Beneath the visible authoritarianism in politics, social structures, and personalities is a far more pervasive, covert authoritarianism. It is hidden in culture, values, and daily life. By unmasking authoritarianism in such areas as addiction, intimate relations, morality, and religion, the authors expose it as a major factor in social disintegration.

Part One examines the most extreme example of one person giving power to another, the guru/disciple relationship, because this reveals less obvious occurrences of control. "Guru" is a metaphor for anyone who manipulates others under the guise of "knowing what's best" for them, whether leaders, mothers, or lovers.

Part Two decodes the authoritarian control concealed in contemporary values and beliefs. It portrays how basic problems, both personal and global, are tied to authoritarian assumptions so embedded they are taken for granted.

The Guru Papers shows there is a worldwide battle for people's minds over basic values. At stake in these "morals wars" is our very survival as a species. When people take back the authority that has been unknowingly invested in others, this can unleash the intelligence and care needed to ensure that our history will continue.