No New Ideas

Discover a deeper understanding of self-help and a better means to help yourself through this historical inquiry into the roots of some of society’s best ideas for living well. Matthew Israel always found the latest self-help trends captivating, but his experience as a historian led him to question the hype. Diving into the fascinating histories behind nine of the most well-known self-help ideas in American culture today—such as practicing gratitude, cultivating joy, and the idea that exercise is therapy—Israel guides readers through a wide range of wisdom, from ancient philosophy to Buddhism, Christianity, psychology, and twentieth-century Black and feminist thought. The book is rich in takeaways we can all apply in your life, including these nine best ideas for living well: Exercise for your mindQuestion productivityPractice gratitudeIncorporate memento moriSimplify your lifeStudy BuddhismRead philosophyFind community and celebratePracticeThrough analysis of some of the best advice ever given, No New Ideas offers fresh support for these “new” ideas by understanding their historical roots. Learn to trust each self-help strategy more and feel compelled to apply their lessons to your daily life, as the author does himself within this captivating and inspiring journey.