"Self-Determinism is that state of being wherein the individual can or cannot be controlled by his environment according to his choice. In that state, the individual has self-confidence in his control of the material universe and the organisms within it along every dynamic. He is confident about any and all abilities or talents he may possess. He is confident in his interpersonal relationships. He reasons, but does not need to react." - L. Ron Hubbard
I am currently reading Advanced Procedures and Axioms and so far am totally loving it. It's all about helping people become self-determined and responsible. That can seem like a daunting task, but the book really lays it out for you. I think reading Dianetics and Science of Survival (the books written previous to Advanced Procedures and Axioms) has helped my understanding tremendously.
Anyway, I wanted to talk about self-determinism. I've had questions about personal integrity in Scientology - questions about whether we are really allowed to think for ourselves basically. I think the above quote says it all. There's a little more I can say, just to clear things up further:
"The goal of the auditor with his preclear is not the release of a "psychosomatic", not the improvement of appearance, not greater efficiency or better interpersonal relations. These are incidental.
"THE GOAL OF THE AUDITOR WITH THE PRECLEAR IS THE REHABILITATION OF THE PRECLEAR'S SELF-DETERMINISM." - L. Ron Hubbard
The above quote is also taken from the book Advanced Procedures and Axioms - Chapter An Analysis of Self Determinism.
So, what do you think Scientology counseling (also called "auditing" or "processing) is trying to do?
PS: I tried to make it super easy for you to clear up any misunderstandings with regard to Scientology words. They are all linked to glossaries in the Scientology website, or to other posts that explain them.
3/14/09: I misquoted "THE GOAL OF THE AUDITOR WITH THE PRECLEAR IS THE REHABILITATION OF THE PRECLEAR'S SELF-DETERMINISM." - L. Ron Hubbardand have now corrected the quote. Sorry to everyone and thanks to SomethingNice for correcting it!
