Product Description

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #8520 in Books
• Published on: 1989-08-15
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Mass Market Paperback
• 288 pages

About the Author

From AudioFile
A classic of self-help literature is presented in an abbreviated version. Maltz was a plastic surgeon who ultimately recommended changing our attitudes towards ourselves, rather than our appearances. Presenting positive attitude as a means for change, Maltz's teaching has the ring of common sense. Testimonials and stories are interspersed with advice from Maltz. Techniques for relaxation and visualization are also covered. Archival recordings of Maltz's talks are interspersed with moderators' instructions. Maltz's speeches are particularly enjoyable. His humor and straightforward approach are refreshing. E.L.C. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine

Customer Reviews

A pioneer in the field still standing strong
I don't make it a habit to read self-help books, but the off-color fitness guru Matt Furey has made a killing on selling a program based off of Maltz's work, and most other "motivational speakers" usually bend a knee in respect to Maltz as a forerunner. So I picked up a cheap used copy and read it cover to cover. The only question I have left is why anyone would bother with any of the other crap. This book effectively condenses the entirety of the self-help field.

Firstly, Maltz had the raw clinical experience necessary to write this kind of book. As a crackerjack plastic surgeon he saw immediately and firsthand the life-changing or life-stalling power of self-image at work in the faces of his patients. (And anyone who scoffs at unorthodox contributors to a research field ought to know that Albert Einstein was working for the Swiss patent office when he submitted the General Theory of Relativity.) Yet Maltz also admits where exactly the limits of his knowledge lie rather than try to convince the reader of his omniscience.

Secondly, Maltz was receptive to many fundamental tenets of psychology and philosophy and works them into Psycho Cybernetics clearly and without contradiction. Nor does he try to repackage ancient metaphysical hokum with inane and feeble examples.

Thirdly, there are no workshops, special reports, live phone help, or products to buy. (Though I cannot speak for the organization that has cropped up around Maltz's name.) All pretense and exaggeration for marketing purposes seem absent from his book.

Maltz was definitive and unequivocal in his ideas, quick to set a standard and stick to it. He concerned himself with some very fundamental issues of life and makes definitive statements. This book rises high above the haphazard pop philosophy/ethics smeared all over mass media which are either shallow and weak or imperiously stupid. Maltz simply faced the truth of his own convictions. Psycho Cybernetics by no means outlines life management skills as an exact science, but its suggestions are intellectually compelling. Overall, the book is worthwhile because Maltz' honest and non-condescending style at least earns your respect, if not your belief.

Psycho-Cybernetics is my Bible!
I really love this book...I have never read a book that contained such positive wisdom and helpful insights on how to be a successful person. Dr. Maltz was a plastic surgeon and a humanitarian, who truly cared about helping people. He had plenty of money being one of the few plastic surgeons of his day--He unselfishly wrote this book from center of his heart. I can't even think about it without getting teary-eyed! His principles are based on some of his psychological experiences as a plastic surgeon. He compared a low self-esteem as being similar to the facial flaws of his plastic surgery patients, and how you can fix your self-esteem to become a better you. He offers useful advice on how to avoid letting your negative thoughts make you a failure. He suggests how one's attitude alone can influence his/her success-level. He also has ideas on how to not let the hateful, hurtful things people say keep you from the success you deserve. His book healed me, and taught me that I have control over my life and destiny. Dr. Maltz passed away some time ago, but his compassion for countless others lives on.

Why publishers should keep publishing
I was a junior in high school. It was 1976 and my psychology teacher, Mr. Potashnik, required us to read "Psychocybernetics" by Maxwell Maltz. I let a lot of homework slip by as a junior, but this book I read. "Psychocybernetics" and my psychology teacher, inspired me. I suddenly felt empowered to do something with my life, besides graduating from high school and becoming someone's wife. I was 5 feet 4 inches and I weighed 102 lbs. I thought about becoming an airline stewardess because I wanted to travel the world, but instead I became a United States Marine. I never did serve in a war zone, but I am very proud of my 21 years of service as a Marine. More recently, my husband, also a former Marine, and I celebrated our 22nd wedding anniversary. We have two beautiful children; a son who is a freshman in college and a daughter who is a senior in high school. I have a Master's degree from the Catholic University of America in Library Science and Informations Systems, and love life. "Psychocybernetics" started me believing in myself, and I have never looked back.