In 1959, author and academic David J. Schwartz, Ph.D., introduced the world to “The Magic of Thinking Big”. Some refer to that work as a “success classic“.

In 1965 Schwartz followed up with “The Magic of Psychic Power” (!!) which was later retitled “The Magic of Self Direction”.

There’s something less than straightforward about an author who teaches us specifically and exactly how to think for ourselves. Nevertheless, here’s Schwartz in “… Self Direction”:

“Advice is everywhere and most of it is free. Your neighbor, your relatives, your associates, just about everyone you know is eager to advise you. You have perhaps a dozen or more unpaid voluntary “consultants” on your self-management staff. These consultants, even without your asking for it, advise you on everything from rearing children to caring for your health to making your investments.”

“Psychologically immature people follow the advice of these self-appointed consultants, who usually know little of what they talk about. Rather than trust their own judgment or seek the advice of a competent, trained person, these people listen to and follow suggestions of second-class people.”

- David J. Schwartz, Ph.D., 1965

By the way, I’m in the advisory business.

[tags]advice, success, psychic power[/tags]