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In my opinion, the first self-help book was the Bible.

by cubano 5y ago

johnchristopher 5y ago
Would you elaborate ? And highlight what makes the Bible a self-help book and why similar and older written texts don't qualify ? Not getting into a theological debate but in the context of the Bible help is usually considered to come from outside the self. (although there are interesting conversations to have about that)
- bnjms 5y ago
  > in the context of the Bible help is usually considered to come from outside the self That’s something I try, struggle, and fail to put to words sometimes. One of Christianity’s strengths (maybe the bible, I’ve only read a few of its books) is that it externalizes the source of truth in a way that gives it more power and prevents or helps the individual not give themselves an excuse from following their beliefs. For instance the Christian might say, ‘I heard the Holy Spirit say to me do such and such but I didn’t want to’. And since the source of the command is understood to be connected to the something outside the self it helps them act of the command/conviction. So to see the Bible as a self help book you only need to disbelieve in an external god and take Jesus teachings as directions on how to live life. They’re external to the self in teaching but not in practice. (Assuming one does not believe in spirits) PS while I can think of the Bible self help I don’t think it deserves that categorization as it differs too much from modern “self help” and it shouldn’t be lumped in with the likes of Joel Olsteen’s type of books.
eitland 5y ago
I enjoy the Bible myself but I don't think it fits in this context. One might possibly make an exception for the Proverbs: it is a gold mine for productivity, but it is still not written in the (often) annoying form of modern self help.
- goldfeld 5y ago
  Someday when I'm about 120 I'll write a knowledge work manual for the young lad and lady and start each chapter with "My child, "

In my opinion, the first self-help book was the Bible.

by cubano 5y ago

In my opinion, the first self-help book was the Bible.

Would you elaborate ? And highlight what makes the Bible a self-help book and why similar and older written texts don't qualify ? Not getting into a theological debate but in the context of the Bible help is usually considered to come from outside the self. (although there are interesting conversations to have about that)

bnjms 5y ago
> in the context of the Bible help is usually considered to come from outside the self That’s something I try, struggle, and fail to put to words sometimes. One of Christianity’s strengths (maybe the bible, I’ve only read a few of its books) is that it externalizes the source of truth in a way that gives it more power and prevents or helps the individual not give themselves an excuse from following their beliefs. For instance the Christian might say, ‘I heard the Holy Spirit say to me do such and such but I didn’t want to’. And since the source of the command is understood to be connected to the something outside the self it helps them act of the command/conviction. So to see the Bible as a self help book you only need to disbelieve in an external god and take Jesus teachings as directions on how to live life. They’re external to the self in teaching but not in practice. (Assuming one does not believe in spirits) PS while I can think of the Bible self help I don’t think it deserves that categorization as it differs too much from modern “self help” and it shouldn’t be lumped in with the likes of Joel Olsteen’s type of books.

eitland 5y ago

I enjoy the Bible myself but I don't think it fits in this context. One might possibly make an exception for the Proverbs: it is a gold mine for productivity, but it is still not written in the (often) annoying form of modern self help.

goldfeld 5y ago
Someday when I'm about 120 I'll write a knowledge work manual for the young lad and lady and start each chapter with "My child, "