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Summary: "Looking Out For Number One" helped me look out for others!
Review: We have to take care of ourselves before we can be of much use to anyone else. In order to give, I need to have something to give. And Robert Ringer offers his advice on how to take care of yourself.He deals with friends, financial matters and romance, to name a few. He gives examples of his great triumphs, many of which he learned after his big time failures. While he accepts no irresponsible excuses, he still writes with empathy -- he knows he has made mistakes, too. And because he has risen above them, he has earned his right to advise his readers. His humor and ability to coin phrases are unbelievable! Many times I remind myself not to let the "Pop off mess up man" take over(read it and find out what that means). My favorite section of the book is his chapter on building a strong, solid financial life. Read it! And be entertained and taught at the same time.
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Summary: Elicits a Reality most want to deny; great book
Review: When I tried reading this book in college, I really couldn't relate. After a few years in the "jungle" (in my case NYC, financial difficulty, relationship problems), I felt that this book, unlike others which focus almost exclusively on positive, optimistic, and goal-seeking attitudes as answers to life, was on the money. Robert writes about value-for-value relationships (akin to the law of kharma/psychological reciprocity), and how this concept determines the outcome and rewards of relationships, whether love, friendship or employer. I have studied psychology, and have read more than twenty self-help books, and though this might be a little surprising (in the sense that people might find it cynical to an extent), I think there's so much truth to it. And because of the title, I found myself telling people "it's a good message - it's not about stepping on others." In fact, when one looks out for him/herself, that's when he can give or provide to someone else if he/she wants, and what he or she can give. So, it's also a message of independence. I've seen it happen where people help and give, sometimes giving what they cannot, and they end up frustrated, and things are worse than where they begin. Though the book might seem a bit cynical, I think it is on the money, and Robert was an author who could come forth and talk about reality (though I think we all need to escape it once in a while, or not focus on the negativity). I can related to a lot of what is in this book, though sometimes I do not want to believe in all of it - but it's reality. And I've found myself losing touch with it at the wrong times, and this book gives me a great message that will prepare me for future situations. Good job Robert.
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Summary: This book covers it all.
Review: Years ago I picked up this little gem because of its intriguing title. Over the years I've gone back and re-read it many times. I can honestly say that where I have failed (or succeeded) in life it was because of my adherence, or lack thereof, of the basic, universal truths which Ringer has elaborated in his book. Ringer did not invent these principles--just as Newton did not invent gravitaion. Ringer covers all the bases: personal relationships, money, work, and the importance of striving to see the world as it is--not as we might like it to be. If you are unhappy, dissatisfied, or wonder why things are not quite the way you would like them to be, then chances are that you will find an answer in this book.
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Summary: Looking Out for Number One in your love life as well.
Review: Yes I have read the book. I believe it is excellent. I was skeptical at first coming from a religious background that says we should put others over self. I found this book to have nothing to do with religion-bashing or anything of the sort. I particularly found the chapter(s) on relationships (love) useful. His many theories are either (a) insightful or (b) amusing. I agree with the previous poster that it is mostly slanted toward men but women could find it helpful I believe. I especially like the theory called: One-hundred-slaps-in-the-face-is-worth-one-in-the-sack. I find myself repeating this theory when I get rejected and I don't feel so crushed afterwards, because one day (soon after the figurative "one hundred slaps") I will get my "one in the sack." I don't recommend the hit and run method but I could see it still working today. What it is is that you see someone walking down the street and you quickly find a place to park and start talking to them. Ringer says it worked at times for his friend but he admittedly was not brazen enough to try it himself. If the person does not want to talk to you, you just keep going and wait to you meet someone else.
Respectfuly,
WK
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