Do you think self-help books work?

Do you think self-help books work?

  • Yes

    Votes: 18 51.4%

  • No

    Votes: 17 48.6%
  • Total voters
    35
themba990 said:
I think reading in general changes you not because there are pearls of wisdom within the text but because it causes you to think differently about your own circumstances and you gain a different perspective
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^This. The OP is being specific but I agree 100% with you. A book called MORT by Terry Pratchett pulled me out of a very suicidal depression when I was younger. I haven't stopped reading since.

As for the OP question: In my experience, self-help books have helped me identify and develop tools to cope that I may not have been able to identify or develop without reading them. The books often give a blanket cover of the issues they address and the reader has to be able to apply and refine what is relevant.

In short, yes, I do.
 
I said no because, while a single specific book can help, the reality is that it is the person who has to do the work.

They have to guide their own development, including which books are read, and what they take from each book.

Some self help books can be life changing, but it depends heavily on who you are and what you are going through.
 
Yes.

One of the most important parts of helping yourself is realising you need help. Hence picking up a self help book already is a big step.
 
Aaand it's a tie.

It helps to put everything into perspective; the way you see life, yourself, your job and other people. Yes some of these books do help.
 
I can't answer with the options because the answer is "it depends". I don't think it's healthy to just accept anything you read as either fact or the best thing for you to do. You have to think critically about what you are reading, and whether it applies to you and your framework. I've read some great experiences from people who have been through things I'm starting to go through and made it out on the other end (good things to read) and I've read stuff that people have no experience with but 'think' should help you - almost like motivational pieces (often a waste of time).

We all need to develop critical thinking and not offload our wellbeing to some random author.
 
ShaunSA said:
They do tend to make their authors rich... but that's about it
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Shaun you need one of these I reckon. We all do! :thumbsup: :giggle:

OIP.HJNS4Dtj_v4v6cyOZbqA5QHaFj
 
School for Scoundrels (2006) Quote

"Dr. P : How many of you have self-help books? Okay, that's your first problem. You can't help yourself, because your *self* sucks!"
 
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