Psycho-Cybernetics and Self-Fulfillment: The Pscycho-Cybernetics Mastery Series

by Maxwell Maltz

Maxwell Maltz was an American cosmetic surgeon and author of Psycho-Cybernetics, which was a system of ideas that he claimed could improve one's self-image. In turn, the person would lead a more successful and fulfilling life. He wrote several books, among which Psycho-Cybernetics was a long-time bestseller - influencing many subsequent self-help teachers. His orientation towards a system of ideas that would provide self-help is considered the forerunner of the now popular self-help books. The word cybernetic comes from the Greek for 'steersman', and in the modern sense usually refers to systems of control and communication in machines and animals: how, for instance, a computer or a mouse organises itself to achieve a task. Maltz applied the science to man to form psycho-cybernetics. However, while inspired by the development of sophisticated machines, his book denounced the idea that man can be reduced to a machine. Psycho-cybernetics bridges the gap between our mechanistic models of the brain's functioning (cliches like 'Your brain is a wonderful computer'), and the knowledge of ourselves as being a lot more than machine. Maltz's genius was in saying that while we were 'machines', and while the dynamics of goal-setting and self-image might best be described in mechanistic terms, the fantastic variety of our desires and our ability to create new worlds were uniquely human. What could never be reduced to machine analogies were the fires of imagination, ambition and will. In this audibook "Psycho-Cybernetics and Self-Fulfillment", Dr. Maxwell Maltz teach about: Goals, Self Image, Happiness, and much more. Read by Matt Furey, The President of The Psychocybernetics Foundation.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Psychology, Audiobook, Personal Development, Philosophy

Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 1970

About the author

Maxwell Maltz was an American cosmetic surgeon and author of Psycho-Cybernetics, which was a system of ideas that he claimed could improve one's self-image leading to a more successful and fulfilling life.

Reviews

[James D Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the three most important books I've ever read. I read it decades ago and it changed my life profoundly and forever.

[Anja Karenjina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ne znam da li je trebalo pre ovoga da pročitam čistu Psihokibernetiku, ne bih rekla da je povezano, nego čisto da se upoznam sa razmišljanjima pisca bolje i detaljnije. Svakako posle ovoga želim da pročitam i tu knjigu. Jako mi se dopadaju njegove metode i primeri na kojima pokazuje šta je ispravno a šta pogrešno.

[Sonyajohnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book many years ago and decided to pick it up and read it again. It is interesting the insight that Maxwell Maltz had when the book was written more than 50 years ago. Today we have more information on how the brain works, yet he knew from working with people some truths that still seem to apply today. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants more insight into themselves.

[Jannis Rutschmann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Given the fact that this book was written more than 50 years ago and considering the many timeless advices that were given, I found it to be both enriching and helpful. Nonetheless, I would recommend other books about the topic more due to poor structure and in part weak lines of reasoning.

[Norman Panlilio · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book so much that I can't help but post a review. The book offers a lot of insights in the human mind and how we learn. It is sad that I just picked it out now when it was written years ago. The test of it's importance is it's enduring relevance.

[Jon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the content and it wasn't as whacky as I had anticipated given the name [which is a good thing]. The wording and rhythm place this book in the mid-1900s so it reminds of listening to my grandparents talk when they get in lecture/speech mode.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Psycho-Cybernetics and Self Fulfillment" by Maxwell Maltz is a self-help book that has had a profound impact on the lives of many people since its original publication in 1960. The book explores the idea of the mind as a cybernetic system that can be programmed for success or failure, depending on the messages we send it.

At the heart of the book is the concept of self-image, which Maltz defines as "the conception we have of ourselves." He argues that our self-image is the key factor that determines our success or failure in life, and that it is something that can be changed through conscious effort.

One of the key insights of the book is that our self-image is not fixed, but can be changed through deliberate action. Maltz explains that our self-image is formed by our experiences, and that we can change it by consciously choosing new experiences and focusing on our positive qualities.

To illustrate this point, Maltz gives several examples of people who were able to overcome their self-limiting beliefs and achieve great success. He tells the story of a woman who was convinced she was too old to start a new career, but was able to overcome this belief and become a successful business owner. He also tells the story of a man who was able to overcome his fear of public speaking and become a successful motivational speaker.

Maltz also emphasizes the importance of visualization in achieving success. He argues that by vividly imagining our desired outcomes, we can program our minds to work towards them. He provides a number of techniques for visualization, including creating mental movies and using affirmations.

One of the most interesting parts of the book is Maltz's discussion of the relationship between the conscious and unconscious mind. He argues that our conscious mind is like the captain of a ship, while our unconscious mind is like the crew. If the captain gives the crew the wrong instructions, the ship will go off course. Similarly, if our conscious mind sends the wrong messages to our unconscious mind, we will experience failure and frustration.

Maltz provides a number of exercises and techniques for programming our unconscious mind for success. These include focusing on positive affirmations, using mental imagery, and practicing relaxation techniques.

Overall, "Psycho-Cybernetics and Self Fulfillment" is a thought-provoking and inspiring book that offers a fresh perspective on the relationship between the mind and success. While some of the techniques and language may seem dated to modern readers, the underlying principles remain as relevant as ever.

One potential downside of the book is that it can be somewhat repetitive at times. Maltz spends a lot of time emphasizing the importance of self-image and visualization, which can become a bit tedious for readers who are already familiar with these concepts.

Another potential criticism of the book is that it can be overly simplistic in its approach to achieving success. While Maltz provides a number of useful techniques for visualization and self-improvement, he does not address the structural or systemic barriers that can prevent people from achieving their goals.

Despite these limitations, "Psycho-Cybernetics and Self Fulfillment" is a valuable resource for anyone who is interested in personal growth and self-improvement. The book provides practical tools and techniques for changing your self-image and achieving your goals, and it is written in an engaging and accessible style that makes it easy to understand and apply.

[Bisher Tarazi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book thinks I've always thought about but Maxwell opens my eyes about the action point, I am sharing some headline with you below:

- What happened has happened whether it was good or a disaster, they were lessons that you should learn from them, not a thing that makes you scared anymore.
- I've always said that if you want to learn something or want to get the challenge, be there in the middle of everything, the worst-case scenario you already paid it before, this is the best way to learn.
- I will always ask my self if my fears are in the right place, what If someone else was in my place how I can be honest with him and advise him ??
- As the cranberries say, it's in your head
- Don't go deep into useless details, you will waste your time and efforts.
- Don't go too much for the idealism, you have to have a part of it but having more than 80% meaning that there's something wrong in you.
- No Action = No Lesson = No Results
- Wear other shoes before judging them.

[Nikkers · Rating 2 out of 5]

Acronyms and lists. Acronyms and lists. And more Acronyms and lists... sigh... couldn't get a flow going

[Desirée Beltrán · Rating 4 out of 5]

Le daría un 3,5 ⭐ porque al final el libro pierde peso y se vuelve para mi gusto más espiritual (ojo, no tiene nada de malo esto, pero abusar de las referencias a Dios para sostener una teoría me suele generar rechazo) El inicio y la propuesta me enganchó, en una tarde me había leído 100 páginas sin darme cuenta.

Lo valoro de forma positiva porque después de leer bastante hacía tiempo que no leía ningún libro de desarrollo personal que realmente dijera algo nuevo y que ofreciera un punto de vista distinto al refrito y reciclaje que solemos encontrar en otros libros de este tipo, que en realidad solo condensan con otras palabras las teorías y propuestas de los grandes libros de desarrollo personal.

Una pena que al final del libro los ejemplos se me hiciesen pesados y perdiese el interés. Una vez que has entendido los conceptos principales, el resto puede resultar algo repetitivo o incluso "paja". Igualmente lo recomiendo. Es muy guay que un cirujano plástico ofrezca una teoría sobre la autoimagen tan sólida.

[Ryan Barretto · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the books that seemed to have already noted down my thoughts.

The writing style is simple and very little complex language is used. This is a key point for me. The exercises given in the book are also superb for reflection.

If you were to add in today's information on emotional intelligence and neuroscience, you will see how it fits neatly into what the book is trying to teach you. This line "In order to feel something for someone, you have to stop and think." is one of the many that made me do just that, throughout the book.

This book is for anyone who is interested in seriously developing themselves deeply, possibly beyond the readers of Seven habits and similar books. I suggest you take your time when reading, and not try to finish it quickly.

I'll be repeatedly referring to this book for a long while.

[Grazyna Nawrocka · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is one of the best books I have ever read in personal development. Connection between fear and lack of self-respect brings it all home. The ideas are very motivational and uplifting. Strangely enough the book has nothing to do with computers, but promotes gaining total control over one's self-image, emotions and future. I enjoyed the book immensely, and will work on applying wisdom gained from the author.

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got the wrong book. I meant to get Psycho-Cybernetics, no subtitle. This felt like it relied on context of another book. It had a listicle format in the first half and then common questions the author received from readers of Psycho-Cybernetics. So, I gleaned some value, but I definitely need to read the original book! And I will. This one--felt like he was reliant and stretching out and elaborating based on success of original book.

[Mikael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uma aula sobre mentalidade. As viradas de chave presentes neste livro são transformadoras. O autor apresenta ferramentas de altíssimo valor para que possamos ter uma vida melhor, mais plena, e, principalmente, mais autônoma.

[Derek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Top tier book for self-development and becoming a better person. It is particularly about developing a healthy self-image and using it to become a better person. I'll think about this stuff for a while.

[Marius Craiu · Rating 5 out of 5]

The self image is one of the most important concept!

[Shane Chapa · Rating 5 out of 5]

All time fave!

[Natalia Luneva · Rating 4 out of 5]

for some reason couldn't finish. maybe wrong time. need to approach again later in life.

[Murat Kurt · Rating 5 out of 5]

arayıpta bulamadığım kitap

[Fábio Novo Paccola · Rating 4 out of 5]

mal n faz

[Rodrigo Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

No saben cuanto me ayudo este libro a entender como poder hacer funcionar mi disciplina en muchos aspectos. Y como acarrear mis objetivos poco a poco 9/10.

[Does It Matter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helped me a lot

[David Ferrers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of the first self help books that I ever read, it made a powerful impression on me. It was my starter for a lifetime of searching for ways to improve my own performances. Above the entrance to the Oracle of Delphi there is an inscription that reads, "Know thyself." That has been my life's work and this book was largely responsible for setting me off on the journey. It made me realise that I needed a powerful self image if I was to become what I could become.

David Ferrers, Author of SWAP, The Best Way to Make Your Dreams Come True

[Juanita Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have ever wondered, but don't understand, why Michael Jackson got so many surgeries read this book. Maxwell Maltz was not only an American cosmetic surgeon he also had his doctorate in psychology.

Twenty-seven years ago, in 1986 my son was diagnosed at sick kids hospital with ADHD. Self-esteem is one of the many struggles encountered by children and young adults (especially those with disabilities). I bought and read anything and everything for self improvement and positive thinking that I could get my hands on. This book explains how the mind operates.

This book is excellent for anyone who has a family member who is convinced what isn't is. Anyone who has read this book will understand the following sentence:
I do not recommend this book for someone suffering from such a dilemma as they won't believe a word it says.

[Will · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very, very interesting book. In general, I was blown away by all the practical tips and strategies for optimizing your mental conditioning for success and happiness. My online gripe is the book slips into stereotypical "self-help linguistics" every now and then, where Maltz will make bold claims about the implications of some principle and then give evidence for this statement by writing something along the lines of "science now shows us that..." There were very few occasions where a scientist, university, or scientific experiment was referenced by name. Having said that, most of Maltz's claims are quite logical, and definitely provoke the desire for further investigation. Great book overall.

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a life-changing book read in 1972. Dr Maxwell Maltz was way ahead of his time. Today, championship athletes and others practice what was once considered only "pop" psychology at best.

[Vaiibhav Nigam · Rating 3 out of 5]

A self help book that changes the prospective of the human mind. A good read

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author remained fairly vague throughout most of the book and kept repeating himself. It was difficult to find practical pieces of advice.

[Nathan Logan]

amazing knowledge about how the brain works!