The first self-help book looks to have contributed to the still-present notion that we are solely responsible for our own self-improvement. Samuel Smiles’ book “Self-Help” teaches its readers that wealth, rank, and education have nothing to do with moral excellence nor do they automatically hand you life on a silver platter. Smiles also glorifies work, and says that working for the sake of working is the ticket to success. This blends together into a book that aims to motivate, but instead likely makes people shame themselves and others. Read full article here
