Are Self-Help Books Harmful? | Weekbook #28

The most common mistake with self-improvement is the negligence shown to at least one of the three core pillars. Unless balance is struck between them all, one cannot hope to be successful.

July 9th, 2023

The self-help section in a local bookstore is often one of the first places people turn when looking for answers. Ranging from meditation to learning control, there are a diverse range of topics covered by the genre, but are they worth reading?

Well, sort of.

In reality, a lot of self-help books aren't worth the time, effort and money required to read them. Many lack any real depth and substance, and others simply repeat what others have already written. They prey on desperation, presenting catchy titles and false promises of a better life.

So whilst they aren't harmful per se, they can lead the reader down the wrong path, where professional help is often better suited. Worse still, many rely on second-hand information or theoretical thoughts. You wouldn't go to a dentist with bad teeth, would you? So why trust an author who hasn't trialled the methods presented in their book.

However, in amongst the plethora of mediocrity, there are some truly life changing books. The challenge is knowing which ones are worth it.

For this, my advice is simple. Search for those who practice what they preach. Investigate whether the author has used the methods themselves and finally, nothing beats the social-proof test. If others found value, then there is a good chance you will too.

Reading Notes

A collection of my favourite articles, Twitter threads and newsletters from this week, annotated with my highlights and thoughts.

Try this Podcast

Ending Quote

"Self-help is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation." - Audre Lorde.

Thumbnail credit: Photo by Shiromani Kant on Unsplash