Article image

10 Guiding Principles From Famous Self-Help Books

Often in life, we find ourselves at a crossroads, unsure of how to proceed. Self-doubt and uncertainty are common feelings that can hinder us from achieving our goals and finding fulfillment. Yet each one of us has the power to reclaim our lives from whatever hurdles may be holding us back, by embracing a positive attitude and being willing to work toward self-growth.

Fortunately, there is a bounty of wisdom available from authors who have dedicated their lives to the concept of personal development. From Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People to Rhonda Byrne’s The Secret, the advice found in many of these works can help us steer our lives in the direction we want to go, be it cultivating self-love, connecting more deeply with others, or rediscovering a sense of direction and purpose. To get started, here are 10 thoughtful quotes from some of the most famous self-help books out there.

You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you.
Dale Carnegie, “How to Win Friends and Influence People”

Share Quote

When men and women are able to respect and accept their differences then love has a chance to blossom.
John Gray, “Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus”

Share Quote

It is impossible to bring more into your life if you are feeling ungrateful about what you have.
Rhonda Byrne, “The Secret”

Share Quote

We have learned that the satisfaction of instincts cannot be the sole aim of our lives.
Alcoholics Anonymous, “Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions”

Share Quote

“I can’t afford it” shuts down your brain. “How can I afford it?” opens up possibilities, excitement, and dreams.
Robert T. Kiyosaki, “Rich Dad Poor Dad”

Share Quote

When defeat comes, accept it as a signal that your plans are not sound, rebuild those plans, and set sail once more toward your coveted goal.
Napoleon Hill, “Think and Grow Rich”

Share Quote

Focus on being productive instead of busy.
Timothy Ferriss, “The 4-Hour Workweek”

Share Quote

We are products of our past, but we don’t have to be prisoners of it.
Rick Warren, “The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For?”

Share Quote

Numb the dark and you numb the light.
Brené Brown, "Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead"

Share Quote

It is better to be hated for what you are than to be loved for what you are not.
André Gide, “Autumn Leaves”

Share Quote

Photo credit: Ben Molyneux/ Alamy Stock Photo

Author image
About the Author
Bennett Kleinman
Bennett is a staff writer at Optimism as well as a freelance comedy writer. He's based in New York City.
Play more header background
Play more icon
Daily Question
Fill in the blank: "He that can have ___ can have what he will." - Benjamin Franklin

More Inspiration

happiness theme icon

I found my place when I stopped looking for it.

separator icon
Mahershala Ali
motivation theme icon

The best friend is he that, when he wishes a person's good, wishes it for that person's own sake.

separator icon
Aristotle
hope theme icon

Words empowered by justice can never be silenced.

separator icon
Isabel Ibañez
love theme icon

Although the world is full of suffering, it is full also of the overcoming of it.

separator icon
Helen Keller
wisdom theme icon

I learned that you have to push away the demand of people's expectations by believing in your instincts.

separator icon
Stefano Pilati
happiness theme icon

I felt it shelter to speak to you.

separator icon
Emily Dickinson
motivation theme icon

I'm doing many different things to prepare for the inevitable failure of one of them.

separator icon
Jesse Eisenberg
hope theme icon

When you come out of the storm you won’t be the same person who walked in.

separator icon
Haruki Murakami
love theme icon

Real generosity toward the future lies in giving all to the present.

separator icon
Albert Camus
wisdom theme icon

April, dressed in all his trim, hath put a spirit of youth in everything.

separator icon
William Shakespeare
happiness theme icon

You can't lead the people if you don't love the people. You can't save the people, if you don't serve the people.

separator icon
Cornel West