Guru Ratings
Martha Beck
Bad.
Remember my ratings criteria. I’m not judging these gurus on “global” or moral values, but very specific criteria. Many of my favorite books would be rated “bad” by my criteria for self-help (probably, because they are not self-help books). My ratings don’t reflect how well an author met his own goals, but how well they met my criteria for useful, accurate self-help.
Finding Your Own North Star (2002)
Feel-good new age nonsense. After a bajillion self-tests, Beck advises:
- Focus on your own “perfect life.” [What about others? Do you know what your perfect life is?]
- Shirk responsibility and do what feels good. [Careful!]
- Claim what the universe owes you. [What? The universe doesn’t owe you a damn thing.]
This book could do real damage, as at least one reader found out.