041 - Betterment: How Hegel's True Infinity Provides a Rational Basis for Achievement

The Cunning of Geist

One of the original self-improvement books, "The Science of Getting Rich," (Wattles, 1910), was based on Hegelian principles. And no, it is not about money, but about achieving what one needs so one can accomplish what one is capable of in contributing to the goal of life itself.
Wattles states, "The object of life is development; and everything that lives has an inalienable right to all the development it is capable of attaining." And also, "the man who owns all he wants for the living of all he is capable of living is rich." The hugely successful 2006 book, "The Secret," was based on Wattles teachings.
In addition to Wattles book, this episode explores three other self-help motivational books in light of Hegel's philosophy:
- Think and Grow Rich, (Napoleon Hill, 1938)
- The Greatest Salesmen in the World (Og Mandino, 1968)
- Awaken the Giant Within (Tony Robbins, 1991)
The core Hegelian principle that there is an Absolute, and that life is about development, becoming and betterment is explored.
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