Guru Ratings
John Gray
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.
“Dr.” John Gray (he has a fake Ph.D) writes about sex differences and communication. You can recognize a John Gray book by its:
- Claims of scientific research.
- Complete lack of scientific research.
- Simple metaphors.
- Strict stereotypes.
- Trivial advice like “Women like to watch men lift boxes.”
- Encouragement for women to be stepford wives.
Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus (1992)
Susan Hamson wrote a chapter-by-chapter, point-by-point rebuttal of this book. I wish I had time to do this for every guru I profile! I write very little about crappy gurus. I write more about the gurus who are worth your time.
Gray’s many other Mars and Venus books repeat the same bad ideas.