Psycho-Cybernetics

I'm glad I bought this book.

I recommend this book to everyone

Greetings: Join us at the Psycho-Cybernetics discussion group on [...] To date, I have bought three hardcover editions of the New Psycho-Cybernetics (NPC): one I gave to a friend, one I take with me to read during the day, and one I keep in my home office to work with on those days when I work at home. I have found it a significant improvement upon the original. (I have used up three paperback versions of the original over the last 10 years.) I remember when I first read the original version of PC, in around 1990. I thought it was somewhat hokey. I used to be an engineer, and I thought it somewhat strange to try to apply feedback control systems theory to people. We are not machines, after all. The strange thing, though, was that the system worked for me. Still, I was somewhat embarrassed about the whole thing, so I sort of kept my dabbling to myself. Then, in the mid-late nineties, I read Fritjof Capra's book, The Web of Life. In that book, Capra talks a lot about systems theory, and he also goes into the history of the original cybernetics group (not Psycho cybernetics, but rather a group of mathematicians, psychologists, biologists, and physicists who collaborated in WWII to create anti-aircraft guns that could effectively track and destroy enemy aircraft). In his discussion, Capra explains that the original cybernetics group's goal was to try to make machines that could do what people and animals do naturally and easily, without conscious thought. They tried to do this, in part, by observing the actions of animals and people. Based on such observation, the group devised the early foundation of what became our modern science of systems control as used in almost every modern electrical/mechanical system. What Maltz tried to do was take a bit of the science and art of systems control and apply it back to people, in an attempt to improve their functioning. I think one of the original cyberneticists, Norbert Weiner, also tried to do this in his book, The Human Use of Human Beings, but I could be wrong. Anyway, because Psycho-Cybernetics is based on systems theory, in contrast to other types of "self help" or positive thinking books, it recognizes that a person trying to achieve her goals is going to fail, and miss what she is pursuing, probably many times on her way to her destination. Rather than candy coating this fact and suggesting "positive thinking," PC suggests feedback control system oriented techniques to use, deal with, and not be completely stymied by such failures. It also provides techniques to help one deal with "drama queen" co-workers and supervisors who seem to go out of their way to provide damaging negative feedback (e.g., ignoring negative feedback in ch. 11, "How to Unlock Your Real Personality"), or retarding how fast responds to negative feed back (e.g., delaying the response, as in ch. 12 "Do It Yourself Tranquilizers that Bring Peace of Mind."). Now, on to the new version of PC: my own opinion is that it is better than the original. Dan follows the original structure of the PC book, and much of the text is in common. However, Dan has buttressed that text with additional examples taken from the many hours of recordings and reams of Maltz' notes that Dan owns. In addition, Dan also provides many practical examples of the successful application of PC techniques that have arisen since the original version of the book was published in 1960. Try NPC. If, like me, you have areas in your life where you would like to do better, I think you will find it useful.

I was reading through the negative reviews outside of "get the old one" (which I agree with 100%). What I found was people being dissapointed in their boredom and the books repetition. Essentially I agree with them and I despise self proclaimed self help gurus (Wayne Dyer, Jack Canfield, Eckhart Tolle, etc) I was dragged into this mess of dillusional recipes for success by my wishful thinking father, who fell into Kevin Trudeau's GIN organization who pray on those wishing for an easy life. It was Kevin who on his 12 cd set (full of law of attraction garbage) recommended psycho cybernetics as a good read. At 18 with almost no desire to read or do much in life, with very low self esteem, and well intentioned, but incredibly selfish, unempathetic, stupid parents as guides I found this book gravitating. It's repeated messeges seemed to always say the right thing no matter what my current predicament. I've read this book dozens of times and I agree with the previous reviewer who said "all self help books can be boiled down into this book" and without the subtle sales crap (holy s*** I despise motivational speakers). Since reading this book I've read many many others but never finding any self help book fulfilling. This one perfects my perception of the word "genius" and has shaped my self esteem so. The concept of the Theatre of the Mind has changed my life, I'm an avid meditater and visualizer because of this book. This isn't wishful thinking, this is cognitive and habit training. It's imagination used practically. I think many other authors have helped me perceive the world the right way (Emerson, Bertrand Russell, MLK, Alan Watts, assorted others) but I believe Dr. Maltz gave me the tool that fit me perfectly. This practice gets better and more honest overtime, it takes alot of discipline to make it work, but when it does it works incredibly well. "Do not wish for an easy life, wish for the strength to endure a difficult one" - Bruce Lee

Interesting read

I have been studying psychology for the past 3 years at least, and have delved into topics such as NLP, hypnosis, destructive patterns etc. I have studied each of these topics and more in great depth and detail, and have to say that this book is by far the most treasured possession I own. This book is what I consider to be the answer, the key to all of self development. If you want to accomplish ANYTHING and you are not, there is a reason for it, and this book can help you. If you will read it, and then re-read it, and then re-read it, until you begin to fully understand and comprehend the principles and concepts presented, it will change your life....dramatically. The book's whole premise is that we all behave not according to how things actually are, but how we perceive them to be. As a result of this, our beliefs can be very skewed, and thus our behavior will be as well. It is the task of this book to teach and instruct the reader in how to recognize irrational beliefs, use rational conscious thought to determine what they want to believe instead, and then use principles such as "theater in the mind" and "acting as if" to create a new reality experienced by your mind, which will program your self image, and thus create a new objective reality around you. My personal opinion is that this book contains the key, the solution to any problem you are currently having, which you want to change but don't know how to, or are unsure of where to start. I highly recommend it.

This is a must read. I've actually have given copies of this book away to people that needed it the most (I hope they actually read it). Originally recommended via Eben Pagan when he was writing under the pen name David DeAngelo from Double your Dating, this book is a powerhouse! The subconscious mind is a wild animal that's doing its thing with or without your consent. The ideas shared throughout the book are about harnessing the power of your subconscious to get things done at a higher level and break through barriers in your life. What I found interesting is this edition was co-written by Dan Kennedy, author and marketing superstar of the "No B.S." books. He is probably one of the MOST down to earth and straight shooters you'll read about. This in my opinion gives evidence that the tricks and tips shared are not "woo-woo" wishful thinking...they actually work by someone who uses them to be VERY successful in marketing and writing. For a longer review of mine check out: satisficers dot com