Are self improvement books really effective? Or are they just another avenue for money making or an avenue for fanatics to spread their ideals and brainwash the masses? I feel that most self improvement books are written from the author's perspective which is derived mostly from his life experiences. As he has the money to publish his work, he has the power to influence people to behave or think like him. But does this work for everyone? No, one size doesn't fit all. In fact, we have to select our self improvement books carefully in order not to fall into the trap of some crazy fanatic. Imagine some terrorist (in disguise of a decent chap) writing a book which subtly tells the human consciousness to do the wrong things or teach the wrong values. Won't this translate to more danger?

Recently, my organization told the staff to read a book which can be categorized as a self-improvement book. At first, i was very moved by the values found in the book which seem to emphasize togetherness in a company and how everybody has to have the same company vision. After reading, i attended some meetings and in most meetings, the boss kept stressing on how everyone should have the same vision. Now, the boss obviously was making strong links between what we read to what she was saying. As the book was very convincing, the boss knew its prowess and used this to "hypnotize" the staff to follow her vision. Her vision may not be agreeable to everyone but because of the value of the same vision taught in the book, she no doubt had succeeded in convincing people to follow her vision if these people were not alert to her hidden agenda. I of course did not agree with her vision (as usual) and despite having read that book, I reminded myself that this is all brainwashing tactic.

Thus, I would dare say that many bosses may realize the power of such books and use these books to help them in their propaganda of their goals. As a result, subordinates may simply become reliant on such books to help them think rather than think through what the book had said and improve themselves. Then again, it really depends on how alert the reader is. *Shrugs*