Self-Help Is The Highest Grossing Category Of All Time.

But where did it start, and how did we end up with modern-day self-help gurus and philosophers?

Find out in the Abridged History Of Self-Help:

(Thread)

Sebayt

Originating in Egypt and meaning instruction or teaching. It is the earliest form of self-help. In the sense that Sebayt writings are meant to impart a "way of living truly" through ethical wisdom.

Eudaimonia

Originating in Greece, and means to live well in a state of flourishing. It was considered by Aristotle to be the highest human good. The highest human good is a philosophical concept of essentially finding what you are meant to do and doing it with excellence.

Epicureanism

Greek philosophy was founded by Epicurus that believes pleasure and happiness are the chief goals in life. Not to be confused with Hedonism, the individual is the center of their world and friendship is of the highest importance.

Stoicism

Founded by Greek Zeno and most often associated with Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelias, Stoicism works to achieve Eudaimonia through Virtue Ethics. Characterized by a rational perspective of reality that promotes a tranquil state. And backed by a strong sense of duty.

Confucianism

Originating in China, the philosopher Confucius taught respect for ancestors, a duty to society, and living a moral and peaceful life. Known for the Golden Rule: "Do not do unto others what you would not want others to do unto you.

Transcendentalism

Developed in America and adhered to by Emerson and Thoreau, transcendentalism adheres to the belief that the divine is in all things - including us. It places a high value on living in harmony without prejudice. Later, it was roughly associated with Pragmatism.

Modern Self Help

Napoleon Hill, Tony Robbins, and Brene Brown are a few examples of modern self-help. Characterized by many disciplines incorporated into frameworks that improve the human condition. Often focused on variations of mindfulness and habit-building.

TL;DR

The Abridged History Of Self-Help

• Sebayt

• Eudaimonia

• Epicureanism

• Stoicism

• Confucianism

• Transcendentalism

• Modern Self-Help