Guru Ratings
Peter McWilliams
Meh.
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.
McWilliams’ books are not as long as they look. Mostly, they are big quotes and white space. They are easy to read.
All of them, with one exception, are available for free from his website.
He was a vocal critic of victimless crimes. Suffering extreme nausea from his cancer and AIDS, McWilliams supported the use medical marijuana. He helped write How to Grow Medicine.
The FDA arrested him, labeled him a “drug kingpin,” and convicted him. He died waiting to be sentenced, possibly choking on his own vomit.
Life 101 (1990)
Life 101 is not really self-help, but motivational material. Basically, McWilliams says:
- Life is about doing, learning, and enjoying.
- You discover who you are by living.
- Learn from everything. Try new things.
- Appreciate and learn from mistakes, fear, and pain.
- Find your purpose, dream big dreams, and stick to your plans.
- Be grateful. Love. Give. Laugh. Be patient.
Life 101 might be an inspiring reminder to live your life fully and happily. But it won’t give you the tools you need to cope with problems or achieve success.
McWilliams says things like “Press on” and “Feel the fear and do it anyway.” Readers will be left thinking: “Okay, but how?” Other books do give good answers to that question.
Like too many self-help books, Life 101 is written to make you feel good so you’ll show the book to your friends. If you want practical advice on what do do and how to do it, you’ll have to look elsewhere.
Love 101 (1991)
Love 101 is much the same: brief inspiration and perspective, but not much content. His basic message is love yourself first and beware infatuation.
McWilliams writes self-help-lite. That might be perfect for some people. But look elsewhere for how-to advice.
Do It! Let’s Get Off Our Buts! (1991)
His best book. Read what he says:
- Fear is the energy to do our best in a new situation.
- Guilt is the energy for personal change.
- Unworthiness keeps us on track.
- Hurt feelings remind us how much we care.
- Anger is the energy for change.
- Discouragement reveals our courage.
At first, that sounds like nonsense. But we evolved those “bad” feelings for a reason. They push us to strive for the best.
They can overwhelm us if we let them. Or, we can use those feelings as they were intended. We can accept their role in helping us do better.
Do It! helps you beat procrastination, find your purpose, choose good goals, and achieve them. But it’s still self-help-lite.
Amazon linkHow to Survive the Loss of a Love (1993)
Very simple. Exactly the comfort a grieving person needs. Will guide you through surviving, healing, and growing. No specific self-therapy techniques, but good comfort nonetheless.
Amazon link