Summary
The discussion centers on the often-dismissed genre of self-help literature, highlighting a historical perspective that contrasts contemporary views. Critics argue that self-help books lack intellectual merit, as they are rarely featured in prestigious literary discussions or awarded major literary prizes. This disdain is seen as a reflection of a broader romantic prejudice against emotional education, which many believe should be inherently understood rather than explicitly taught.
Historically, figures like Plato, Aristotle, and Seneca regarded self-help as a noble pursuit, aiming to provide readers with emotional guidance and wisdom. The conversation suggests that many classic works, including Tolstoy's "War and Peace" and Proust's "In Search of Lost Time," can also be classified as self-help due to their focus on teaching essential life lessons. The argument posits that recognizing these works as self-help does not diminish their value but rather acknowledges their ambition to guide readers toward more authentic living.
Ultimately, the dialogue advocates for a reevaluation of self-help literature, proposing that it should occupy a prestigious place in literary culture, as it serves a vital role in emotional education and personal development.
Show Notes
We're often encouraged to be dismissive of the idea of self-help books, but reading in order to grow emotionally is one of the most serious and important of all literary tasks. Uploaded 04-01-18Enjoying our Youtube videos? Get full access to all our audio content, videos, and thousands of thought-provoking articles, conversation cards and more with The School of Life Subscription: https://t.ly/9tnij Be more mindful, present and inspired. Get the best of The School of Life delivered straight to your inbox: https://t.ly/KS8EiFURTHER READING“There is no more ridiculed genre than the self-help book. Intellectually-minded people universally scorn the idea of them. Self-help books don’t appear on reading lists at any prestigious university, they’re not reviewed by highbrow journals and it’s inconceivable that a major literary prize could ever be awarded to one of their authors. This concerted attack on the entire genre of self help is a symptom of a Romantic prejudice against the idea of Emotional Education. Offering explicit Emotional Education is regarded as beneath the dignity of any serious writer. We should – if we are at all intelligent – know how to live already…”You can read more on this and other subjects here: https://goo.gl/5NhGkWMORE SCHOOL OF LIFEWatch more films on SELF in our playlist: http://bit.ly/TSOLselfSOCIAL MEDIAFeel free to follow us at the links below:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theschooloflifelondon/ X: https://twitter.com/TheSchoolOfLife Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theschooloflifelondon/ CREDITSProduced in collaboration with: Nina Cosfordhttp://www.ninacosford.com/Animation by Ali Graham http://www.grarg.com #TheSchoolOfLife Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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