OK, first of all, let me tell you HOW I gave this book two stars. It's actually an average. I gave it 1 star for the story and 4 for intent. Since I cOK, first of all, let me tell you HOW I gave this book two stars. It's actually an average. I gave it 1 star for the story and 4 for intent. Since I can't give halves, it gets a 2. I'll explain story / intent below.
I was at a business seminar getting ideas for my business when Brendon jumped on stage and said some funny, mildly informative, and (a few) thought provoking things. Nothing spectacular here, on stage or in the book. It's really all been done and said before. But what propels people to the top in most cases is marketing and push, push, push. There's a lot of mediocre material out there that "makes it."
The book is rather contrived with a-man-goes-to-carnival instead of heaven theme (The Five People You Meet in Heaven) to discover truths about his life. But some serious detractors were the appearance of such characters as a wizard, a guy named Harsh the Hypnotist (Gee, what do you think he's going to be like?), and the title of chapter 3, The Truth Booth. At the end of chapter three, the main character asks, "What now?" Henry his guide replies, "Now we see the wizard." As I read this, I could hear strains of We're Off to See the Wizard rumaging about in the back of my mind. I'm sorry, but this is all too Mary-Higgins-Clark-forecasting obvious for me (Be careful, there's actually a character named Mary Higgins in the book. Really!). Brandon is obviously not a writer, so let me tell you what's going on here.
This guy teaches how to get your stuff into the public's hands. You do so by contacting for-profit and non-profit companies. He did so. You can see by the CEO's who wrote blurbs for his book. Well, they didn't--CEO's are too busy--they probably picked from a list of blurbs. And a good point of note here is that's how it's usually done. Either people who like you or benefit from association with you (a certain percentage of the proceeds go to the companies Burchard partnered with)give you a blurb for your book.
Also what's interesting is the people on Amazon who felt duped into having to read this book. Maybe the companies he partnered with made their employees read / buy it. Don't know. But just like email blasts on Amazon that shoots a book to number one based on who you know (joint ventures), this book will eventually fly or die on its own. With all his promoting, expert blurbs [even Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen (Chicken Soup for the Soul guys), and James Redfield (The Celestine Prophecy)] it's still only doing OK on Amazon. #237,324,392 to my #365,231 (Black Body Radiation and the Ultraviolet Catastrophe), which actually got as high as 17,000 WITHOUT CORPORATE SPONSORS. Go figure.
But he is making thousands if not millions training people to change and such, so he's used his book as an in to his profession. But in this day-n-age of the master marketer, people can shoot to the top with a book without much substance or content. So buyer beware!
Oh, as far as intent is concerned, Brendon's heart is in the right place and he does give a percentage to charity. However, he is digging the TONS of cash piling up because of his second chance, his Golden Ticket given for another chance. So learn from Brendon how to make change as he takes your change, and then some, to the bank. ...more
This or some form of this book should be a part of every child's curriculum, beginning at least freshman year in high school. Why?
As an educator withThis or some form of this book should be a part of every child's curriculum, beginning at least freshman year in high school. Why?
As an educator with over ten years experience (K-12 two years, college / university eight years) I can tell you that if a student comes to class with all the talent in the world WITHOUT an understanding (a very specific understanding) of his / her definite purpose (Hill calls it "chief aim"), self-confidence, a habit of saving, imagination, self-control, accurate thought, tolerance, etc. then that child will fail. And most already do.
According to Hill, roughly 95% of the people in this country--and probably the world--fail. Why? Most have no idea why they are on a particular path or to what specific end. Why is this important? Because those who do what they know they were put here to do not only will have a greater propensity to enjoy life, emit joy, spread joy, but will help lift those around them in the hundreds, thousands, millions. All the uber successful I know--millionaires, billionaires--have 85 to 95% of what Hill speaks to.
Something else to keep in mind. A well-known multi-millionaire marketer / motivational guru, Dan Kennedy, states that even if a person is talented, creative, smart, hard working, little of that matters if one desires to achieve. Achieving here means going further than just being an employee--taking on one's own dreams and making them reality flying solo without a net. Kennedy states that few have what it takes to gut it out.
To succeed at the highest level where the greatest rewards and satisfaction reside, takes great courage and much of the training Hill offers in his lessons. But also keep in mind that this book is not just for high achievers, it's for everyone, as Hill states.
But why is this book important? Needed? Necessary? Essential?
Consider the following. Within 10 years of graduation, 70% of college grads will be working in a field unrelated to their major. There are variables here, but the main reason for this stat is lack of goal setting or understanding why a major is chosen, what job that major can get the student, and what the job actually entails. Student after student after student after student goes into a particular major because it's what they think they should do based on what parents have said, peers, what they've read, etc. Taking hearsay as hard evidence, having little to no idea whatsoever whether they are mentally or emotionally prepared for what they'll encounter day after day, month after month, year after year in their "chosen" field.
I have a lawyer friend who after 13 years of study--he began without a family, now he has a wife and three kids--told me that he NEVER WANTED A JOB WITH LOTS OF PAPER WORK. He told me a few months ago, "That's all I do."
I have another friend who spent 6 years going to chiropractic school garnering over $100,000 in debt, moved to Colorado to start a practice (with NO EXPERIENCE and a belief that alternative medicine would go over better in Colorado than Los Angeles) and can't get work. He's piling up the debt with no income, a wife and three children. After 6 years and 6 figures of debt, he's thinking of giving it all up and doing something else.
I have another friend who began a commercial real estate business who was living high on the hog spending, spending, spending. $2000 for a Lakers game. $10,000 for a resort vacation. $100,000 for a trip to Colombia. His business is failing and he has little money saved "for a rainy day." He's lost his office, all his employees, and because he's neglected her, soon, his wife.
This is sloppy, unprepared, unimaginative, unplanned, undisciplined thinking, acting, being. All that Hill talks AGAINST. . . and more.
Let's look at why most college students will fail. Guaranteed!
Most choose a major because of a desire to "get respect," for the cash (of course), parent's advice, the world says so. Believe me, I know. I've heard hundreds of students mimic what they've been told or believe is true based on incomplete or faulty thinking. There is just WAAAAAAAY too much bad or sloppy thinking going on in the world and it's the main reason people run into financial, relationship, and career trouble . . . and more.
Hill must be read.
Of course there are problems with Hill's lessons, some of his thinking is archaic and eccentric but WHO CARES! 90% of what he preaches needs to be studied and studied carefully by people of all ages. Especially the young. Hill's words of wisdom are priceless and can't be ignored.
His lessons come from the secrets of success of the uber successful (Ford, Carnegie, etc.), so his methods are proven before he had to prove them, if he ever did. And they fall upon one's reason or intuitive sense of right without a thud. The lessons and the logic behind them go down pretty smooth. Hill is quite the guru. Also, I just love the quotes dispensed throughout the book. Very inspiring, insightful, and deep. They stay with you; they last. Just like Hill's ideas. First published in 1928, why do you think this book is still so popular?
But there's one thing I know, and it's that this book should be taught to our children in high school. Learning HOW to be successful, what type of things can trip them up IS ESSENTIAL FOR THEM AND EVERYONE.
I'm amazed that this stuff (like relationships and what type of responsibility / mindset / attitude is required for marriage--the most serious of relationships) is NOT taught in high school, college, anywhere formally . . . EVER! THAT IS SO WRONG. No wonder so many marriages fail, why in 10 years 70% of college grads no longer work in jobs related to their major, why most struggle financially, on and on and on and on. Anyway . . .
Get the book. Read it. Make it a part of your life. Now!
Outside of that, I really don't have an opionion, nevermind a strong one. ;=) ...more
This book gives you the history of Phi from an historical / meaning perspective. Livio certainly speaks to the impractical mythical use of Phi and howThis book gives you the history of Phi from an historical / meaning perspective. Livio certainly speaks to the impractical mythical use of Phi and how it rationally can be dis-proved of merit. But at the same time, he speaks to the issue that Phi certainly has its practical applications. And one reason to pursue Phi and all it means is the mere fact that "Mathematics as we know it captures only a tiny part of the vast space of all possible simple sets of rules that might describe the workings of the cosmos." So no maths or concepts within should go unexplored, in the extreme. ie: some thinking that continuing to take PI to the right of the decimal a waste of time. But who knows? Dr. Nash's game theory, to some of no import, was applied to the more practical (something he wasn't aware of until he was awarded the Nobel Prize). And considering that the maths we know are only a small sub-set of all the possible sets of rules out there, Phi's potential is there. Great or not, that's to be seen. Livio explores this point well in his book. A most interesting and important read for all humans looking for meaning or solutions to the practical, even. Peace! ...more
How can you NOT have this on hand. Science is what we (American's) are about. Knowing the basics of all primary disciplines is essential to our undersHow can you NOT have this on hand. Science is what we (American's) are about. Knowing the basics of all primary disciplines is essential to our understanding or self, others, man / women, the world, and beyond. Open your mind and ponder the possibilities. And you can explain scientifically to your child why the grass is green, sky is blue, the pavement in summer looks like it's melting, and why wagon wheels even though going forward look to be going backwards. Hell, you'll be a virtual entertainment source for your kids and their friends! Rock on, you walking Encyclopedia-Britannica-all-volumes-inclusive super dude!...more
For every writer. I like this because it's like carrying a reminder summary of the basics. It's brief and to the point about stuff you don't need a loFor every writer. I like this because it's like carrying a reminder summary of the basics. It's brief and to the point about stuff you don't need a lot of detail on: generating ideas, drafting, editing, paragraphing, and so on. Also, the brief passages--which are nicely laid out with generous subheadings for quick finding--are cross referenced to other chapters for additional info. if you need it. Bottom line, I like this because it's brief (who wants to go into detail about this stuff? hell! I just want to write) and it's portable. Great to have at hand at home or on the go. ...more
Some very important, vital insight here from a non-native. And THAT should be reason alone to read this book. It is written by Godfrey Hodgson, "BritaSome very important, vital insight here from a non-native. And THAT should be reason alone to read this book. It is written by Godfrey Hodgson, "Britain’s most thoughtful observer or our national scene" (Todd Gitlin), a man with a more objective view of America's problems. He speaks of an America that has gone counter egalitarian to a society that looks to its own, developing into an exclusive gentry that looks only to its own. Just look at the underprivileged and how they've been treated by the current, conservative administration (remember Katrina?). Look to the loss of pensions, affordable health care, and other indicators. An important book that must be read by all. One that goes beyond mere self-indulgent, self-entertainment....more
OK, so books on math, not going to become national best sellers by any stretch of the imagination. But any story in the field of math be it zero, 'e,'OK, so books on math, not going to become national best sellers by any stretch of the imagination. But any story in the field of math be it zero, 'e,' Phi, PI tells us more about that mystical, insightful language that can tell us so much about the why's and what's of our surroundings, as well as provide the more practical to suit our human needs. Math is interesting in the sense that it dictates to the mathematician not the mathematician to it to determine outcome. ie: in string theory, the math tells the mathematician that not only is a fourth dimension needed but up to a seventh. So, to the book. Maor has done a great job giving us some background on 'e' and its beginnings in logarithmic use. And even though 'e's use can be found in diverse places--"the interest earned in a bank account, the arrangement of seeds in a sunflower, and the shape of the Gateway Arch in St. Louis"--its significance, only second to PI in importance, as a number is greatly and clearly expressed by Maor. It's written for the non-mathematician, no great depth of understanding needed to get the points here. Some anecdotes and diversions to bring home points made. Good effort. ...more
An odd little book. If you're looking for extensive mathematical PI insight, not the place to go. A rather whimsical look at the number (or should I sAn odd little book. If you're looking for extensive mathematical PI insight, not the place to go. A rather whimsical look at the number (or should I say numbers?) In the book you get a little history, the personality of PI, even how to memorize all those right of decimal numbers, if you wish. It is also beautifully illustrated and designed, and if you want to memorize PI to a million, well, all the numbers are there found throughout the book. Fun little read. ...more
Over the summer I read several books on mathematics since it and science drive our economies (half of US GDP comes via scientific invention). And sincOver the summer I read several books on mathematics since it and science drive our economies (half of US GDP comes via scientific invention). And since I am a career / life coach, my desire is to understand to greatest depth math and its history and meaning. Personally, I worked in a STEM job for some time as a computer programmer. When I went into teaching at the college level, I even considered majoring in math, for I always have found it quite intriguing. That said, I must tell you that of the four or five books on math I read over the summer of 2011, this is the one I enjoyed the most, for a couple of reasons. First, I like the authors whimsical humor and insight, that of Charles Seife. Second, I not only acquired great insight into the significance of zero but greater depth of understanding of math or maths itself. Great read. ...more
Please! Get this book and the Portable Atlas and carry it with you wherever you go. And when you're sitting on the bus, in the subway, waiting in trafPlease! Get this book and the Portable Atlas and carry it with you wherever you go. And when you're sitting on the bus, in the subway, waiting in traffic, for the dentist, or your boss to put down the bottle of Scotch, and read it. Study. Learn. One thing this country is short on is knowledge of the world OUTSIDE the U.S. If everyone carried these two books then we wouldn't be so embarrassed, the rest of the world would laugh at US less (notice us looks like U.S. except for the periods and it's smaller. The American: "Are you laughing at US!" Foreigner: "Yes, U.S.!"), and we would be a major step closer to understanding the OTHER. Give these books to your kids and they'd have a much greater chance of reaching out internationally and keeping people out of office who do stupid, economic-based things that merely piss off the rest of the world. If our 6% of the world population already has more than 50% of the world’s money, what do we want? 80, 90, 100%? Hmmmmmmmm . . . ....more
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