Beloved by millions of readers whose lives his books have changed for the better, Robert J. Ringer stands in a class by himself. Ann Landers called this combination social commentator, philosopher, and self-development advisor "an astute student of human nature and a fabulous teacher." Ringer possesses a stinging wit, uncompromising integrity, and a unique ability to explain how the world really works-and how to make it work for you. As one of his fans put it, "As long as there are victims, there will be sharks. Here's to Robert Ringer for helping reduce the food supply." In his eagerly awaited new book, Ringer explains how to get what you want in life-be it love, money, success, or respect-by adopting a rational lifestyle in our often irrational world. Enlightening, straightforward, and candid, Getting What You Want is not for those looking for banal formulas or quick fixes. Advocating such principles as Commit to the Truth, Lower Your People Taxes, and Refuse Free-Lunch Temptations, Ringer shows readers how to create value for others and long-term happiness for themselves. His is a galvanizing message of independence for all those who are ready to take responsibility for their own future.
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Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com Review
No one can accuse Robert J. Ringer of pulling punches. But, then again, as the author of such previous bestsellers as Winning Through Intimidation and Looking Out for No. 1, it should come as no surprise that this writer calls it like he sees it. Unfortunately, in Getting What You Want, Ringer seems more interested in persuading readers not to like many of the things--and people--he doesn't, as opposed to providing a road map to rational living, as promised by the subtitle.
Ringer begins by defining a rational life as "a life guided by conscious effort to make rational decisions that result in an individual's getting what he wants over the long term, so long as actions stemming from those decisions do not involve the use of force or fraud against anyone else." He then divides the book into seven chapters, each focusing on one of his seven principles of rational living, ranging from "Base Your Actions on Truth" (principle 1) to "Avoid Those Who Drain Your Personal Resources" (principle 4) to "Learn from Bad Breaks, and Move On" (principle 7). Ringer repeatedly hammers home the theme that we live in an increasingly values-challenged, irrational world (hence, the need to be rational), offering up examples at every possible opportunity.
Consider Ringer's thoughts on Elvis Presley, who, he argues, exemplifies the need of so many people to idolize celebrities--"a contagious strain of self-delusion" that is a direct assault on principle 1:
He never wrote a song, couldn't play a musical instrument (other than barely being able to pluck around on his guitar prop), couldn't act, and put himself into an early grave with a remarkable lack of self discipline that ballooned his weight and saturated his body with harmful substances. To his credit, he never championed a cause; in fact, he never claimed to believe in anything.
Bill Clinton, criminal defense attorneys, all political causes (including the American Revolution), the rapper Ice Cube, O.J. Simpson, and McDonald's founder Ray Kroc don't fare much better in the author's opinion, each being an affront to one or more of the seven principles.
What does all this have to do with getting what you want? Not much, but Ringer, at least, starts off well by noting in his opening paragraph that there have been "thousands of books written on the subject of achieving happiness, each offering the author's views on how to bring about that much-sought-after, but very elusive, state of mind." Want it or not, here's one more. --Patrick Jennings
From Publishers Weekly
More than 20 years ago, Ringer had two sensational bestsellers, Winning Through Intimidation and Looking Out for #1. In an attempt to recapture the limelight, he has written another provocative self-help book, though it is unfortunately weighed down by rambling critiques on such topics as fast foods, Elvis, talk shows and the misguided efforts of the unnamed New Zealand company for which the entrepreneurial author distributed herbal products for a time. The latter is an especially noteworthy example of the book's lack of discipline and focus, which distracts from Ringer's articulation of a philosophy that may connect for some readers. Defining rational living as a "moral right to do what is in our best interest without hurting another person," Ringer offers his guidelines for achieving a rational life. Among his principles are: acting from the basis of truth; focusing on values, not entitlements; ridding oneself of encumbrances such as an obsessive focus on past hurts and unsatisfying relationships or jobs; behaving with dignity, civility, honesty and humility; avoiding people who tax one's time, energy and vitality; and acting on intellect, not impulse. Though Ringer is no longer a household name, the commercial value of his provocative outtakes and Putnam's well-designed promotional campaign are not to be dismissed. (Sept.)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Principles For Achieving A Successful Life,
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This review is from: Getting What You Want: The 7 Principles of Rational Living (Hardcover)
I have read every book Robert J. Ringer has written, and found great value in them all. His latest book, "Getting What You Want," is no exception. Ringer, who was influenced by the writings and philosophy of Ayn Rand, expounds again on Rand/Ringer principles for living: being grounded in reality, giving value for value in business and personal relationships, adhering to a code of honesty, ethics, and self-discipline. To this he adds his own Ringer philosophy of avoiding people, encumbrances and causes that drain your time and energy without contributing to your major goals. These are themes he has explored before, in "Looking Out For Number One" and "Million Dollar Habits"; but they are worth reading again, especially when reinforced by some new examples and perspectives, e.g., Ringer's experiences with his new employees in New Zealand. Some new issues that Ringer brings to "Getting What You Want" are getting rid of major encumbrances, in the form of a bad job, too much debt or an unhappy marriage, and how to move on with life following a bad break, such as the loss of a job or suffering an injustice. Ringer's writing is full of good advice on how to succeed in life, but it is not only the advice that keeps me buying his books. As a writer, he is just plain interesting. His expositions are invariably illustrated by his own personal foibles, missteps and screw-ups, which are sometimes funny, sometimes touching, and always effective. In this book, he tells how he allowed himself to be pushed into acting "intimidating" on the "Tonight" television show, even though it misrepresented the real message of his first book, and how he wasted time in a trivial lawsuit until he realized that it was more about his injured pride than about money. Ringer also discusses three personal friends who suffered terrible personal setbacks (one was confined to a wheelchair following a traffic accident), but who were determined to succeed in spite of it, and did. Ringer's point: life is full of injustice, and the best thing to do is to learn from it what you can, and move on. In "Getting What You Want," Ringer brings back his alter-ego, the tortoise, a comically drawn character who often illustrates his books. I have always liked the tortoise metaphor and the message it brings, that the race is not always to the swift, that persistence and perseverance can often win the contest even though one is not the fastest runner afoot. Ringer himself personifies this, as he has no special higher degrees or training; he is the self-made man, the legendary "little guy" who succeeds against all odds and obstacles, including government bureaucrats, hostile attorneys and deals that go bad. Perhaps that is why so many of his readers, including this one, find him so compelling. Ringer ends this book with a delicious slice of philosophizing that I always enjoy from him. He has a fine mind, one that is open and willing to explore the cosmic "what-ifs." In the final chapter, "Afterword: the Endgame" Ringer discusses what happiness is, and some ways of achieving it. He touches on the concept of God, the existence of good and evil, and puts forth some interesting insights. Finally, he describes some examples of what mystics call "the mystical experience," including his own, a sudden burst of cosmic insight that can inspire joy and a sense of heightened awareness. The titles of Ringer's books always sound as if they were focused on amassing material wealth. Take it from me, there is a lot more to Robert Ringer than that.
17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Looking Out for What You Want,
This review is from: Getting What You Want: The 7 Principles of Rational Living (Hardcover)
Ringer's classics Looking Out For Number One and Winning Through Intimidation will be tough to surpass as philosophical treatises. Getting What You Want is a good read. Even when you completely disagree with Ringer, (his comments on Presley are from left field) you find you can't stop reading. This is a kinder and gentler Ringer but he still get's the basics across: He makes clear the value of being productive. It's time to quit whining and start doing. Clear yourself of the energy zappers from your life and develop self discipline so you don't blow it in life. This is an excellent read and I wholeheartedly recommend it. Kevin Hogan, ...
31 of 36 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Rational Road to Happiness,
By Donald Mitchell "Jesus Loves You!" (Thanks for Providing My Reviews over 110,000 Helpful Votes Globally) - See all my reviews (VINE VOICE) (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER) (TOP 100 REVIEWER)
This review is from: Getting What You Want: The 7 Principles of Rational Living (Hardcover)
This is the best of Robert Ringer's books. In it, he gives you advicefor creating a life environment that will generate the most happiness for you over the long term. The seven principles are: (1) Base (2) Focus on (3) Make choices with civility, dignity, honesty, and (4) Avoid those who drain your personal resources. (5) Rid (6) Develop the (7) Learn from bad breaks, and move on. The book I was surprised and pleased The most interesting The book is full of relevant examples from After you have finished reading and thinking about these Be happy and
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