Psycho-Cybernetics, A New Way to Get More Living Out of Life (1960)

I picked up a free copy of this book while a teenager, and read it dutifully, if uncritically. As I remember, a lot of emphasis was placed on developing a positive self image, visualizing one's goals, and working towards them. I guess some people need that sort of advice. Maybe I did as well.

This book has the dubious distinction of being a favorite of James Earle Ray (the assassin of Martin Luther King). Ray carried a dog-eared paperback copy with him everywhere he went, including during his two months on the run from the FBI. Too bad that Maxwell Maltz hadn't thought to advise the reader that one's goals should be moral and legal. In fact, this case calls into question one of the more dubious assumptions of the self- help genre -- that everyone should have a positive self image. What if the person is a poorly - educated criminal with racist views and murderous intentions, like James Ray? Should such a person be encouraged to feel good about himself, and to work fulfill his goals? ( )

I read this book years ago. It was a gift from my father, who didn't make a practice of buying books or gifting them. I read it on his strong recommendation and using the techniques I managed to considerably improve my bowing average! It's a book I need to re-read! ( )

Based on my memory of reading this a long time ago, I would describe this as a good, very early popularization of current valid techniques of cognitive therapy. It is also a good attempt at practical application of the ideas of cybernetics.

Read a more recent book on the subject. ( )

Certainly your outlook on life does affect its quality, BUT saying something doesn't make it so!
Maltz's techniques WILL help a person with issues of self-esteem and with correcting the false images detractors may have foisted on one. Calling a child stupid continually, for example, may produce a conviction that he/she shouldn't even try--they can't because they think they can't. The problem with Cybernetics is, a student will not become more knowledgable because he/she "believes" they are good at the subject--UNLESS study is done! Telling yourself you are lovable (without working on your critical, sarcastic responses to others) is self-deception, not self-improvement. ( )

Maltz posits that actions can shape thoughts and perceptions. He argues that you can act your way into a good self-image. ( )