225 of 236 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A pioneer in the field still standing strong, December 10, 2004
I don't make it a habit to read self-help books, but the off-color fitness guru Matt Furey has made a killing on selling a program based off of Maltz's work, and most other "motivational speakers" usually bend a knee in respect to Maltz as a forerunner. So I picked up a cheap used copy and read it cover to cover. The only question I have left is why anyone would bother with any of the other crap. This book effectively condenses the entirety of the self-help field. As far as I can tell, this is as good as it gets by the standards of the genre, is enjoyably accessible to a general audience, and has weathered time's attack on its relevance stunningly well.
Firstly, Maltz had the raw clinical experience necessary to write this kind of book. As a crackerjack plastic surgeon he saw immediately and firsthand the life-changing or life-stalling power of self-image at work in the faces of his patients. (And anyone who scoffs at unorthodox contributors to a research field ought to know that Albert Einstein was working for the Swiss patent office when he submitted the Theory of Special Relativity.) Yet Maltz also admits where exactly the limits of his knowledge lie rather than try to convince the reader of his omniscience.
Secondly, Maltz was receptive to many fundamental tenets of psychology and philosophy and works them into Psycho Cybernetics clearly and without contradiction. Nor does he try to repackage ancient metaphysical hokum with inane and feeble examples.
Thirdly, there are no workshops, special reports, live phone help, or products to buy. (Though I cannot speak for the organization that has cropped up around Maltz's name.) All pretense and exaggeration for marketing purposes seem absent from his book.
Maltz was definitive and unequivocal in his ideas, quick to set a standard and stick to it. He took seriously some very fundamental issues of life and makes clear statements. This book rises high above the haphazard pop philosophy/ethics smeared all over mass media which are either shallow and weak or imperiously stupid. Maltz simply faced the truth of his own convictions. Psycho Cybernetics by no means outlines life management skills as an exact science, but its frank suggestions are intellectually compelling. Overall, the book is worthwhile because Maltz' honest and non-condescending style at least earns your respect, if not your belief.
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98 of 102 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Psycho-Cybernetics is my Bible!, May 19, 2000
By A Customer
I really love this book...I have never read a book that contained such positive wisdom and helpful insights on how to be a successful person. Dr. Maltz was a plastic surgeon and a humanitarian, who truly cared about helping people. He had plenty of money being one of the few plastic surgeons of his day--He unselfishly wrote this book from center of his heart. I can't even think about it without getting teary-eyed! His principles are based on some of his psychological experiences as a plastic surgeon. He compared a low self-esteem as being similar to the facial flaws of his plastic surgery patients, and how you can fix your self-esteem to become a better you. He offers useful advice on how to avoid letting your negative thoughts make you a failure. He suggests how one's attitude alone can influence his/her success-level. He also has ideas on how to not let the hateful, hurtful things people say keep you from the success you deserve. His book healed me, and taught me that I have control over my life and destiny. Dr. Maltz passed away some time ago, but his compassion for countless others lives on.
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81 of 85 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Best Book I Ever Read., August 23, 2004
This is the best book I ever read. I have read dozens of books on personal improvement, including "Think and Grow Rich", "Positive Thinking", "Law Of Success", "Master Key System" and other classics. But nothing can be compared to this one. This book has a message that is simple but had a powerful positive impact on my life. After reading and practising some of the concepts presented in this book, all aspects of my life have improved several-fold. Infact, I am stunned by some of the positive changes in myself, my abilities and my circumstances.
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