[Image] "8 ways to constantly improve"Submitted by Butterflies_Books t3_z5zw6n in GetMotivated
ahhshits t1_ixz1mzi wrote
Self help books are like 95% fluff with 5% of good advice that are usually just reminders.
Reading doesn’t have to be self help stuff as it sort of implies in this post
dedicated-pedestrian t1_ixzihxa wrote
There's a lot you can learn about life or yourself from fiction alone. But even just doing random research binges can be fun and fulfilling too.
SirCSquared t1_ixzuw69 wrote
This is true. In my 20s I found so much wisdom in the novels of Kurt Vonnegut.
Reading doesn’t have to always have some quantifiable goal or purpose. The act of reading itself is valuable. Do it enough and it’ll completely change your life.
zach8555 t1_ixzww1x wrote
>This is true. In my 20s I found so much wisdom in the novels of Kurt Vonnegut.
like what? ive been meaning to read him.
SirCSquared t1_iy004kl wrote
I think he captures a lot of humanist philosophy, and he’s so good at satire he’s able to make these pithy rebukes of consumerism, mass media, and the baseless absurdity of our longings. He’s just excellent. I recommend Deadeye Dick.
CaptainBirdEnjoyer t1_iy1dx2z wrote
So it goes.
Odd_Rutabaga_7810 t1_iy135eh wrote
Mein Kampf was such an inspirational book....
SirCSquared t1_iy6if9o wrote
Very edgy.
Vessix t1_ixzrqxs wrote
Likewise with podcasts. Not all are created equal, and I'd argue there are several that promote a regression of character rather than a progression.
daabearrss t1_ixztf9d wrote
This reminder me of a spectacular resource. For anyone who happens to see this, that critical 5% is perfectly articulated in this 30 minute talk called "The Strangest Secret in the World": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbBHR_CD56M
UncoolSlicedBread t1_iy09k5m wrote
The trick for self help books is that they usually either do an end of chapter recap or a dedicated chapter to recap all the info. If I’m browsing a store I usually just look for these parts of the book and leave.
Reading for me helps most through non-fiction recounts and fictional stories.
ValyrianJedi t1_iy0bqpu wrote
It sound like you just aren't reading good ones
PeKenaLarVa t1_iy01gtf wrote
Same goes to podcasts. The advice is only fine as long as you have access to good and curated material.
Seth_Gecko t1_iy1bjc6 wrote
I don't think that's what the post is implying at all. It's just suggesting that you think about what you're reading and what it might be trying to tell you; not all writing is trying to tell you something, or teach you a lesson, but if you go into any book open to being taught, to learning, you can almost always take something positive away. That's what reading is all about! That and just plain old fun!
bradforrester t1_iy1mg8s wrote
The description does not sound like self-help books to me.
ahhshits t1_iy39xpb wrote
When it says “advice from mentors,” I don’t think it’s implying Tolkien when reading Lord of the rings.
Although Tolkien is a great mentor. You’re not getting direct advice out of fictional/fantasy novels.
bradforrester t1_iy3gjjc wrote
The “throughout history” part that made me think this could mean reading biographies of great leaders from the past.
[deleted] t1_iy03pca wrote
[removed]
Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments