Landmark Education
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| Landmark Education
<tr><td colspan="2" style="text-align:center; padding:16px 0 16px 0;">Image:Landmark Education logo2.jpg</td></tr> | |
| Type | Private LLC |
|---|---|
| Founded | January 1991 |
| Headquarters | San Francisco, California, USA
<tr><th style="text-align:right; padding-right:0.75em;">Key people</th><td>Harry Rosenberg: Director<ref>
"When it comes to Landmark Education Corporation, There's no meeting of the Minds", Steve Jackson , Westword, April 24, 1996.
</ref>; CEO |
Landmark Education LLC (LE), an international, educational company, delivers its training and development programs in over 20 different countries. As an employee-owned for-profit private company headquartered in San Francisco, California, it offers self-improvement training. The company markets its introductory course as "The Landmark Forum". Landmark has been widely accused of brainwashing. (Trying googling "Landmark" and "brainwashing" and you'll see!)
Landmark Education purchased the intellectual property of Werner Erhard and Associates, a successor to the Est Training, and since its foundation in 1991 has developed other courses.
Landmark Education markets its courses primarily to individuals. Its subsidiary Landmark Education Business Development (LEBD) provides training and consultancy to organizations.
Landmark Education and its methods sometimes evoke intense controversy. Supporters and detractors — of the organization, of its methods and of its course content — hold strong opinions and express their views passionately.
Contents |
[edit] Corporation
[edit] Origin and evolution
| Name | From | To |
| The Foundation for the Realization of Man | 1973 | July 1976 |
| The est Foundation | July 1976 | February 1981 |
| Werner Erhard and Associates | February 1981 | January 16, 1991 |
| Breakthrough Technologies | January 16, 1991 | January 23, 1991 |
| Transnational Education Corp. | January 23, 1991 | May 7, 1991 |
| Landmark Education Corporation | May 7, 1991 | February 2003 |
| Landmark Education, LLC | February 2003 | present |
Landmark Education, known from May 7, 1991 <ref> Articles of Incorporation, May 7, 1991, "Amendment and Restated Articles of Incorporation", Brian Regnier, President. </ref> to February 26, 2003 <ref> Limited Liability Company, incorporation, Legal Document, California Secretary of State, February 26, 2003, Agent for Service of Process, Arthur Schreiber, Esq. </ref> as "Landmark Education Corporation (LEC)", purchased<ref>Pressman, Steven, Outrageous Betrayal: The dark journey of Werner Erhard from est to exile. New York: St. Martin's Press, 1993. ISBN 0-312-09296-2, p.254.(out of print) </ref> certain rights to a presentation known as The Forum from Werner Erhard and Associates (WEA, the corporate successor of Erhard Seminars Training - est or EST). The new owners, including former staff of WEA, renamed the course The Landmark Forum, further developed its content and shortened the four-day, two-weekend WEA "Forum" to three full days. Landmark Education states that it made changes to the course content at that time, and that a major re-design of the Landmark Forum took place in 1999.[citation needed]
The group of people who purchased the rights registered themselves initially as Transnational Education, as The Centers Network, and (in Japan) as Rancord Company, Ltd., <ref>Landmark Education, website, archived Japan - Rancord Co., Ltd. </ref>. Corporation as "Landmark Education Corporation" (LEC) took place later in 1991. In February 2003, Landmark Education LLC succeeded LEC. <ref> Secretary of State of California website, record: Landmark Education LLP Landmark Education registration </ref>
The coursework and pedagogy of WEA evolved from est/Erhard Seminars Training, founded by Werner Erhard in 1971. est/WEA/Landmark underwent multiple changes of name and curriculum[citation needed] after the founding of est. (For a time-line, see the article on Erhard Seminars Training.)
According to Landmark Education, Werner Erhard consults from time to time with its "Research and Design team". <ref> Landmark Education, website, archived, controversy, Landmark Education, website </ref> (See also an article in Time Magazine. <ref>Time Magazine article, Werner Erhard, Time Magazine </ref> ) Erhard's younger brother (Harry Rosenberg) works as Landmark Education's Chief Executive Officer, and their sister (Joan Rosenberg) serves as the Vice President of Landmark Education's Centers Division.
According to statements made by Landmark Education CEO Harry Rosenberg in 2001:
...Erhard [in 1991] kept the Mexican and Japanese branches of the operation...Last year, [2000] Landmark had revenues of $58 million, and ... the company has bought outright Erhard's license and his rights to Japan and Mexico. <ref> Pay Money, Be Happy, New York Magazine, July 9, 2001. </ref>
[edit] Structure and financials
Landmark Education LLC operates as an employee-owned for-profit private company. According to Landmark Education's fact sheet, its employees own all the stock of the corporation, <ref> Better Business Bureau, June 19, 2006, report, Landmark Education Corporation, Better Business Bureau </ref> with no individual holding more than 3%. The company is organized and operated to invest its surpluses into making its programs, initiatives and services more widely available.<ref>Landmark Education Corporate Website, fact sheet, accessed November 27, 2006</ref> The shareholders elect a Board of Directors <ref name="BOD19AUG2002" /> annually. A list of executive officers appears in the box above.
As of 2005, 70,000 to 80,000 people took the Landmark Forum annually, and around 50,000 take other courses offered. <ref>Landmark Education Corporate Website, note: unverified information</ref>
As of 2006 Landmark Education maintained 52 offices in 21 countries<ref>Landmark Education website, retrieved 2006-10-25</ref>, with more than half of its offices in North America.
Landmark Education reported revenues of $70 million for 2004 <ref> Revenues, 2004 </ref>; $76 million in 2005 <ref> Landmark education, website, Revenues, 2005 </ref> . In 1997, Landmark had 451 employees, 7,500 volunteers in the United States alone, spent $13 million on employee salaries and bonuses, spent $4 million on travel, and made a profit of $2.5 million <ref> The est of Friends, Metroactive Features, July 15, 1998 issue of Metro, Metro Publishing Inc. </ref> .
According to Landmark Education, since 1991, over 880,000 people had participated in the Landmark Forum. <ref> Landmark Education Corporate Website, "Fact Sheet", unverified information. </ref>
[edit] Programs
[edit] Scope and claims
Landmark Education portrays itself as "a global enterprise whose purpose is to empower and enable people and organizations to generate and fulfill new possibilities. We create and provide programs, services, and paradigms that produce extraordinary results for our customers." Landmark Education charter 2020 <ref>Landmark Education 2020 Charter</ref>
Landmark Education has compiled a entitled: "Independent Research, Case Studies, and Surveys" devoted to its courses on its corporate website.<ref>Independent Research, Case Studies, and Surveys</ref>
Landmark Education trains its own course instructors intensively in Landmark's pedagogy (also known as "technology").
The precise content of Landmark Education courses remains closely guarded by copyright, but a course syllabus is on-line.
[edit] Course Content of the Landmark Forum
A paper published in the January through April 2001 edition of the "Journal of Contemporary Philosophy" distributed through the Social Sciences Research Network (authored by Professor Steven McCarl, Professor Joyce Nielsen and Landmark Forum Leader Steve Zaffron): "The Promise of Philosophy and the Landmark Forum", gives the following abstract for the Landmark Forum:
Abstract Philosophy promises more than contents of thought. It can cultivate openness to continuously arising new contents of thought. Unconsciously identifying with the contents of thought displaces this openness; the remedy for such unnoticed closed mindedness is self-knowledge. In the Socratic tradition the Landmark Forum - a forty-hour course sponsored by the employee owned Landmark Educational Corporation - provides a model of philosophy as the practical art of uncovering and expanding self-knowledge and thereby generating unforeseen ways of being in everyday life. <ref>McCarl, Steven R., Zaffron, Steve, Nielsen, Joyce McCarl and Kennedy, Sally Lewis, "The Promise of Philosophy and the Landmark Forum" . Contemporary Philosophy, Vol. XXIII, No. 1 & 2, Jan/Feb & Mar/Apr 2001 Available at SSRN: http://ssrn.com/abstract=278955 or DOI: 10.2139/ssrn.278955</ref>
[edit] Structure of the Landmark Forum
The Landmark Forum takes place over three consecutive days and an evening session (generally Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Tuesday evening.) Each full day begins at 9:00 a.m. and ends at approximately 10:00 p.m. Breaks occur approximately every 2 to 3 hours, with a 90-minute dinner break. Homework is assigned to perform during breaks and after the course ends in the evening. The evening session generally runs from 7:00 p.m. to 10:15 p.m. (in certain locations, from 7:30 p.m. to 10:45 p.m.). <ref> Landmark Forum logistics </ref>
[edit] Memberships and accreditations
Landmark Education and its subsidiaries hold memberships in the following professional associations and organizations, as per its website <ref> Corporate Website, Landmark Education, Memberships and accreditations. </ref>
- American Society for Training and Development
- International Society for Performance Improvement
- American Management Association
- International Association for Continuing Education and Training (Membership Details) (CEU Qualifications)
- Academy of Management
[edit] Courses
- Curriculum for Living, (at Landmark Education's corporate website)
- The Landmark Forum, introductory course and pre-requisite for other courses
- Landmark Forum in Action Seminar, optional seminar included in tuition of the Landmark Forum
- The Landmark Advanced Course
- Self Expression and Leadership Program (SELP)
- Note: For further information on other coursework, see Landmark Education's website: About Graduate Programs
[edit] Other programs
[edit] Assisting Program
Chief Executive Officer Harry Rosenberg commented on the Assisting Program in a 1997 Harvard Business School case study (now out of print):
In addition to our 420 staff members around the world, the people in the Assisting Program play a critical role at Landmark. We have a remarkable group of 7500 people participating on a weekly basis. They are both committed to our work, and to getting personal value out of the Assisting Program. They know we are a for-profit businesss and still they commit their time and effort. <ref> Harvard Business School study: Landmark Education Corporation: Selling a Paradigm Shift, Karen Hopper Wruck, Mikelle Fisher Eastley, 1997, case # 9-898-081, page 13., quote, CEO Harry Rosenberg. </ref>
[edit] The Introduction Leader Program (ILP)
The ILP consists of a six-month intensive leadership-training program that prepares participants to lead Introductions to the Landmark Forum. The course forms the foundation of the training for Leaders of all of Landmark's other programs. [citation needed]
[edit] Evaluations of Landmark Education
Landmark Education relies heavily on testimonials from customers to portray its effectiveness. Studies, surveys, and opinions vary in their reported outcomes though in general lean from neutral to positive.
[edit] Academic studies
[edit] Fisher study
An academic study commissioned by Werner Erhard and Associates and conducted by a team of psychology professors (mostly associated with the University of Connecticut) concluded that attending a (pre-Landmark) Forum had minimal lasting effects, positive or negative, on participants' self-perception <ref> J.D. Fisher, R. C. Silver, J. M. Chinsky, B. Goff and Y. Klar, Evaluating a Large Group Awareness Training: A Longitudinal Study of Psychosocial Effects, Published by Springer-Verlag, October 1990, ISBN 0-387-97320-6. </ref> This study won a 1989 American Psychological Association award. [citation needed]
[edit] University of Southern California
The University of Southern California (USC) Marshall School of Business carried out a case study into the work of Landmark Education Business Development (LEBD) at BHP New Zealand Steel.
The report concluded that the set of interventions in the organization produced a 50% improvement in safety, a 15% to 20% reduction in key benchmark costs, a 50% increase in return on capital, and a 20% increase in raw steel production[citation needed].
[edit] Denison thesis
Charles Wayne Denison's 1994 Ph.D. research at the University of Denver involved interviewing participants in the Landmark Forum. It reported a "varied impact on participants" ranging from neutral to positive:
The observation and interview data suggest that these curricula have a varied impact on participants; some report a certain distinction as having personal impact, while other participants scarcely recall the concept. <ref> Charles Wayne Denison, Part 4--The Curriculum of The Forum, "The Children of EST: A study of the Experience and Perceived Effects of a Large Group Awareness Training (The Forum)", Ph.D. Dissertation, University of Denver, 1994, excerpt available online </ref>
[edit] Studies commissioned by Landmark Education
[edit] Daniel Yankelovich
An analysis done for Landmark Education by DYG, Inc. and interpreted by Daniel Yankelovich, chairman of DYG, Inc., ("Analysis of The Landmark Forum and Its Benefits") consisted of a survey conducted of more than 1300 people who completed The Landmark Forum during a three-month period at some undisclosed time. Some details of the study methodology, especially concerning sampling methods and demographics of study participants, remain undefined in what Landmark Education refers to as the "Full Study" <ref> Landmark Education Corporate Website, excerpted portions, Yankelovich Study. Daniel Yankelovich, DYG, Inc. </ref> . It remains unknown whether Yankelovich ever participated in any Landmark Education coursework, or whether he functioned in the role of a detached commentator. However, Landmark Education has presented a summary of the survey results under the heading "Independent Research, Case Studies, and Surveys" <ref> Landmark Education Corporate Website, "Independent Research". </ref> . On the other hand, Yankelovich himself personally endorses Landmark Education in his book The Magic of Dialog (2001, pages 143 - 144) <ref> Daniel Yankelovich: The Magic of Dialog: Transforming Conflict into Cooperation. New York: Touchstone, 2001. ISBN 0-684-86566-1 </ref>.
Yankelovich concluded from the survey that 90% to 95% self-reported "value" in taking the course. <ref> Landmark Education, website, Yankelovich Study, excerpted, Landmark Education Corporate Website. </ref> <ref> Landmark Education, website, quote, RE: Yankelovich Study, Landmark Education Corporate Website. </ref>
[edit] Harris Interactive
A survey carried out by Harris Interactive for Landmark Education Corporation concluded that one third of respondents who had "completed the Landmark Forum" self-reported an increase of 25% or more in their incomes, 70% worried less about money and assessed themselves as more effective in managing their finances, and an unspecified percentage reported working fewer hours. Landmark Education has not made it clear over what time-duration Harris Interactive conducted this study [citation needed]
[edit] Other studies
[edit] International Society for Performance Improvement
The International Society for Performance Improvement (ISPI) website contains a 2005 report of Landmark Education Business Development (LEBD)'s involvement with improving safety at Minera Escondida Ltd., which ran the largest copper-mine in the world and employed 5,000 people. The ISPI report notes that when LEBD started working with Minera Escondida, the company had a total injury-frequency rate of 23.7 accidents per million man-hours worked. Five months later, after LEBD had finished its program with Minera Escondida, the injury rate had reduced by over 50% to 11.5 accidents per million man-hours worked. ISPI reported that Landmark "created" this environment of improved safety. The ISPI awarded LEBD a "Got Results" award for its actions. <ref> International Society for Performance Improvement, award to LEBD, award, Landmark Education Business Development </ref>
[edit] The Talent Foundation
A study by the Talent Foundation, chaired by Sir Christopher Ball (Chancellor, University of Derby), and led by Dr. Javier Bajer,
concluded that: "Within two years of participating from Landmark's three-day program, individuals showed:
- Significantly higher levels of self-esteem, motivation, and self-confidence.
- More proactive attitudes related to their learning and ability to apply new skills at work.
- More confidence in finding opportunities to apply their skills and make a difference at work." [citation needed]
[edit] Jargon
- For more details on this topic, see Landmark Education jargon.
The company uses Landmark-specific jargon in its courses, such as "Rackets", "Formula for success" and "Distinguishing ourselves and our world through language".
[edit] Legal disputes
- For more details on this topic, see Landmark Education litigation.
Landmark has participated in a range of legal disputes, both as a defendant (against course participants who have claimed psychological harm) and as a plaintiff (alleging defamation against individuals or organizations who have published statements Landmark Education believes to be false and defamatory, as required by tort law).
Several individuals and organizations have claimed that Landmark is a cult or is cult-like. Landmark Education regards such statements as factually false and defamatory, and has brought legal action on at least seven occasions. Out of these seven, in the three cases where mainstream publications explicitly called Landmark a cult, the defendants settled by publishing retractions; in two of the cases, the defendants denied that they ever claimed Landmark was a cult; and in two cases, Landmark's suit was dismissed.
[edit] Criticism and controversy
An Australian psychologist, Dr. Louise Samways, included material on Landmark Education in her book on personal development courses and cults: Dangerous Persuaders: An expose of gurus, personal development courses and cults, and how they operate. She had not conducted empirical observation of Landmark Education's programs, but relied on testimony from separate sources. Samways stated that her book:
evolved ... from thousands of personal stories told to me over many years by my patients and people attending my seminars and lectures. I have mentioned the names of groups and courses only where I have heard similar and consistent stories from many separate sources... [I]t should not be assumed that the groups, courses or individuals mentioned in this book are necessarily the worst or biggest. I have only mentioned those that are well known and where my own patients have shared their personal experiences with me. <ref> Louise Samways, Dangerous Persuaders: An expose of gurus, personal development courses and cults, and how they operate, Penguin Books: 1994, page vii; ISBN 0-14-023553-1 </ref>
Dr. Samways went on to mention Landmark Education's psychological techniques:
The courses I worry about particularly are those attempting dramatic change in short periods of time, such as Landmark Education, EST, Forum, Money & You and Hoffman Process, for they are misusing the psychological techniques allied to hypnosis in order to make the behavioural changes. <ref> Louise Samways, Dangerous Persuaders: An expose of gurus, personal development courses and cults, and how they operate, Penguin Books: 1994; currently out-of-print. ISBN 0-14-023553-1 </ref>
[edit] In Europe
Dr. Norbert Nedopil, head of the department of forensic psychiatry at the University of Munich, in a 2002 study<ref>Landmark Education, Corporate Website, Untersuchung von Heinrich Küfner, Norbert Nedopil und Heinz Schöck</ref> commissioned by the German state of Bavaria, excluded the possibility of classifying Landmark Education as a cult, or as cult-like in any way. In the study he reported that: "On the basis of empirical investigation, it can be said that to the largest extent, Landmark Education does not present risks to the health, free will and legal integrity of its participants. Nor is there any evidence that the Landmark Forum is harmful."<ref>Landmark Education, Corporate Website, Untersuchung von Heinrich Küfner, Norbert Nedopil und Heinz Schöck</ref>
Several journalists have also written about various aspects of Landmark Education, including cult allegations; Amelia Hill, for a December 2003 article: "I thought I'd be brainwashed. But how wrong could I be..." in The Guardian, states:
Landmark has faced accusations of being a cult, but I saw nothing of that. Far from working to separate us from our families and friends, we were told there was no relationship too dead to be revived, no love too cold to be warmed.
In 1994, a report of the Senate Committee of the State of Berlin in Germany originally placed Landmark Education on a list entitled "entities espousing a world view and new religions." Landmark Education sued for correction and, on May 14, 1997, the Berlin court (Volksgericht 27A) corrected the classification to read: "provider of life guidance" (Anbieter von Lebenshilfe). <ref> Berlin State Senate report: "Sects - their risks and consequences". </ref>
In 1995 a committee of the French National Assembly included Landmark Education on a list of cults: see Parliamentary Commission on Cults in France <ref> Unofficial English translation </ref> The then Prime Minister of France Jean-Pierre Raffarin issued a circulaire in May 2005 indicating that the list of cults published on the parliamentary reportis no longer pertinent, and that it should be replaced by specific criteria set by the MIVILUDES. <ref>
Circulaire du 27 mai 2005 relative à la lutte contre les dérives sectaires
</ref>
On June 6, 2004 Landmark Education ceased operating in Sweden. As in France, the causes of the closure included a diminishing public interest in participating, evinced in connection with very critical articles in the press and on television<ref>Landmark Education lägger ned verksamheten, March 21, 2004.</ref>. The airing of two documentaries on national Swedish television by the broadcasting corporation TV4 on October 28, 2003 and on March 15, 2004 called "Lycka till salu" (Happiness for sale) in the program series "Kalla Fakta" contributed to the termination of the organization there. <ref>
Kalla Faktas Uppfoljning om Landmark Education, 2004, Lofgrens Analys AB.
</ref> [citation needed]
[edit] Labor investigations
In 1998, the United States Department of Labor investigated Landmark Education, according to an article in Metroactive Features :
A case study by Harvard Business School reports that nationwide, 7,500 volunteers lend their time and services to Landmark. The corporation only pays 451 people, and only a tenth of them are Forum leaders. But here at the Forum, we are told, anything is possible. So devotees keep enrolling in courses, keep volunteering to prove their "commitment." I wonder what kind of racket the Department of Labor was running when it investigated Landmark and determined its volunteers were employees subject to the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act. Who's heard of volunteers for a for-profit? In the end the Department of Labor dropped the issue, leaving Landmark trumpeting about its volunteers' choice in the matter. <ref>The est of Friends, Metroactive Features, July 9-15, 1998 : </ref>
On May 24, 2004, the France 3 television network show Pièces à conviction broadcast the investigative report ("Voyage to the land of the new gurus"), addressing (amongst other issues) the matter of volunteer labor. In June 2004, the French labor agency (L’Inspection du Travail) investigated labor practices regarding "volunteer workers". Shortly thereafter, Landmark Education officially ended its operations in France. It is not known if the investigation was the reason for the end of operations. <ref> A short timeline. (French) </ref>
[edit] Religious implications
Some commentators regard parts of Landmark's philosophy as religious in nature, or as in conflict with the doctrines of established religions. For example, Paul Derengowski, formerly of the Christian cult-watch group Watchman.org, states that Landmark "has theological implications". <ref> "Landmark Forum", The Skeptic's Dictionary, Robert T. Carroll, Published by John Wiley & Sons, August 15, 2003, ISBN 0-471-27242-6. </ref> The Apologetics Index (an online Christian ministry providing research resources on what it considers cults, sects, other religious movements, doctrines, and practices) maintains a page on Landmark Education. <ref> Apologetics Index, page, Landmark Education </ref>
On the other hand, an article "A Very Nineties Weekend" in the international Roman-Catholic weekly The Tablet states that<ref>"A Very Nineties Weekend", The Tablet, Annabel Miller, 29/05/1999; requires free registration to access</ref>:
Several Catholic priests and religious sisters have endorsed Landmark. The Trappist monk Basil Pennington has praised the Forum for bringing about a "full human enlivenment" which make people "more lively" in the practice of whatever faith they have. <ref>"A Very Nineties Weekend", The Tablet, Annabel Miller, 29/05/1999; requires free registration to access</ref>
Some further examples of customer testimonials (as opposed to theological analysis) from clergy appear on the Landmark Education Website.
[edit] Sales and Marketing Practices
In an article "The Best of Est?" published in Time Magazine on March 16, 1998, Charlotte Faltermayer wrote:
Critics say Landmark is an elaborate marketing game that relies heavily on volunteers. Says Tom Johnson, an "exit counselor" often summoned by concerned parents to tend to alumni: "They tire your brain; they make you vulnerable." Says critic Liz Sumerlin: "The participants end up becoming recruiters. That's the whole purpose." Psychiatrists who speak on Landmark's behalf dispute these claims. But Sumerlin says a 1993 Forum turned her fiance (now her ex) into a robot. She organized an anti-Landmark hot line and publications clearinghouse. Landmark officials made sounds to sue her.
In 1996, Jill P. Capuzzo from The Philadelphia Inquirer, Weekend took the Landmark Forum and reported:
I made some eye-opening discoveries about myself and how I function in the world. [...] One of the most irritating aspects of The Forum is the hard sell to sign up future participants.<ref> Jill P. Capuzzo, Philadelphia Enquirer, 1996, The Scoop About the Landmark Forum </ref>
[edit] Allegations of brainwashing
Some court cases have addressed the issues of whether Landmark practices brainwashing and coercion. Others have disputed these allegations.
Three court cases involving Landmark have centered around the claim of brainwashing; each with a different outcome. In Ney vs. Landmark Education et al. (1992), Stephanie Ney sued Landmark claiming she suffered a mental breakdown following participation in the Landmark Forum; the court ruled that while her participation may have played a part in her breakdown, Virginia law did not allow her to claim damages since she suffered no physical harm. In Been vs. Weed and Landmark Education (2002), Jason Weed claimed that the Landmark Advanced Course had caused him to experience a psychotic episode in which he killed a postal service employee; the court ruled that Landmark did not precipitate his psychosis. In Landmark Education vs. Lell, Landmark sued Martin Lell for using the word "Brainwashing" in the title of his book on Landmark Education (Das Forum: Protokoll einer Gehirnwäsche: Der Psycho-Konzern Landmark Education [The Forum: Account of a Brainwashing: The Psycho-Outfit Landmark Education], Deutscher Taschenbuch Verlag, Munich, 1997, ISBN 3-423-36021-6); the court ruled the description "brainwashing" a matter of opinion, and let the title of the book remain.
In 1999 Landmark Education asked Dr. Raymond Fowler, a psychologist and past President of the American Psychological Association,to evaluate the effectiveness, safety, and appropriateness of theprocedures in the Landmark Forum. Speaking on his own behalf, Fowler reported:
I saw nothing in the Landmark Forum I attended to suggest that it would be harmful to any participant. ... the Landmark Forum is nothing like psychotherapy ... has none of the characteristics typical of a cult ...does not place individuals at risk of any form of "mind control" "brainwashing" or "thought control."
The Fowler letter has since become an official document of Landmark Education, referred to as ""L-014E".<ref>Dr. Raymond Fowler, past President of the American Psychological Association, analysis of the Landmark Forum, 1995, Landmark Education Corporate Website, Document number "L-014E".</ref>.
[edit] See also
[edit] People associated with Landmark Education, past/present
- Harry Rosenberg - current CEO of Landmark Education and brother of Werner Erhard (John Paul Rosenberg)
- Joan Rosenberg - Vice President of Centers Division (Landmark Education) and sister of Werner Erhard (John Paul Rosenberg)
- Art Schreiber - Erhard's personal attorney; General Counsel and Chairman, Board of Directors, Landmark Education
- Steven Zaffron - current CEO, Landmark Education Business Development, LEBD
- Nancy Zapolski - Vice President in charge of course development, Landmark Education; Forum leader
- Brian Regnier - founding member, Landmark Education; Forum leader, prominent course designer
- Laurel Scheaf - Forum leader, Landmark Education
- Werner Erhard/John Paul Rosenberg
[edit] Related topics
[edit] Media
- Voyage to the Land of the New Gurus, Pièces à conviction, France 3 investigative journalism documentary
- The Century of the Self, British documentary by Adam Curtis, episode part 3 of 4
- Transformation: The Life and Legacy of Werner Erhard, Documentary, 2006
- Semi-Tough, 1977 film with Burt Reynolds
[edit] Other
- Erhard Seminars Training
- Werner Erhard and Associates
- The Hunger Project
- Large Group Awareness Training
- Human Potential Movement (Maslow & Rogers and Esalen Institute)
- Zen (Alan Watts)
- Martin Heidegger
- Fernando Flores
- Self-help and Personal development
- New age
[edit] External links
[edit] Corporate websites
- Landmark Education official website
- Landmark Education Business Development
- Landmark Graduate Seminars
- Landmark Forum Syllabus
- Landmark Forum Methodology
[edit] Mixed views on Landmark Education
- The Best of Est (Time Magazine article from March 16th, 1998)
- Landmark Forum: Rants and Raves - links to various sites and discussion-forums (archive of published articles, other resources, and opinion)
- Usenet group: alt.fan.landmark - unmoderated long-running Usenet newsgroup with multiple points-of-view (facts mingled with opinion)
- Transformation Reformers - discussion group generally supportive of Landmark’s results, but critical of some of its practices (opinion and analysis)
[edit] Generally favorable opinions on Landmark Education
- News Articles on Landmark Education - archive of published articles or excerpts thereof on Landmark Education (maintained by Landmark Education)
- www.iLoveLandmarkEducation.jp from the graduates of Landmark Education in Japan - (Japanese (customers' opinions)
- "The Promise of Philosophy and the Landmark Forum" - University of Colorado (Philosophy Professor Steven McCarl and Steve Zaffron, CEO of Landmark Education Corporation Business Development et al.)(published paper)
- “A very nineties weekend”, by Annabel Miller, The Tablet, an international Catholic weekly (requires free registration) (published journalistic opinion)
- The Scoop on Landmark
- A website independent from Landmark Education written by members of the Landmark Team Management and Leadership Program (predominantly opinion)
- I Love Possibility: Landmark Forum graduates describe their experiences. (graduates' opinion(s))
- "I thought I'd be brainwashed. But how wrong could I be...", by Amelia Hill, The Observor (published article)
- excerpt of “Unconventional programs in Germany dealing with personal growth and life coping skills”, by Professors Heinrich Kufner, Norbert Nedopil and Heinz Schoch, University of Munich (published article)
[edit] Generally unfavorable opinions on Landmark Education
- Rick Ross – archive of published articles, opinion, and moderated forum, sponsored by consultant on cults and controversial groups Rick Ross (opinion and archived published material)
- Steven Hassan's Freedom of Mind Center – collection of links about Est and Landmark Education maintained by Hassan, a licensed counselor and published author on cult awareness (opinion)
- Landmark Forum, Just a Bowl of Cherries? – archive of published articles and links to other websites (mirror site) (primarily opinion)
- Skeptic's Dictionary – skeptical information on non-traditional views (published opinion)
- Apologetics Index - a website characteristic of the Christian countercult movement (opinion)
[edit] References and footnotes
<references />
