Psycho-Cybernetics and Self-Fulfillment

I don't make it a habit to read self-help books, but the iconoclastic 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 this forerunner of a genre. 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 other self-help literature. 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 power of self-image at work in the faces of his patients, rather than slowly through lengthy sessions on the leather couch. (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 General Theory of Relativity.) Yet Maltz also confesses where exactly the strength of his knowledge lies rather than try to convince the reader of his omniscience. Secondly, Maltz was receptive to many fundamental tenets of psychology and works them into Psycho Cybernetics with good evidence and clear explanation. He stays away from the controversial and bizarre theories that would grab attention and make sales. 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 are absent from his book. Maltz was definitive and unequivocal in his ideas, quick to set a standard and stick to it. He concerned himself with some very fundamental existential issues of life and appears to have understood that some modest philosophizing was necessary to maintain a thesis both logically consistent and convincingly useful. It 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 suggestions are intellectually compelling, its directions and procedures concrete. Overall, the book is worthwhile because Maltz' honest and uncondescending style at least earns your respect, if not your belief.

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.

Napoleon Hill founded the laws of success, Dale Carnegie taught us how to win friends and Maxwell Maltz taught us how to live it all. This book has in my opinion, what 99.9% of books will forever lack - and that's common sense. There is no need for hype, Maltz speaks the truth which is refreshing in this day and age. He teaches (and in my opinion was the first to teach) the art of compassion, self- respect, relaxation, forgiveness and the art of being a professional human being. In this book you will learn that it doesn't matter how many success principles you know, that if you really want to change you must do so through the self-image -the foundation for all success. It is a book filled with wisdom, humor and hope. So if you want to change and live a better life overall, then buy this book. Take a knife and cut through the diddle daddle and motivation found in those other so-called self-help books. After all, how many other authors have 33 million copies in print over a 40 year life span? BUY IT!

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.