If You Don't Know Where You're Going, You'll Probably End Up Somewhere Else

I read this book in its first edition back in 1974 or 1975, when it had just been published for the first time. I'd completely forgotten about it all these years, but then came across a copy in a used book store, instantly recognized it, started reading it, and realized how much it had influenced my life these past 30+ years -- for the better. I just bought a copy of the revised edition for my daughters, one graduating high school, the other mid-way through college. This is probably the best book I've read on how to rationally plan one's life, emphasizing the probable outcomes of different choices, how to make the most of one's assets, and the importance of forging ahead while making sure to create options because while life is fairly predictable in its general outline, it is highly unpredictable in its specifics. The balance of optimism and realism in the book is perfect. This book should be required reading for every teenager. The revised version updates this classic making it even more valuable. I recommend it without qualification.

I LOVE this little primer about planning an effective and satisfying life. I first discovered If You Don't Know Where You're Going, You'll Probably End up Somewhere Else about 15 years ago and can well recall sitting on the beach and sharing passages from it with a friend. She liked what I was reading to her so much that she borrowed the book from me, and within a week she and her husband had resigned from their jobs, put their house on the market, and sent out resumes to potential employers. The message of Dr. Campbell's book is that powerful! David Campbell's book is easy to read, sprinkled with neat quotes, and packed with practical advice written in an engaging, upbeat style. I recently reordered and reread the book and was just as delighted this time around as I was the first time, especially with certain passages. The one in which he describes life as a pathway with paths off to the side is a favorite, and I've always remembered his admoniton to make certain the choice is in your hands, not a gatekeeper's. Speaking of choices, Dr. Campbell says that the greatest tragedy in life is to have no options, and this book is all about helping the reader find and develop them. To repeat, I loved it. How could anyone not like a book that ends with this quote by Henry Van Dyke? "Be glad of life because it gives you the chance to love and to work and to play and to look at the stars."

I first read this book when I was in college, and fell in love with it. I still read it about once a year, just to stay in touch with it. It's the best book I've ever found on goal-setting and establishing a place in the world for oneself--it packs a maximum amount of wisdom into the minimum number of words and does so in a way that is very enjoyable to read. Buy two--one for yourself and one for your child!

I've heard the title of this book quoted for years. When I saw a copy at my inlaws house, I decided to read it.Although it doesn't take lots of time to read, the return on time invested can be incredible. This is probably the best book I've read on goal setting--and I've read a ton.I particularly like Campbell's realistic approach. He doesn't try to get you to squeeze your life into a predetermined, micromanaged mold. Instead, he offers lots of advice on how to increase your options as you go through life. I'll be getting this book for my favorite high school grads for sure. But if you're a little past high school, as I am, don't count yourself out. This book could help just about anyone.

This book helps you to understand the things you should consider throughout your teenage years, or even later, that will influence your adult life. It particularly focuses on choosing a career. The primary point is how to ensure you get and keep lots of options open throughout your life. Although it's really written for highschool students, college students would find it useful also. Actually, it's valuable even for adults. Very easy reading; only takes about an hour to read, but is well worth the time.