First prompt question: Ferguson's Happiness presents the self-help book as nothing more than a packaged production meant to fill a publishing catalog. What is your opinion of self-help books, and why?To me, self-help books are an interesting source of insight into a wide range of topics. They hit people on the psychological level, influencing their feelings and stimulating their minds. I myself do not read self-help books, sure they are interesting but I do not like sitting down and reading something that wants to tell me all the things I am doing wrong. All those chicken soup books for the soul? Never read a single one. Books such as 'Who Moved My Cheese?' by Spencer Johnson, I found that one to be odd; I could sense it was putting a point across but I just couldn't find the 'motivation' to keep reading.
My dad is a collector of self-help books and makes me read them, I guess he is trying to 'help' me in his own way. Self-help books I admit, do help some people but really it is just advice that most people already know; yet reading it suddenly makes they 'see the light'.
I see self-help books this way because I see myself being just about the way I should be. So when others are desperate for words that will magically make them feel better about themselves, I don't fully understand the human mind.
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That's interesting, Tasha, that you acknowledge your father is trying to help you in his own way. Since he collects self-help books, I imagine he gets something out of it. I've always been jealous of those who can find meaning, change and happiness in a book. I find meaning and my worldview changes with every book I read, but happiness is only felt for me while I'm still reading.
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