Philosophy Discussion Forums | A Humans-Only Club for Open-Minded Discussion & Debate

[Sushan]

This topic is about the February 2023 Philosophy Book of the Month, Mark Victor Hansen, Relentless: Wisdom Behind the Incomparable Chicken Soup for the Soul by Mitzi Perdue



What is your overall opinion and rating of Mark Victor Hansen, Relentless: Wisdom Behind the Incomparable Chicken Soup for the Soul by Mitzi Perdue. What did you like about it? What did you dislike about it? Why? What did you learn new from the book?

What is your overall opinion about the book as a philosophical book?

[Kendal Low]

I reviewed this book a little while ago and really loved it. I learned a lot about how to stay determined and persist even when things seem a long way away. I rated the book 4 out of 5 stars; I would have given it the full 5 but I found some of the sentences/paragraphs slightly too wordy for my taste. Otherwise, the book was incredibly well-written and enjoyable!

[Sushan]

I reviewed this book a little while ago and really loved it. I learned a lot about how to stay determined and persist even when things seem a long way away. I rated the book 4 out of 5 stars; I would have given it the full 5 but I found some of the sentences/paragraphs slightly too wordy for my taste. Otherwise, the book was incredibly well-written and enjoyable!

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the book! It's great to hear that you found it valuable and inspiring in terms of determination and persistence. I can understand how some parts might have felt a bit wordy for your taste, but it's wonderful that you still appreciated the overall quality and writing style.

[Stoppelmann]

This topic is about the February 2023 Philosophy Book of the Month, Mark Victor Hansen, Relentless: Wisdom Behind the Incomparable Chicken Soup for the Soul by Mitzi Perdue

What is your overall opinion and rating of Mark Victor Hansen, Relentless: Wisdom Behind the Incomparable Chicken Soup for the Soul by Mitzi Perdue. What did you like about it? What did you dislike about it? Why? What did you learn new from the book?

What is your overall opinion about the book as a philosophical book?

This is one of those books that I bought and almost straight away I regretted it. Mitzi Perdue celebrates Mark Hansen like a saviour, but her choice of words betrays the moral she sees behind his work. To call the book “relentless,” which means unceasingly intense, or even harsh or inflexible, suggests a personality that is persistent like a trainer in a boot camp, constantly driving people on, harsh and severe, his aim is excellence as he defines it – financial success.

I tend to regard philosophy a bit like Epicurus: “Empty are the words of that philosopher who offers therapy for no human suffering. For just as there is no use for medical expertise if it does not give therapy for bodily diseases, so too there is no use in philosophy if it does not expel the suffering of the soul.” In that way there are aspects of Hansen that I would welcome, but not Perdue's portrayal and underlying moral.

[Sushan]

This topic is about the February 2023 Philosophy Book of the Month, Mark Victor Hansen, Relentless: Wisdom Behind the Incomparable Chicken Soup for the Soul by Mitzi Perdue

What is your overall opinion and rating of Mark Victor Hansen, Relentless: Wisdom Behind the Incomparable Chicken Soup for the Soul by Mitzi Perdue. What did you like about it? What did you dislike about it? Why? What did you learn new from the book?

What is your overall opinion about the book as a philosophical book?

This is one of those books that I bought and almost straight away I regretted it. Mitzi Perdue celebrates Mark Hansen like a saviour, but her choice of words betrays the moral she sees behind his work. To call the book “relentless,” which means unceasingly intense, or even harsh or inflexible, suggests a personality that is persistent like a trainer in a boot camp, constantly driving people on, harsh and severe, his aim is excellence as he defines it – financial success.

I tend to regard philosophy a bit like Epicurus: “Empty are the words of that philosopher who offers therapy for no human suffering. For just as there is no use for medical expertise if it does not give therapy for bodily diseases, so too there is no use in philosophy if it does not expel the suffering of the soul.” In that way there are aspects of Hansen that I would welcome, but not Perdue's portrayal and underlying moral.

I appreciate your honest opinion about the book and your perspective on the portrayal of Mark Hansen by Mitzi Perdue. It seems that the choice of words and the focus on financial success as a measure of excellence may have overshadowed the more positive aspects of Hansen's work for you.

Your reference to Epicurus highlights the importance of philosophy as a means of addressing human suffering and providing solace for the soul. It is essential for philosophical works to offer insights that contribute to the well-being and growth of individuals, rather than merely promoting material success.

It's understandable that you may not find the book as fulfilling or valuable from a philosophical standpoint if it doesn't align with your views on the purpose and goals of philosophy. In your response, you've raised important questions about what constitutes a truly meaningful philosophical work and the role of philosophy in our lives.

In light of your perspective, I encourage you to continue exploring other philosophical works that resonate more deeply with your values and understanding of human nature. Philosophy is a diverse field, and there are numerous thinkers and authors who offer insights into the human experience and the path to a fulfilling life.

[Victory Ositaorah]

In general this is a book that motivated and encouraged me that despite all failures there is no failure unless you decide to quit.

[Sushan]

In general this is a book that motivated and encouraged me that despite all failures there is no failure unless you decide to quit.

It's wonderful to hear that this book left a significant impact on you, particularly the empowering message that failure only occurs when one chooses to quit.

I'm interested to know if the book offered any unique philosophical insights or life lessons that stood out to you. Were there specific stories or sections in the book that particularly changed your perspective or approach to life's challenges?

Additionally, considering your appreciation of its motivational aspect, how well do you think the book integrated practical advice with philosophical depth? Did it manage to blend actionable tips with thought-provoking philosophical ideas?