will not only help us individually to understand his Option Method and its principles, but provides a key tool in sharing Option with others. Whether exploring Option with friends or in ones own Option Method workshops or practice, this book is an invaluable guide.

The Option Method is not about memorizing questions. It's about understanding why you are asking them. In this book Bruce explains the philosophy behind his Option Method Questions. Bruce explains how our beliefs affect our happiness. He describes the difference between wanting and needing. He sheds new light on the myriad forms our unhappiness can take while at the same time removing its mysteries. Finally he reveals how "...we cannot be bad for ourselves."

This compact book is simple, inspirational and challenging. Readers and students at all levels of Option study will have fun exploring Bruce's ideas in this book.

The creator of the Option Method, Bruce Di Marsico originally studied to be a Catholic priest. Recognizing that what he was searching for was not within the confines of the seminary, Bruce began to find his true calling while studying psychology and philosophy in the 1960's at Seton Hall University, New Jersey. Years later, while working as a psychotherapist, he came to develop the Option Method as a self-help tool for people to become happier in their everyday lives.