2007-03-30 07:35:13 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Social Science ➔ Psychology
I don't read books like that,what fun woulkd that be?
2007-03-30 12:43:38 · answer #1 · answered by Einstein 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's funny you ask because I recently listened to a radio call-in show where this was discussed. The hosts are both licensed psychologists and their take was that "self-help" is an oxymoron. A line from Billy Bob Thornton's movie "School for Scoundrel's" was quoted. He is addressing a group:
How many of you have self-help books? Okay that's your first problem. You can't help yourself, because your self sucks!
The idea being that the self that needs helping has made a mess of things so far, therefore, it's not likely to improve. What is needed is "other" help. Help from without. The guys on the radio spoke of our need to be connected to other people, maybe professionals, maybe just supportive friends, if we are trying to develop in particular areas.
I can say this has been true for me. I tried many times and in many ways to change myself and solve my own issues. Might as well have been banging my head against the wall. When I finally recognized I couldn't fix myself, I got the help I needed. It's that concept of "powerlessness to change" that is taught in 12 step groups. I'm still a work in slow progress but I am progressing.
That said, I read lots of books. I think of them as personal growth books from which I can glean good information and understand myself better.
2007-03-30 10:38:38 · answer #2 · answered by Anne Teak 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I sometimes like to read self-help books to consider about their insights on things instead of listening to my own self. But the first answer is right, most likely if you're reading a self-help book, you're helping yourself improve.
2007-03-30 10:48:25 · answer #3 · answered by Banana Hero [sic] 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Personally I try to help myself, but that doesn't mean self-help books are bad in any way. In my opinion, how can you help yourself if you don't know how? I am in full support of self-help books, but they can't do everything. 100% of the action is your own. Those books aren't a crutch, you're making it all by yourself.
2007-03-30 07:44:11 · answer #4 · answered by girismyfriend831 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In my opinion, reading self help books IS a way of helping yourself.
2007-03-30 07:38:15 · answer #5 · answered by Kerry 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The only self help book you need is the Bible Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth.
2007-03-30 07:38:30 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Only I know what's best for me!
Self- help books are only aimed at what's best for that particular author or their own opinions of what others should/should not do.
I do NOT buy 'self-help' books.
2007-03-30 08:18:07 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
both ...
self help books and web sites gives you the main outline of what to do
self is the ACTION to do it!
not all information can be found in one book and every human is different!
What ever gives you the steam behind your action is your self help!
:)
2007-03-30 07:39:52 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I help myself. I don't need self help books to help me.
2007-03-30 07:38:21 · answer #9 · answered by Josh D 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the flexibility of helpful thinking via Vincent Norman Peale. it fairly is an previous e book and makes some references to God. even though it exchange into very helpful to me and that i re-examine it each so many times to get my self lower back on objective. i stumble on maximum others are a team of sense sturdy love your self blah blah blah
2016-12-08 14:38:35 · answer #10 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe helping yourself, but self-help books focuses you better. if you are overlooking anything, you can go back and say...oh yeah...i knew i forgot something *laughing*
2007-03-30 07:43:27 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋