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A New Guide to Rational Living
An alternate cover for this isbn can be found here.
"A Guide to Rational Living" provides much sought-after answers for individuals with problems, and it can help everyone to feel better about themselves and to deal with their lives more effectively.
"A Guide to Rational Living" provides much sought-after answers for individuals with problems, and it can help everyone to feel better about themselves and to deal with their lives more effectively.
233 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1961
About the author
Albert Ellis
223 books417 followersAlbert Ellis was an American psychologist who in 1955 developed Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT). He held M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in clinical psychology from Columbia University and American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP). He also founded and was the President of the New York City-based Albert Ellis Institute for decades.
He is generally considered to be one of the originators of the cognitive revolutionary paradigm shift in psychotherapy and the founder of cognitive-behavioral therapies. Based on a 1982 professional survey of USA and Canadian psychologists, he was considered as the second most influential psychotherapist in history (Carl Rogers ranked first in the survey; Sigmund Freud was ranked third).
He is generally considered to be one of the originators of the cognitive revolutionary paradigm shift in psychotherapy and the founder of cognitive-behavioral therapies. Based on a 1982 professional survey of USA and Canadian psychologists, he was considered as the second most influential psychotherapist in history (Carl Rogers ranked first in the survey; Sigmund Freud was ranked third).
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May 28, 2021
A New Guide to Rational Living, Albert Ellis
A Guide to Rational Living provides much sought-after answers for individuals with problems, and it can help everyone to feel better about themselves and to deal with their lives more effectively.
عنوانهای چاپ شده در ایران: «زندگی عاقلانه»؛ «چگونه منطقی زندگی کنیم»؛ نویسنده: آلبرت الیس؛ تاریخ نخستین خوانش: روز هجدهم ماه دسامبر سال 1998میلادی
عنوان: زندگی عاقلانه؛ نویسنده: آلبرت الیس؛ مترجم: مهرداد فیروزبخت؛ تهران، رشد، 1377، در 290ص؛ شابک 9646115497؛ چاپ ششم سال1388؛ چاپ یازدهم 1398؛ موضوع: رفتار درمانی از نویسندگان ایالات متحده آمریکا - سده 20م
عنوان: چگونه منطقی زندگی کنیم؛ نویسنده: آلبرت الیس؛ مترجم: نوشین ریشهری؛ تهران، نسل نواندیش، 1381، در 444ص؛ شابک 9646714471؛ چاپ سوم 1388؛
فهرست: «مقدمه بر ویراست سوم»؛ فصل اول: «چگونه میتوانیم خوددرمانی کنیم؟»؛ فصل دوم: «آنگونه احساس میکنید که میاندیشید:؛ فصل سوم: «احساس خوب یا درست اندیشیدن»؛ فصل چهارم: «چطور احساستان را پدید میآورید»؛ فصل پنجم: «به فکر خلاص کردن خود از ناراحتیها باشید»؛ فصل ششم: «تشخیص دادن و کم کردن رفتار روان رنجورانه»؛ فصل هفتم: «غلبه بر تاثیر گذشته»؛ فصل هشتم: «آیا عقل همیشه معقول است»؛ فصل نهم: «به شدن غصه دار نشدن»؛ فصل دهم: «غلبه بر نیاز شدید به تایید»؛ فصل یازدهم: «کم کردن ترس شدیدتان از شکست»؛ فصل دوازدهم: «دست کشیدن از سرزنش و شروع زندگی»؛ فصل سیزدهم: «چگونه احساس ناکامی کنید ولی افسرده و خشمگین نشوید»؛ فصل چهاردهم: «در اختیار گرفتن سرنوشت هیجانی خود»؛ فصل پانزدهم: «غلبه بر اضطراب و وحشت»؛ فصل شانزدهم: «خویشتندار شدن»؛ فصل هفدهم: «بازنویسی تاریخچه ی زندگی خودتان»؛ فصل هجدهم: «پذیرفتن حقایق تلخ و کنار آمدن با آنها»؛ فصل نوزدهم: «غلبه بر رخوت و غرق شدن خلاقانه»؛ فصل بیستم: «رویکردهای عقلانی بیشتر برای یک زندگی خوب»؛ فصل بیست و یکم: «رویکردهای هیجانی و رفتاری بیشتر برای یک زندگی خوب»؛ فصل بیست و دوم: «شواهد تحقیقانی موید اصول و روال رفتار درمانی عقلانی هیجانی»؛ فصل بیست و سوم: «فراگرفتن فلسفه های عاقلانه عمیقی که شما را تا حد زیادی کمتر ناراحت کرده و ناراحتی شما را کم میکند»؛ «فهرست موضوعی»؛ «منابع»؛
زندگی عاقلانه، بر اساس رویکرد رفتار درمانی عقلانی ـ هیجانی، بر شناسایی باورهایی که در پس احساسات، و هیجان‌های افراد هست، و نیز در لحظه زندگی کردن، تاکید میکند و راهکاری عملی، برای بهتر زیستن است
تاریخ بهنگام رسانی 06/03/1400هجری خورشیدی؛ ا. شربیانی
A Guide to Rational Living provides much sought-after answers for individuals with problems, and it can help everyone to feel better about themselves and to deal with their lives more effectively.
عنوانهای چاپ شده در ایران: «زندگی عاقلانه»؛ «چگونه منطقی زندگی کنیم»؛ نویسنده: آلبرت الیس؛ تاریخ نخستین خوانش: روز هجدهم ماه دسامبر سال 1998میلادی
عنوان: زندگی عاقلانه؛ نویسنده: آلبرت الیس؛ مترجم: مهرداد فیروزبخت؛ تهران، رشد، 1377، در 290ص؛ شابک 9646115497؛ چاپ ششم سال1388؛ چاپ یازدهم 1398؛ موضوع: رفتار درمانی از نویسندگان ایالات متحده آمریکا - سده 20م
عنوان: چگونه منطقی زندگی کنیم؛ نویسنده: آلبرت الیس؛ مترجم: نوشین ریشهری؛ تهران، نسل نواندیش، 1381، در 444ص؛ شابک 9646714471؛ چاپ سوم 1388؛
فهرست: «مقدمه بر ویراست سوم»؛ فصل اول: «چگونه میتوانیم خوددرمانی کنیم؟»؛ فصل دوم: «آنگونه احساس میکنید که میاندیشید:؛ فصل سوم: «احساس خوب یا درست اندیشیدن»؛ فصل چهارم: «چطور احساستان را پدید میآورید»؛ فصل پنجم: «به فکر خلاص کردن خود از ناراحتیها باشید»؛ فصل ششم: «تشخیص دادن و کم کردن رفتار روان رنجورانه»؛ فصل هفتم: «غلبه بر تاثیر گذشته»؛ فصل هشتم: «آیا عقل همیشه معقول است»؛ فصل نهم: «به شدن غصه دار نشدن»؛ فصل دهم: «غلبه بر نیاز شدید به تایید»؛ فصل یازدهم: «کم کردن ترس شدیدتان از شکست»؛ فصل دوازدهم: «دست کشیدن از سرزنش و شروع زندگی»؛ فصل سیزدهم: «چگونه احساس ناکامی کنید ولی افسرده و خشمگین نشوید»؛ فصل چهاردهم: «در اختیار گرفتن سرنوشت هیجانی خود»؛ فصل پانزدهم: «غلبه بر اضطراب و وحشت»؛ فصل شانزدهم: «خویشتندار شدن»؛ فصل هفدهم: «بازنویسی تاریخچه ی زندگی خودتان»؛ فصل هجدهم: «پذیرفتن حقایق تلخ و کنار آمدن با آنها»؛ فصل نوزدهم: «غلبه بر رخوت و غرق شدن خلاقانه»؛ فصل بیستم: «رویکردهای عقلانی بیشتر برای یک زندگی خوب»؛ فصل بیست و یکم: «رویکردهای هیجانی و رفتاری بیشتر برای یک زندگی خوب»؛ فصل بیست و دوم: «شواهد تحقیقانی موید اصول و روال رفتار درمانی عقلانی هیجانی»؛ فصل بیست و سوم: «فراگرفتن فلسفه های عاقلانه عمیقی که شما را تا حد زیادی کمتر ناراحت کرده و ناراحتی شما را کم میکند»؛ «فهرست موضوعی»؛ «منابع»؛
زندگی عاقلانه، بر اساس رویکرد رفتار درمانی عقلانی ـ هیجانی، بر شناسایی باورهایی که در پس احساسات، و هیجان‌های افراد هست، و نیز در لحظه زندگی کردن، تاکید میکند و راهکاری عملی، برای بهتر زیستن است
تاریخ بهنگام رسانی 06/03/1400هجری خورشیدی؛ ا. شربیانی
January 27, 2011
Hogwash. That's one word you are going to hear most often from the authors of this wonderful little blue book. Doesn't tell you the meaning of life, but shows you how to get rid of the meaningless/nonsense part of it. A must for anyone on the dark journey of the soul. Some may find the argumentation reminiscent of the school of Zeno of Elea and hence the book nothing but a collection of mind tricks; yet sometimes all it takes is a simple mind trick for you to start accepting this iota of eternity that we call the present, or what Ellis call 'the past of your future'. If you are like me and have a tendency towards living in the past, this book is for you.
June 22, 2008
This book is confrontational, difficult to listen to and for people who are willing to take it. Personally, I disagreed with some of it, but it's revolutionary in the field of self-help. Seriously, how many therapists out there could benefit from this upfront and directive, no - bull approach to life? There are way to many therapists out there with a blank stare and a need to be "perfect" and detached. This is the most effective book for someone who wants to be honest with themselves, and is motivated to change their self-deprecating behaviors.
I notice that many of the comments are either love or hate with this book naturally. Those of you who hate it could serve to take a good look at why they didn't like it. This is not meant to be an offensive judgment, just a comment.
Is it honestly because you didn't understand or you weren't ready to hear? The truth is difficult to face, but if you are ready to look at it, this is the book for you.
Only improvements, is that some of this book (for serious mental health disorders, or anxiety) is black and white and overly rational. The authors, however, mention their acknowledgment of this.
I notice that many of the comments are either love or hate with this book naturally. Those of you who hate it could serve to take a good look at why they didn't like it. This is not meant to be an offensive judgment, just a comment.
Is it honestly because you didn't understand or you weren't ready to hear? The truth is difficult to face, but if you are ready to look at it, this is the book for you.
Only improvements, is that some of this book (for serious mental health disorders, or anxiety) is black and white and overly rational. The authors, however, mention their acknowledgment of this.
June 16, 2013
The best self-help book on psychotherapy I've ever read and also the one which I consider the most useful in my process. It is written in the hallmarks of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), providing many hands-on examples from therapy sessions. The central idea of REBT - as I've understood it - is to discover one's self-defeating Irrational Beliefs (IBs), actively and forcefully challenge them and ultimately replace them with healthy Rational Philosophies. The book outlines the most common IBs and provides cognitive, emotive and behavioral methods to challenge them. The 3 major musts underlying a great deal of human emotional disturbance, according to the authors are "(1) I must be outstandingly achieving and lovable! (2) Other people must treat me kindly and fairly! (3) My living conditions must be comfortable and gratifying!". The authors also refer to these kinds of absolutistic demands as "Musturbatory Beliefs".
Some of the cognitive, emotive and behavioral tools described in the book: (1) REBT self-help forms for disputing IBs (2) Shame-attacking exercises (3) Rational Emotive Imagery (4) Forceful Rational Self-statements (5) Role-playing and reverse role playing etc. The language of the book is simple but powerful, and the style reflects directness, honesty and assertiveness. The authors stress that the book, such as any human endeavor, has its own limitations and disadvantages so readers shouldn't take it as gospel but rather experimentally try some of the suggested treatment methods.
In my opinion, backed by my own experience, REBT is a difficult therapy which, when accompanied by a strong resolve, rigor, discipline and a LOT OF WORK, may help in reducing one's emotional disturbances. I highly recommend this book to anyone embarked (or willing to embark) on the difficult process of controlling, creating, and shaping one's emotional destiny.
Some of the cognitive, emotive and behavioral tools described in the book: (1) REBT self-help forms for disputing IBs (2) Shame-attacking exercises (3) Rational Emotive Imagery (4) Forceful Rational Self-statements (5) Role-playing and reverse role playing etc. The language of the book is simple but powerful, and the style reflects directness, honesty and assertiveness. The authors stress that the book, such as any human endeavor, has its own limitations and disadvantages so readers shouldn't take it as gospel but rather experimentally try some of the suggested treatment methods.
In my opinion, backed by my own experience, REBT is a difficult therapy which, when accompanied by a strong resolve, rigor, discipline and a LOT OF WORK, may help in reducing one's emotional disturbances. I highly recommend this book to anyone embarked (or willing to embark) on the difficult process of controlling, creating, and shaping one's emotional destiny.
August 18, 2012
Especially if you are not familiar with cognitive-behavioral therapy approaches, this can be a very useful book for individuals wishing to experience more joy and happiness by experiencing less (unnecessary) upset feelings. Dr. Ellis' groundbreaking CBT psychology paved the way for most of the evidence-based techniques out there today. A former president of the American Psychological Association, Albert Ellis created these techniques to help him with his own inadequacies. Interestingly enough, at a time when psychology was still heavily influenced by the psychoanalytical tradition, Albert Ellis created his Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy, in part, through the inspiration of Stoic philosophers and Buddhism. The REBT view begins with the idea that much, if not most, of our emotional suffering is not only needless, but that this suffering stems from our own Irrational Beliefs, which we must identify and challenge, then replace with Rational Beliefs in order to live less neurotic lives. Much of the philosophy in this book is pretty simple, often to the point of being repetitive, but for good reason.
I purchased this book after already being familiar with REBT and seeing where, in some heavy aspects of my life, I was setting myself up for unnecessary hurts, both in the short and long terms, mainly through dogmatic and overly idealistic thinking. As simple as REBT can be, it is not necessarily easy to restructure ways of thinking (and thus feeling as a result) after a lifetime of conditioning and reconditioning. In fact, a lot of our Irrational Beliefs are paralleled with somewhat Rational Beliefs, but if we look deeper we can often see where, although cognitively we may express some logical discernment about a given situation or relationship, we likely have more deeply ingrained and subconscious Irrational Beliefs that lead to our suffering regardless.
This book is not some sort of New Agey spiritual psychology. REBT really is where much of modern cognitive-behavioral therapy is rooted, and REBT is still strongly practiced today. I found this method to be almost immediately helpful; however, it is not a quick and easy fix to emotional disturbances, it requires work...lots of work. And as the authors (co written by CBT psychologist Robert Harper) note, we likely will never get to a place where we experience no upset feelings, a key point is to distinguish between what is healthy regret and feeling of loss and what is Irrational and even neurotic, prolonged depression, anxiety, anger, etc. A Guide to Rational Living is not for people looking for a book to solve their problems for them. It is not a philosophy aimed at helping us rationalize our misery by blaming our pasts. It is pro active, and it begins and ends with our own personal responsibility for our feelings, regardless of how bad we believe we've had it or have it. No sugarcoating here, folks. This is blunt reading with the Rational intention of helping its readers become more healthy, happy and loving (and rational)beings.
I purchased this book after already being familiar with REBT and seeing where, in some heavy aspects of my life, I was setting myself up for unnecessary hurts, both in the short and long terms, mainly through dogmatic and overly idealistic thinking. As simple as REBT can be, it is not necessarily easy to restructure ways of thinking (and thus feeling as a result) after a lifetime of conditioning and reconditioning. In fact, a lot of our Irrational Beliefs are paralleled with somewhat Rational Beliefs, but if we look deeper we can often see where, although cognitively we may express some logical discernment about a given situation or relationship, we likely have more deeply ingrained and subconscious Irrational Beliefs that lead to our suffering regardless.
This book is not some sort of New Agey spiritual psychology. REBT really is where much of modern cognitive-behavioral therapy is rooted, and REBT is still strongly practiced today. I found this method to be almost immediately helpful; however, it is not a quick and easy fix to emotional disturbances, it requires work...lots of work. And as the authors (co written by CBT psychologist Robert Harper) note, we likely will never get to a place where we experience no upset feelings, a key point is to distinguish between what is healthy regret and feeling of loss and what is Irrational and even neurotic, prolonged depression, anxiety, anger, etc. A Guide to Rational Living is not for people looking for a book to solve their problems for them. It is not a philosophy aimed at helping us rationalize our misery by blaming our pasts. It is pro active, and it begins and ends with our own personal responsibility for our feelings, regardless of how bad we believe we've had it or have it. No sugarcoating here, folks. This is blunt reading with the Rational intention of helping its readers become more healthy, happy and loving (and rational)beings.
April 4, 2008
This is an important book on cognitive behavioral psychology. The tone and attitude of the author can be quite off putting which I'm guessing is a reason that, although he was one of the pioneers in the field, Albert Ellis never achieved the mainstream popularity of other cognitive behavioralists. Still, if you want to learn about the subject from a book that doesn't sugar coat anything it might be a good option.
Cons:
1) The author is arrogant, condescending and judgmental. You would not want this man to be your therapist.
2) Research has shown that things are a little more complex than this book would lead one to believe. You may need something more than cognitive behavioral therapy (or this book) to overcome depression, anxiety or phobias. But this would probably be very effective as an adjunct to other, likely more physiological, approaches.
Pros:
1) This is one of the best books out there to explain the exact "how-tos" of overcoming irrational fears and emotions via cognitive behavioral methods. It does not just say "That's irrational, get over it." It does not tell you to chant "I am beautiful" if you have body-image problems. It provides steps to face these things rationally, ways to think through the issues you face leading to thinking and acting differently - which ultimately lead to feeling different.
2) It not only challenges the "She did this therefore she must not like me" fallacies. It also challenges the "...and I can't stand it if someone doesn't like me" part that is the real reason so many of us get stuck worrying or feeling bad about situations.
3) The book is repetitious. I am listing this as a "pro" because by the time you get through it you are saying to yourself "OK, so do x,y,z - I get it" which means that you are really learning how to apply the theory to many different situations. Often I find that I understand an author's point and the examples she gives but I don't quite know what to do with the information to apply it to my own life. That is not a problem with this book. It's a challenge to apply the principle he lays out but the challenge is in the doing, not the understanding.
Cons:
1) The author is arrogant, condescending and judgmental. You would not want this man to be your therapist.
2) Research has shown that things are a little more complex than this book would lead one to believe. You may need something more than cognitive behavioral therapy (or this book) to overcome depression, anxiety or phobias. But this would probably be very effective as an adjunct to other, likely more physiological, approaches.
Pros:
1) This is one of the best books out there to explain the exact "how-tos" of overcoming irrational fears and emotions via cognitive behavioral methods. It does not just say "That's irrational, get over it." It does not tell you to chant "I am beautiful" if you have body-image problems. It provides steps to face these things rationally, ways to think through the issues you face leading to thinking and acting differently - which ultimately lead to feeling different.
2) It not only challenges the "She did this therefore she must not like me" fallacies. It also challenges the "...and I can't stand it if someone doesn't like me" part that is the real reason so many of us get stuck worrying or feeling bad about situations.
3) The book is repetitious. I am listing this as a "pro" because by the time you get through it you are saying to yourself "OK, so do x,y,z - I get it" which means that you are really learning how to apply the theory to many different situations. Often I find that I understand an author's point and the examples she gives but I don't quite know what to do with the information to apply it to my own life. That is not a problem with this book. It's a challenge to apply the principle he lays out but the challenge is in the doing, not the understanding.
January 28, 2015
This book will teach you how to be nicer to yourself.
Books like these are designed to help people overcome difficult emotions like sadness, depression, anger, and anxiety.
Personally, this book helped me reconcile my anger with my family. Before this book, I had a strained relationship with my mother, but after reading the essay titled, "Overcoming the Influences of the Past," I realized that I was holding my mother to standards that were impractical, and living with pain that would have only ever healed if reality somehow managed to redesign the past. It was lucky to encounter this essay, because now my own standards for family dynamics are more in line with reality.
Another helpful essay was, "Conquering Anxiety and Panic." This essay was an important tool in evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of giving in to Anxiety. I was able to learn that Anxiety is the tool that tries to help you survive, but when it gets out of hand it often prolongs the individual's suffering. In an entirely basic summary, Anxiety is its own pain invented by the mind of the sufferer who imagines great horrors when supposing what might happen. Anxiety's second pain is its ability to shackle an individual into a life that is filled with reduced satisfaction due to an inability to challenge these beliefs and test these horrors. They rarely achieve moderate happiness because they're so terrified of imagined "horrors" becoming reality, when in most cases these "horrible" possibilities are just mildly unpleasant.
Many of the other essays are incredible and helpful. I simply point to these two as they offered the most personally profound advice for my own unique troubles. No, life isn't magically perfect from my new shift in philosophy. No, my life isn't leaps and bounds better. I still have much work to do to become satisfied with my own actions and my own destiny, but I'm far less hard on myself thanks to the tools of this book. Things are in a perspective slightly more manageable.
Books like these are designed to help people overcome difficult emotions like sadness, depression, anger, and anxiety.
Personally, this book helped me reconcile my anger with my family. Before this book, I had a strained relationship with my mother, but after reading the essay titled, "Overcoming the Influences of the Past," I realized that I was holding my mother to standards that were impractical, and living with pain that would have only ever healed if reality somehow managed to redesign the past. It was lucky to encounter this essay, because now my own standards for family dynamics are more in line with reality.
Another helpful essay was, "Conquering Anxiety and Panic." This essay was an important tool in evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of giving in to Anxiety. I was able to learn that Anxiety is the tool that tries to help you survive, but when it gets out of hand it often prolongs the individual's suffering. In an entirely basic summary, Anxiety is its own pain invented by the mind of the sufferer who imagines great horrors when supposing what might happen. Anxiety's second pain is its ability to shackle an individual into a life that is filled with reduced satisfaction due to an inability to challenge these beliefs and test these horrors. They rarely achieve moderate happiness because they're so terrified of imagined "horrors" becoming reality, when in most cases these "horrible" possibilities are just mildly unpleasant.
Many of the other essays are incredible and helpful. I simply point to these two as they offered the most personally profound advice for my own unique troubles. No, life isn't magically perfect from my new shift in philosophy. No, my life isn't leaps and bounds better. I still have much work to do to become satisfied with my own actions and my own destiny, but I'm far less hard on myself thanks to the tools of this book. Things are in a perspective slightly more manageable.
December 16, 2009
A Guide to Rational Living is a classic self-help manual and introduction to rational emotive therapy. The style of the book is somewhat rambling and "story telling," and some of the information is now a bit out of date, but the list of irrational ideas and the Disputing Irrational Beliefs activity are still very valuable.
November 24, 2013
This book is the real deal, as is Ellis. There's nothing earth shatteringly new in the book. But what Ellis does is give you practical, pragmatic, no-nonsense advice on how to effectively live a life. There are so many self-defeating things we do that we rarely stop to think about. Well, Ellis has thought about them. And there are so many excuses or rationalizations (we, of course, would call them reasons) for the unhealthy self-defeating things we do, but Ellis isn't buying them. Was your boss curt to you? Did a friend flame you? Okay, do we leave those things as they are, or do we re-hash them over and over, reliving the sting of hurt feelings? Ellis calls us out on such things, and he does so with practical explanations that make sense. Are you stuck in traffic? Did you crack a tooth? Is your neighbor blasting his stereo? "I can't stand it!" you say. Or maybe, "This is torture." Un-uh, Ellis says. You can it and you can stand a whole lot more. And "torture?" He would say "Puhlease." Not that he would discount such things being uncomfortable or even painful. But "torture" or "I can't stand it." No. He would say, "Nothing is awful." And through all the rock-solid advice he gives you really get a sense that Ellis is a person who really cares about people. This is the kind of book you will look at over and over. Ellis' advice is something that never goes out of style. And this is no self-help book of the moment. This book has sold millions and continues to sell long after Mr. Ellis passed away because it is so damn good.
February 9, 2014
This is the most readable Albert Ellis book. It reads fluidly, has awesome stories and does not have the repetitive and unnecessary propaganda that he makes of himself, the other books he wrote and his psychotherapy. If you want to use the advices of this book as a self-therapy its important to re-read it periodically because the advices are so easy to forget and we tend to come back to our old thinking habits. Another good option is search the internet for the list of "REBT's Irrational Beliefs" and read it every day.
Ellis copied the main insights of REBT from ancient stoic philosophers. So maybe if you love this book as I did, you will also like to read about stoicism. This is an awesome book about stoicism: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...
Ellis copied the main insights of REBT from ancient stoic philosophers. So maybe if you love this book as I did, you will also like to read about stoicism. This is an awesome book about stoicism: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...
June 16, 2022
One of the most powerful books I have ever read. Yes, it's a 'self-help' book, but it is far from your typical lightweight 'how-I-fixed-everything-with-positive-thinking' fare. This is a confronting and at time savage intellectual treatise driven by Ellis' powerful mind. With a unique writing style the arguments are superbly structured; methodically dismantling and identifying the origins of anger, depression, anxiety etc... and empowering the reader to reassemble his belief system to create a more rational happy present. Brilliant.
November 11, 2009
I read this book for an undergrad paper on the REBT (rational emotive behavioral therapy)but loved it so much and was able to incorporate so much of it into my own life. Even though I am a therapist, I must admit that this is a must read for people who are extremely self-aware and could save them the money of therapy.
January 4, 2021
This book definitely provided me with some food for thought.
And although it did help me in some respects, I can’t say that this information has never crossed my path in the past.
Very insightful, and constructive.
“When you identify and rate your self according to how you perform some particular activity, you create the illusion that you, a person, have only as much worth as that activity. How much sense does that make?”
The author argues that one cannot be defined by one’s actions, just because you have done something completely unacceptable in the past, it is in no way a reflection of who YOU are as a person. For your present is still the past of your tomorrow.
“When people act badly— as they often do in this world— ask yourself whether you should really upset yourself about this. Do you actually care that much what they do? Do their actions truly affect your life? Will these people change, even if you exert much effort trying to change them? Do you want to spend considerable time trying? Do you actually have it available to spend? Unless you can answer questions like these with a resounding yes, hadn’t you better stop obsessing about others’ shortcomings and merely offer them, especially when asked, moderate advice and help?”
In this book, the author emphasizes the fact that we have no control over how others behave. We do, however, have absolutely COMPLETE control, over the way that we respond. When faced with an unfortunate situation, we can whine and feel angrily towards the other person. But must this always be the case? Surely, it’s hard to keep your composure in that moment, and it’s only in hindsight that you regret reacting that way. However, after experiencing this on multiple occasions, and falling in the same predicament for the umpteenth time, surely you have an idea of how you’d react in a given situation. So, with this knowledge alone, shouldn’t one prepare beforehand in order to avoid this predicament in the future? Well, it’d be the logical choice, but it’s not that simple.
In this book, the author also mentions how events from one’s childhood may affect someone’s outcome. This is where Freud’s theory arises, using psychoanalysis. In this book, however, Albert Ellis, somewhat contradicts Freud’s theory. He does agree, that, to a certain extent, an event/situation that has been bestowed upon someone as a child, has a common factor in how someone may behave. It also may affect one’s psyche and morality. BUT— and here’s the bombshell: Psychologist Albert Ellis believes that one can overcome past experience, and reach their milestones. He believes that an unfortunate event does not determine one’s destiny or possibly their potential.
On this part, I must say that I agree with Dr. Ellis.
I am currently enrolled in a Psychology course in a college level, and I am constantly faced with the root of Psychology; the father’s and founders. But even today, we are so advanced in the field of Psychology— that new concept and theories arise. And perhaps, in 50-60 years from today, the next generation will be learning about TODAY’s psychologists, as a way of understanding the fundamentals of psychology.
I am currently learning about Abraham Maslow’s theory, and the approach that he uses in regard to understanding human behaviour and mental processes: Humanism. This approach sympathizes with the potential of goodness that is innate to all human beings. That people, to the core of their being, their very nature at birth, are kind. Only then, when exposed to violence, can they be corrupted by the environment.
Back to my original thought, I agree with Dr. Ellis, that we, as basic, sympathetic human beings, can be affected by an event that occurred during early childhood, and perhaps upbringing. No one, will argue with that. (I hope) Many factors also must be taken into account like, to what degree did this event hurt/burden you... and so on. But returning to what I began saying, although an event can scar a person or affect their behaviour, as adults, and as our minds mature, we have control over our actions. Our upbringing definitely plays a role in our outcome, but as we grow older, our views and morals may change, and our very nature can change. Unfortunate events don’t necessarily hinder one’s potential outcome. Take for example, as a way of elaborating, people who were born into a third world country, and deprived of, say, education and lack of opportunities. This doesn’t deprive them of their POTENTIAL. Many people, even after undergoing these hardships, thrive in this world.
My point being, many people hold onto grudges against parents or family relatives because of their negligence, and this holds them back from so many things. I’m not in any way excusing people who may be disturbed due to traumatic experiences as a child. Like I said before, to what degree did this event affect you? And if you find, that— the past has past, and the only person who gets to decide what you do, how you do it and when you do it— is you. As an adult, i’d suggest you take off that load that you’re holding onto for dear life, because really— is it that worth it? Okay, so a person hurts you, puts you down, abuses you.
This only really takes over you if YOU let it. If you give power to them.
I realized that I am just dumping my thoughts here and for no apparent reason but I think I’d better stop soon.
Lastly I just want to say that this book was structured well. One drawback is that the author (I suppose I should’ve seen this coming) kept mentioning HIS program (REBT) as a way of providing information about this help program, or perhaps even promoting it. This didn’t irk me, per se, but it was of a little annoyance. I do take into consideration that Dr. Ellis is just providing his readers a way to reach out, to talk to someone. But maybe it was mentioned more often then necessary— just a thought.
And although it did help me in some respects, I can’t say that this information has never crossed my path in the past.
Very insightful, and constructive.
“When you identify and rate your self according to how you perform some particular activity, you create the illusion that you, a person, have only as much worth as that activity. How much sense does that make?”
The author argues that one cannot be defined by one’s actions, just because you have done something completely unacceptable in the past, it is in no way a reflection of who YOU are as a person. For your present is still the past of your tomorrow.
“When people act badly— as they often do in this world— ask yourself whether you should really upset yourself about this. Do you actually care that much what they do? Do their actions truly affect your life? Will these people change, even if you exert much effort trying to change them? Do you want to spend considerable time trying? Do you actually have it available to spend? Unless you can answer questions like these with a resounding yes, hadn’t you better stop obsessing about others’ shortcomings and merely offer them, especially when asked, moderate advice and help?”
In this book, the author emphasizes the fact that we have no control over how others behave. We do, however, have absolutely COMPLETE control, over the way that we respond. When faced with an unfortunate situation, we can whine and feel angrily towards the other person. But must this always be the case? Surely, it’s hard to keep your composure in that moment, and it’s only in hindsight that you regret reacting that way. However, after experiencing this on multiple occasions, and falling in the same predicament for the umpteenth time, surely you have an idea of how you’d react in a given situation. So, with this knowledge alone, shouldn’t one prepare beforehand in order to avoid this predicament in the future? Well, it’d be the logical choice, but it’s not that simple.
In this book, the author also mentions how events from one’s childhood may affect someone’s outcome. This is where Freud’s theory arises, using psychoanalysis. In this book, however, Albert Ellis, somewhat contradicts Freud’s theory. He does agree, that, to a certain extent, an event/situation that has been bestowed upon someone as a child, has a common factor in how someone may behave. It also may affect one’s psyche and morality. BUT— and here’s the bombshell: Psychologist Albert Ellis believes that one can overcome past experience, and reach their milestones. He believes that an unfortunate event does not determine one’s destiny or possibly their potential.
On this part, I must say that I agree with Dr. Ellis.
I am currently enrolled in a Psychology course in a college level, and I am constantly faced with the root of Psychology; the father’s and founders. But even today, we are so advanced in the field of Psychology— that new concept and theories arise. And perhaps, in 50-60 years from today, the next generation will be learning about TODAY’s psychologists, as a way of understanding the fundamentals of psychology.
I am currently learning about Abraham Maslow’s theory, and the approach that he uses in regard to understanding human behaviour and mental processes: Humanism. This approach sympathizes with the potential of goodness that is innate to all human beings. That people, to the core of their being, their very nature at birth, are kind. Only then, when exposed to violence, can they be corrupted by the environment.
Back to my original thought, I agree with Dr. Ellis, that we, as basic, sympathetic human beings, can be affected by an event that occurred during early childhood, and perhaps upbringing. No one, will argue with that. (I hope) Many factors also must be taken into account like, to what degree did this event hurt/burden you... and so on. But returning to what I began saying, although an event can scar a person or affect their behaviour, as adults, and as our minds mature, we have control over our actions. Our upbringing definitely plays a role in our outcome, but as we grow older, our views and morals may change, and our very nature can change. Unfortunate events don’t necessarily hinder one’s potential outcome. Take for example, as a way of elaborating, people who were born into a third world country, and deprived of, say, education and lack of opportunities. This doesn’t deprive them of their POTENTIAL. Many people, even after undergoing these hardships, thrive in this world.
My point being, many people hold onto grudges against parents or family relatives because of their negligence, and this holds them back from so many things. I’m not in any way excusing people who may be disturbed due to traumatic experiences as a child. Like I said before, to what degree did this event affect you? And if you find, that— the past has past, and the only person who gets to decide what you do, how you do it and when you do it— is you. As an adult, i’d suggest you take off that load that you’re holding onto for dear life, because really— is it that worth it? Okay, so a person hurts you, puts you down, abuses you.
This only really takes over you if YOU let it. If you give power to them.
I realized that I am just dumping my thoughts here and for no apparent reason but I think I’d better stop soon.
Lastly I just want to say that this book was structured well. One drawback is that the author (I suppose I should’ve seen this coming) kept mentioning HIS program (REBT) as a way of providing information about this help program, or perhaps even promoting it. This didn’t irk me, per se, but it was of a little annoyance. I do take into consideration that Dr. Ellis is just providing his readers a way to reach out, to talk to someone. But maybe it was mentioned more often then necessary— just a thought.
March 22, 2022
2/5 stars for unnecessary length, perceived self-aggrandizement, and for an approach to psychology I didn't altogether care for (but I will admit, by the same token, is probably helpful).
A New Guide to Rational Living more or less presents a no-nonsense, kick-in-the-pants approach to irrational emoting, and advocates for maintaining one's sangfroid in the face of frustration, anger, anxiety, or dread. Ellis (and his colleague, Harper) show absolutely ZERO sympathy toward their patients, who come to see them usually riddled by the self-inflicted anxiety that comes from being too involved in others' emotions, actions, or lifestyles.
While this "tough love" approach was undoubtedly what many of their patients needed (having been handled with kid gloves for years by traditional talk therapists), there was an element of coldness in RET (Rational-Emotive Therapy) that seemed to discredit validation, compassion, and even modern neuroscience. The last, I suppose I can't begrudge Ellis and Harper -- perhaps it wasn't proven at the time of this book's publication that the human brain heals itself by processing, revisiting, and making peace with past trauma. Literally, new synapses in the brain are formed that have the potential to rewire it, inducing a state of healing. According to Ellis and Harper, no one should "waste their time" looking back, or "ruminating" -- according to them, doing so is a highly unproductive, irrational, and emotional response.
Moreover, I found the layout of A New Guide to Rational Living tedious and predictable over the course of 200 pages. These psychologists outline NUMEROUS conversations with their patients, all of whom came to them and were magically transformed after just a few sessions. Their marriages were suddenly perfectly intact, their jobs were more satisfying, their endeavors were pursued more purposefully. I'm sorry, but while I'm sure this was the case for several patients, I DOUBT it was the case for all -- as one size RARELY fits all in the real world, since we're all unique individuals. Nevertheless, Ellis and Harper stand by RET as the be-all-end-all of psychology, staunchly promoting it as though they are God and it's the Bible.
...Speaking of God, these two have absolutely 0 respect for basic moral law, let alone God (whom they both state does not exist). On more than one occasion, suicide seems almost promoted in this book as a basic "right" that every person has, should they feel that life is no longer serving them. I have NEVER come across such a cold, removed, permissive attitude when it comes to human beings taking their own lives...let alone endorsing it as an option!
Despite these gripes, I will say that this book -- as I find with most books -- taught me a new, more practical way to view and potentially handle my emotions to people and situations. Ellis and Harper's bottom line is that many anxiety-prone individuals tend to view situations as either catastrophic or perfect, neither of which is the reality (most of the time). Their point in writing this book was that most people would find it beneficial to acknowledge situations as merely "unfortunate" or "convenient/advantageous," thereby limiting emotional upset.
Can I get behind that? Probably. Does it change the fact that I don't like this book, and that I could have benefited the same from merely reading an article about this? Nope!
A New Guide to Rational Living more or less presents a no-nonsense, kick-in-the-pants approach to irrational emoting, and advocates for maintaining one's sangfroid in the face of frustration, anger, anxiety, or dread. Ellis (and his colleague, Harper) show absolutely ZERO sympathy toward their patients, who come to see them usually riddled by the self-inflicted anxiety that comes from being too involved in others' emotions, actions, or lifestyles.
While this "tough love" approach was undoubtedly what many of their patients needed (having been handled with kid gloves for years by traditional talk therapists), there was an element of coldness in RET (Rational-Emotive Therapy) that seemed to discredit validation, compassion, and even modern neuroscience. The last, I suppose I can't begrudge Ellis and Harper -- perhaps it wasn't proven at the time of this book's publication that the human brain heals itself by processing, revisiting, and making peace with past trauma. Literally, new synapses in the brain are formed that have the potential to rewire it, inducing a state of healing. According to Ellis and Harper, no one should "waste their time" looking back, or "ruminating" -- according to them, doing so is a highly unproductive, irrational, and emotional response.
Moreover, I found the layout of A New Guide to Rational Living tedious and predictable over the course of 200 pages. These psychologists outline NUMEROUS conversations with their patients, all of whom came to them and were magically transformed after just a few sessions. Their marriages were suddenly perfectly intact, their jobs were more satisfying, their endeavors were pursued more purposefully. I'm sorry, but while I'm sure this was the case for several patients, I DOUBT it was the case for all -- as one size RARELY fits all in the real world, since we're all unique individuals. Nevertheless, Ellis and Harper stand by RET as the be-all-end-all of psychology, staunchly promoting it as though they are God and it's the Bible.
...Speaking of God, these two have absolutely 0 respect for basic moral law, let alone God (whom they both state does not exist). On more than one occasion, suicide seems almost promoted in this book as a basic "right" that every person has, should they feel that life is no longer serving them. I have NEVER come across such a cold, removed, permissive attitude when it comes to human beings taking their own lives...let alone endorsing it as an option!
Despite these gripes, I will say that this book -- as I find with most books -- taught me a new, more practical way to view and potentially handle my emotions to people and situations. Ellis and Harper's bottom line is that many anxiety-prone individuals tend to view situations as either catastrophic or perfect, neither of which is the reality (most of the time). Their point in writing this book was that most people would find it beneficial to acknowledge situations as merely "unfortunate" or "convenient/advantageous," thereby limiting emotional upset.
Can I get behind that? Probably. Does it change the fact that I don't like this book, and that I could have benefited the same from merely reading an article about this? Nope!
February 3, 2020
On the similar lines when I was greatly influenced by Dale Carnegie self-help books, this is a book which provides a much deeper, realistic, case based psychological perspective of self-help and how many things we do as an average human, could be done in a better manner - in pursuit of happiness. "Recognizing and attacking neurotic behavior", "Tackling dire needs for approval", "How to stop blaming and start living", "Acquiring self-discipline" are some of the great chapters this book has and lift the veil on many things we perceive differently, as well as how we could alter the "B" (belief system) to get to a different "C" (emotional consequence). Absolutely a recommended read for those interested in psychology, are patient and need some self-help. :)
September 22, 2014
Amazing. I read another of Ellis' books previous to this, which covered a lot of the same ideas, but this one was a lot better for me. Fuller and clearer. The 'Overcoming Inertia And Getting Creatively Absorbed' chapter particularly struck home with me. I just read one of Edward de Bono's books which made me feel like I had a real effective box of tools to approach creative thinking with, and this book has done the same thing for approaching dysfunctional emotions and neuroses. I'm always skeptical with self-help type books, because sounding great doesn't mean something will actually be effective, but there seems to be pretty solid scientific support from various studies to back up these techniques, and I've already started making them a part of my life.
(I read a later updated edition of the book (3rd edition) called 'a guide to rational living', which doesn't seem to be listed on goodreads)
(I read a later updated edition of the book (3rd edition) called 'a guide to rational living', which doesn't seem to be listed on goodreads)
August 26, 2007
There should be classes taught, starting elementary school, on how to think, problem solve, and act rationally. So much of what passes as thought and action in this world is simply over-emotionalized reactions. I have read this book twice now. It has a dry, to the point tone. It also makes a lot of sense. The problem with sense is that people are emotional and hesitant to change, and sense can be hard to practice. This is a good primer on rational thought, and one I will continue to read until my emotionally-charged brain "gets it" and learns to practice the message.
September 11, 2012
A book that is at times annoying and at other times profound. Ellis and Harper make a pretty convincing case for the benefits of adopting a more rational approach to life. My main gripe with the book is the depiction of the authors' clients; they just didn't sound like real people to me. Perhaps the authors were creating characters who were combinations of various clients throughout the years. That is a weakness, but it really only amounts to a minor distraction. The message they deliver is an important one that deserves to be heard and seriously considered.
March 19, 2018
Previše stvari koje tjeraju na razmišljanje, preispitivanje svojih postupaka, čak iako su u cilju napredovanja.
July 21, 2024
2024-07-21:
A guide to rational living, Albert Ellis
Over 1,5 million copies sold.
REBT is a 1955 forerunner of CBT and similarly effective. For me chapter 19 focusing on being active and less passive. Also generally removing a “must” and “should” irrational belief. Accepting that I make myself feel a certain way, not others. Not blaming. Other people don’t cause your bad feelings, you do by telling yourself that it’s so terrible. But is it really so horrible?The idea is you make yourself miserable by thinking bad things must not happen to you or that everything must be perfect. One bad event does not make a bad life. Your value lies in existing. Do as well as you can not perfect. Some person doesn’t like you, so what, I don’t have to be liked by everybody.
Main Concepts
1. Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT): Ellis’s therapeutic approach emphasizes the role of irrational beliefs in emotional and behavioral disturbances. By identifying and altering these beliefs, individuals can lead more fulfilling lives.
2. Irrational Beliefs: These are unrealistic, illogical, and self-defeating thoughts that cause emotional distress. Examples include “I must be perfect” or “Everyone must like me.”
3. Emotional Responsibility: Individuals are responsible for their own emotions and can control how they respond to events by changing their thinking patterns.
4. ABC Model: This is a framework to understand the relationship between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. The ABC model is central to REBT.
ABCD(E) Method
The ABCD(E) method is a structured approach within REBT to identify and change irrational beliefs. Here is a breakdown:
• A - Activating Event: This is an event or situation that triggers a response. It can be something external (like losing a job) or internal (like a thought or memory).
• B - Beliefs: These are the thoughts and beliefs that follow the activating event. They can be rational (logical and helpful) or irrational (illogical and harmful).
• C - Consequences: These are the emotional and behavioral outcomes that result from the beliefs. Rational beliefs lead to healthy emotional outcomes, while irrational beliefs lead to unhealthy ones.
• D - Disputing Irrational Beliefs: This involves challenging and questioning the irrational beliefs. By disputing these beliefs, individuals can replace them with more rational, constructive ones.
Replace with effective beliefs (E). Example: “It’s okay to make mistakes; I can learn from criticism and improve.”
Practical:
1. Identify Irrational Beliefs: Notice when you feel strong negative emotions and write down the thoughts and beliefs you have about the activating event.
2. Challenge Beliefs: Ask yourself questions like “Is this belief based on fact?” “Is it logical?” “Is it helpful?” By scrutinizing these beliefs, you can start to see their irrationality.
3. Replace with Rational Beliefs: Develop alternative, rational thoughts that are realistic and constructive. For example, replace “I must be perfect” with “I strive to do my best, but it’s okay to make mistakes.”
4. Practice Self-Acceptance: Accept yourself as a fallible human being. Understand that making mistakes or being imperfect does not make you less worthy or valuable.
5. Focus on the Present: Concentrate on what you can do now to improve the situation rather than ruminating on past mistakes or worrying excessively about the future.
6. Use Positive Visualization: Visualize successful outcomes and how you would feel and act in those situations. This helps to reinforce rational thinking and positive emotions.
A guide to rational living, Albert Ellis
Over 1,5 million copies sold.
REBT is a 1955 forerunner of CBT and similarly effective. For me chapter 19 focusing on being active and less passive. Also generally removing a “must” and “should” irrational belief. Accepting that I make myself feel a certain way, not others. Not blaming. Other people don’t cause your bad feelings, you do by telling yourself that it’s so terrible. But is it really so horrible?The idea is you make yourself miserable by thinking bad things must not happen to you or that everything must be perfect. One bad event does not make a bad life. Your value lies in existing. Do as well as you can not perfect. Some person doesn’t like you, so what, I don’t have to be liked by everybody.
Main Concepts
1. Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT): Ellis’s therapeutic approach emphasizes the role of irrational beliefs in emotional and behavioral disturbances. By identifying and altering these beliefs, individuals can lead more fulfilling lives.
2. Irrational Beliefs: These are unrealistic, illogical, and self-defeating thoughts that cause emotional distress. Examples include “I must be perfect” or “Everyone must like me.”
3. Emotional Responsibility: Individuals are responsible for their own emotions and can control how they respond to events by changing their thinking patterns.
4. ABC Model: This is a framework to understand the relationship between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. The ABC model is central to REBT.
ABCD(E) Method
The ABCD(E) method is a structured approach within REBT to identify and change irrational beliefs. Here is a breakdown:
• A - Activating Event: This is an event or situation that triggers a response. It can be something external (like losing a job) or internal (like a thought or memory).
• B - Beliefs: These are the thoughts and beliefs that follow the activating event. They can be rational (logical and helpful) or irrational (illogical and harmful).
• C - Consequences: These are the emotional and behavioral outcomes that result from the beliefs. Rational beliefs lead to healthy emotional outcomes, while irrational beliefs lead to unhealthy ones.
• D - Disputing Irrational Beliefs: This involves challenging and questioning the irrational beliefs. By disputing these beliefs, individuals can replace them with more rational, constructive ones.
Replace with effective beliefs (E). Example: “It’s okay to make mistakes; I can learn from criticism and improve.”
Practical:
1. Identify Irrational Beliefs: Notice when you feel strong negative emotions and write down the thoughts and beliefs you have about the activating event.
2. Challenge Beliefs: Ask yourself questions like “Is this belief based on fact?” “Is it logical?” “Is it helpful?” By scrutinizing these beliefs, you can start to see their irrationality.
3. Replace with Rational Beliefs: Develop alternative, rational thoughts that are realistic and constructive. For example, replace “I must be perfect” with “I strive to do my best, but it’s okay to make mistakes.”
4. Practice Self-Acceptance: Accept yourself as a fallible human being. Understand that making mistakes or being imperfect does not make you less worthy or valuable.
5. Focus on the Present: Concentrate on what you can do now to improve the situation rather than ruminating on past mistakes or worrying excessively about the future.
6. Use Positive Visualization: Visualize successful outcomes and how you would feel and act in those situations. This helps to reinforce rational thinking and positive emotions.
October 24, 2022
I’ve been struggling with depression lately and have been turning to my favorite mental health books. I absolutely love Albert Ellis and Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT), and I hadn’t read this book, so I grabbed it. It’s phenomenal and really helps the reader understand that how we feel is often a choice. While some people hate hearing this, I find it extremely empowering. By realizing we’re choosing to be upset by different situations, we then learn we can make the choice to reframe those situations and manage our emotions in a much better way.
August 10, 2015
Never thought you could build a so-called "rational therapy" on bragging about how evolved and modern that particular therapy is, but apparently people are willing to believe just about anything. REBT (rational emotive behavioral therapy) is just one big fat "in your face, Freud" (not that I'm a big fan of the latter either). It does, however, explain some facts that should already be considered common knowledge among persons with a medium IQ, while - on the other hand - failing to have the least amount of compassion for patients. Your mom died? That's a shame, but it's only a tragedy if you make it feel like one. That's kind of where I draw the line. I'm here, however, to rate a book instead of a form of therapy. Well, the tone is cocky, impetuous and the content - just overall ill-conceived. Not saying therapists should write poetry, just organize their material better and, for heaven's sake, stop using a whip every time you finish a sentence.
April 2, 2018
Beliefs about yourself can influence you to do things that others think is irrational. But rational emotive behavioral therapy (REBT) by Albert Ellis provides insight into how we form ideas/beliefs about ourself and others, and proposes changing those beliefs to overcome personal conflicts.
REBT assumes that people act rationally, though we may have irrational thoughts along the way. This is one of the laws of economics: people act rationally. If we were satisfied in our current state of being, then we wouldn’t act.
By understanding more about our current state of being through faith, economics, and REBT, we can improve our actions and interactions with others to be more prosperous.
REBT assumes that people act rationally, though we may have irrational thoughts along the way. This is one of the laws of economics: people act rationally. If we were satisfied in our current state of being, then we wouldn’t act.
By understanding more about our current state of being through faith, economics, and REBT, we can improve our actions and interactions with others to be more prosperous.
October 20, 2012
I think there is some great information in this book, but quite frankly I just can't stand the writing style. Most of the chapters are full of therapy session conversations one of the authors, with other tidbits of information interspersed. There are very few subheadings. A lot of people seem to like Ellis' writing-style though so perhaps it's just me.
April 28, 2009
A matter-of-fact, clear explanation of how thoughts influence moods, emotions, and decisions. Terrific resource for people with an analytical bent who want to have more influence over their choices and mental states.
September 14, 2009
This is one I read and re-read a lot ... the things this book teaches will change your perspective on life and help you in many ways. Whenever I finish this book I start over again ... but I always read three to five books at a time anyway ...
Read
June 16, 2010I abandoned the book. I was re-reading it. I think the content/message is excellent, but the writing style is too forced and unnatural for me to spend much time with it again.
December 5, 2012
You can change the way your brain thinks. Takes some work and serious introspection, but if you do, this book will make your life better.
May 7, 2014
An important and helpful book that unfortunately is diminished by a lack of focus and an antiquated (and at times crude) writing style.
May 23, 2018
A bit too optimistic/unrealistic at times, but still relevant.
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