Book Shelf Space Allocation and Society (We’re in Trouble) Part One

—George Carlin

I frequent my local big bookseller chain store on a regular basis.  I love books. Namely, I love philosophy (and bargain books with pictures of tanks and maps of the Western Front.) I consider the study of philosophy a serious hobby of mine.  The majority of my undergraduate credits have the prefix code of PHIL.  When I’m sad I read Emerson, when I feel invincible I read Nietzsche, I consider Schopenhauer and Kant close friends.  Some people watch sports, I read Willy James.

My homeboy.

I mention my affinity for philosophy because I’m troubled by what seems to be the constantly shrinking shelf-space dedicated to the love of wisdom.  My local bookseller has thirteen shelves devoted to Christianity, two shelves of Bibles, five New Age/Spirituality, and (oh, geez) fifteen to Self-help. Philosophy garners about one-and-a-half shelves at best.  Of those one-and-a-half shelves, toss (and I’m being conservative) half of that to silliness. Silliness includes titles such as Seinfeld and Philosophy and anything written by Ayn Rand.

Next time you’re at a big box bookseller, check out the self-help isle(s).  Put on your critical-thinking glasses and randomly pick up a few titles.  You’ll find that an uncomfortable amount of books are authored by people whose credentials include backpacking in Napal and 6 years teaching at the Center for the Advancement of Human Spirituality, Understanding, and Unity, somewhere in New Mexico.

Much of the Self-Help section, along with New Age/Spirituality and Christianity, is a scam or disingenuous, at best.

Here’s the thing: human problems are complex. Anyone offering a solution that’s simple and in book form is appealing, I admit.  But saying “Everything happens for a reason” doesn’t make it so. Neither does making unfalsifiable claims such as, “You create your reality.”   Further, soliciting inspiration from quotes, taken out of context, by people who sound important is a great way to sell books and make you feel smart.  Because, you know, you’ve heard of Ghandi, Plato, and Marcus Aurellius before.  By using faulty psychology, pseudo-philosophy and appealing book covers with plenty of testimonials (from people who may or may not exist), many people are duped into believing that spending just $29.99 on the latest Self-help bestseller and a trip to the bookstore (or a few clicks of the mouse) will empower you to change your life…for realz this time.

Self-help offers us a sense of some control in an otherwise chaotic world.  We feel empowered. Who doesn’t want to feel empowered and in control? Our concern is that we shouldn’t depend on shoddy information dependent on anecdotes and testimonials.  We must challenge ourselves to examine our relationship with the world in a more personal, pragmatic, and authentic way. The big guys (and gals) of philosophy, humanities, and the social sciences are the way to go.   Check out Part II next week to find out why.

Good shit right 'ere.

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