The Wisdom within
Two contemporary gurus, Calvin and Hobbes sum up my point for this week quite nicely.
Hobbes: Whatcha doin?
Calvin: Getting Rich
Hobbes: Really?
Calvin: Yep, I am writing a self-help book! There’s a huge market for this stuff. First, you convince people there’s something wrong with them. That is easy, because the media has already conditioned people to feel insecure about their weight, looks, social status, sex appeal, and so on.
Next you convince them the problem is not their fault and that they’re victims of larger forces. That’s easy, because it’s what people believe anyway. Nobody wants to be responsible for his own situation.
Finally, you convince them that with your advice and encouragement, they can conquer their problem and be happy!
Hobbes: Ingenious. What problem will you help people solve?
Calvin: Their addiction to self-help books! My book is called, “Shut Up and Stop Whining: how to Do something with you Life Besides Think About yourself.”
Hobbes: You should probably wait for the advance before you start buying anything.
Calvin: The trouble is, if my program works, I won’t be able to write a sequel.
Ok the humor has an edge and with full disclosure I have read more self-help books than the average tiger. Its more about where you look for answers than the fact that we all need answers to life’s challenges. Everything we need to know is already within us. The light we need to shed on our life is the light we are. As you explore the truth of your true nature, you will find you had it all the time – the wisdom, the answers and the strength to carry them out – whatever they might be. And of course, delight in the humor…and the love of Calvin and Hobbes.
