Chapter 1: The Self-Help Phenomenon

In the midst of restoring a log house while perched on a ladder, I found myself hesitant to abandon an audiobook I was listening to. Initially captivating, it quickly devolved into repetitive anecdotes featuring Tiger Woods and Michael Jordan, alongside references to "Peak" by Ericsson and Pool. I felt increasingly exasperated but chose to push through, and I’m glad I did. The book didn’t leave me awestruck, but I did glean some insights worth exploring further.

For anyone relying solely on memory to retain concepts, strategies, or captivating quotes from various materials, I wish you luck. Whether your life is relatively uneventful or filled with information, it's essential to jot down notes, keep a journal, or use sticky notes, just as I do. You may glance at your bookshelf one day and think, “Wow, I read twenty self-development books last year. What were they about?”

Even if a book doesn’t captivate you entirely, there are often valuable segments that can spark new ideas or motivate actions. Regrettably, we sometimes find ourselves lamenting the release of yet another book that merely repackages old ideas in slightly different language.

Before diving into a new book, it's wise to do your research. I have previously discussed the merits of revisiting classic literature, which can often offer greater rewards than chasing the latest bestseller. In the realm of self-help, classics like Stephen R. Covey’s "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" remain invaluable reads. Have you considered revisiting one of these foundational works?

It appears many have developed a habit of continually seeking self-help resources. While this trend has its benefits—namely, the act of reading—do we truly need to consume twenty self-improvement books each year? What do we retain from that? A few fragmented ideas, unless we’re fortunate enough to encounter a book that resonates deeply with our current struggles. How often does this happen for you? Can you recall a specific title?

Even when we acknowledge having read multiple books on a single topic, the way we approach the material is crucial. The interplay of approach and audience are two significant factors that we, as readers and learners, must consider. Are we truly the intended audience for this work? Will it enrich our lives, or will it merely offer another perspective on Stoicism?

Searching for books on Stoicism might yield millions of results. Numerous authors have emerged as self-proclaimed experts, presenting countless interpretations and selling merchandise alongside their insights. I often refer to this group as "The Smart Milkers Bunch." They’ve taken a philosophy that is widely accessible, wrapped it in their unique narratives, and produced a slew of derivative works, often leaning heavily on historical figures rather than developing original ideas that apply to our lives today.

I first encountered the works of Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus in middle school during my time in Communist Czechoslovakia. Later, I read various texts in multiple languages, realizing I could have capitalized on that knowledge. Nowadays, the number of self-proclaimed Stoic experts is overwhelming. Is this simply a trend?

As long as there’s an audience and publishers can profit from rehashed ideas, these books will continue to appear. I recognize my own tendency to blend old philosophies into something new, influenced by a fascination with ancient cultures, metaphysics, and how these ideas shaped societal structures over time. My goal is to present these concepts in an accessible manner, highlighting how universal forces and our perceptions can align to benefit us, particularly in today’s tumultuous world.

However, I consistently ask myself before reading a new book: Am I the right audience? Is this worth my time? This question, while seemingly similar to "Is this book for me?" helps guide my decisions. A brief description or an honest review can be invaluable.

The potential impact on the audience is another key factor to consider. Did Dostoevsky ever ponder the influence his works would have on a remote community in Papua New Guinea? I doubt it. Did Buddha anticipate the global spread of his teachings centuries before the Common Era? Probably not. Authors often write from their own contexts, and the disconnect can be stark.

As a case in point, I’ve encountered various criticisms directed at Rhonda Byrne’s "The Secret." I’m not here to defend or condemn the book; I haven’t read it myself, only heard about it from others. Interestingly, most critiques don’t outright dismiss it.

Mark Manson, known for "The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F*ck," took to his blog to critique "The Secret," drawing connections between the Law of Attraction and Confirmation Bias. However, he missed a crucial distinction. The Law of Attraction revolves around manifestation, the act of bringing desires into reality, whereas Confirmation Bias refers to the tendency to interpret information in a way that confirms pre-existing beliefs.

To illustrate, imagine your favorite sports team has lost several games. Blaming the referee for every call, despite your team's lackluster performance, exemplifies Confirmation Bias. Owning multiple firearms for self-defense in a community with no crime is another instance of this bias at play.

But this isn’t manifestation. The core of the Law of Attraction is about making desires tangible, not merely affirming existing beliefs.

Perhaps the Reticular Activation System (RAS)—a network of neurons that filters information—could provide insight into why some people conflate these concepts. Negative emotions like envy and insecurity often underpin Confirmation Bias.

I hope you can discern the biases at play that Manson himself overlooked. This discussion remains rooted in self-improvement. The self-help industry often fosters cognitive dissonance, even among its most prominent figures.

The critique of "The Secret" serves as an important reminder: readers must determine if a book aligns with their needs and consider its intended audience.

Ryan Holiday also critiqued "The Secret," using a different approach. While he didn’t outright dismiss the Law of Attraction, he pointed out the Stoic emphasis on the power of thoughts, suggesting that visualization—similar to the Law of Attraction—plays a role in achieving our goals.

Imagine visualizing your dream vehicle, yet it remains absent from your driveway. This doesn’t mean visualization lacks value; rather, it can motivate us to take actionable steps toward our goals.

In conclusion, while some self-help books may seem superficial, they can still inspire millions to change their perspectives and actions positively. It’s essential to consider the potential benefits of these works rather than dismissing them outright.

Both Manson and Holiday referenced a humorous David Chappelle joke about "The Secret," but remember that authors often write within their own contexts.

So, as you navigate the self-help landscape, take the time to choose books that resonate with you. Your reading choices can significantly impact your understanding of challenges and opportunities in your life.

In my next post, I'll provide some reading recommendations.

Chapter 2: Critical Perspectives on Self-Help

The first video, "Why the Self Help Industry is TOXIC | Downfall of Self Help Gurus," examines the pitfalls and toxic aspects of the self-help industry, offering a critical analysis of its impact on personal growth.

The second video, "I have a REAL PROBLEM with the self help or self care industry..." delves into personal critiques of self-help and self-care practices, emphasizing the need for a more thoughtful approach.