The Way of the Superior Man

The Way of the Superior Man – David Deida

David Deida is an author and teacher known for his writing on spirituality, relationships and sexuality. In The Way of the Superior Man: A Spiritual Guide to Mastering the Challenges of Women, Work, and Sexual Desire, he offers guidance aimed primarily at men who want to live with purpose, integrity and openness in their relationships and their lives.

Deida’s approach is built around the idea of masculine and feminine energies, which he believes exist in everyone to varying degrees, and the polarity between them that he sees as essential to attraction and intimacy in relationships. He encourages men to discover and commit to their deepest purpose, to live with presence and courage, and to approach relationships with honesty and openness rather than avoidance or control.

The book is organized into short chapters, each offering a single idea or practice. Topics include finding your purpose, dealing with fear and uncertainty, handling conflict and criticism in relationships, understanding a partner’s emotions, sexuality and intimacy, and integrating spiritual practice into daily life. Deida writes in a direct, often provocative style.

The book has developed a devoted readership and is often recommended in discussions of men’s personal development. At the same time, its views on gender roles and its generalizations about men and women have been criticized by many readers, and some of its ideas are contested.

The Way of the Superior Man will interest readers exploring spirituality, relationships and personal growth from this particular perspective. It contains frank discussion of sexuality and is intended for adult readers.