I Was Blind But Now I See: Time to Be Happy

by James Altucher

We've been brainwashed. We need to acknowledge this. We need to recognize who has been doing the brainwashing and work towards reversing its effects. Then, building from the core, we can learn who we really are, get success, wealth, and finally happiness. This book lays out the techniques to escape the zombie recruitment machine, expanding our personal frontiers, and finding the tools to build up the wealth of happiness inside.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Business, Personal Development, Psychology, Entrepreneurship, Economics

172 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

James Altucher is a writer, successful entrepreneur, chess master, and investor.

He has founded over 20 companies and sold some of them for large exits. He has also run venture capital funds, hedge funds, angel funds, and currently sits on the boards of many companies.

He has written and been profiled in most major national media publications like the Wall Street Journal, The Financial Times, CNBC, Forbes, and Business Week.

His blog, which began by detailing Altucher's precipitous fall from wealth and success to absolute rock bottom and then back to wealth, has attracted more than 10 million readers since its launch in 2010, and in 2011 inspired a comic book.

Reviews

[Derek · Rating 1 out of 5]

This just might be the most pointless book I have ever read. I don't want to be mean, but Altucher's outlook on the world is incredibly simplistic and his recommended solutions to the world's greatest problems usually involve nothing more than "don't do it" or "abolish it." The entire book is basically an angry rant.

The first half of this book was so frustrating to read, I almost stopped. Here are just a few examples of his recommendations.

Problem: Academia burdens students with a massive debt. Many new students go into college with no idea what they want to do for a career. I agree.

Solution: Don't go to college. Altucher's lawyer only prints off legal forms for the author to fill out. The author asks if that isn't something he could have learned on the job. (This is chock full of problems. Just off the top of my head: 1) His experience with his lawyer does not reflect the breadth of his lawyer's capabilities or knowledge. 2) Nearly all professions require some previous knowledge that can't be learned on the spot. I, for one, wouldn't want to be admitted to a hospital only to find my life depends on a doctor who is getting on-the-job training, but has been too busy thus far to study any medical texts -- doctors don't have loads of free time when at the hospital.)

Problem: U.S. Presidents have been largely incompetent. Their ability to affect change is extremely limited, being largely confined to making recommendations to the U.S. Congress and trying to shape the legislative agenda. (The author fails to mention that the President is in charge of the managing the entire federal bureaucracy and appoints his own cabinet, which is then approved by Congress.) The President and Congress are ineffective. I agree.

Solution: Abolish the Executive Branch and Legislative Branch. Instead we will have an internet voting system to pass every single bill. (This is just plain absurd. Who will write the bill? Who will suggest the bills? How will Americans have time to sit and read these bills, especially considering that most bills are hundreds of pages long and require legal opinions? Who is ultimately responsible for the federal government?)

Problem: Unemployment is crippling the country. I agree.

Solution: "Rather than taxing the middle class... why don't we figure out incentives for the 6 million private businesses to simply hire one more person each." (So... his solution to solving unemployment is to employ people. Does he think this isn't obvious? I can't believe I bought a book that acts like this is a novel suggestion.)

The second half of the book is designed to give the reader practical advice. This section is WAY too long because Altucher often takes the opportunity to go on long-winded angry rants and use unnecessarily graphic language (oozing pus). Essentially, his advice is:
Try and be happy;
Get rid of things that make you unhappy;
Try to make your day as smooth as possible (I completely disagree with this attempt to make things comfortable and easy);
Cut "crappy people" out of your life;
Be honest;
Wake up early;
And stop being so angry.

So the secret to being happy is to wake up early, don't hang around "crappy people," and just be happy. This isn't exactly mind-blowing information.

Now Altucher does make two decent suggestions. He recommends renting instead of buying a house because the housing market is wildly unpredictable and not worth the risk of going underwater. He also has some great advice for people who have been fired, such as establishing a network of past business contacts, cutting daily expenses, and keep a daily routine to stay busy. Despite these being kind of obvious, I agree, but these 5 or so pages do not make up for the 160+ I had hit on something relatively insightful. Altucher is in dire need of an editor/proofreader.

Oh, and he also says that people who criticize his works must have been molested or otherwise had a terrible childhood. That's certainly not the case with me, and I'm shocked a self-help author would be so dismissive and wildly inappropriate.

[Byron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Warning: I get the sense that this is mostly just a collection of blog posts. It didn't say anywhere in the book, but I notice in some places he didn't bother to edit where he refers to "this blog," "this post," so on and so forth. You could probably read most if not all of this for free via the Internets, rather than paying the $2 or whatever it costs at Amazon. Then there's the fact that the writing is often irreverent and unpolished, like a good blog post. You might find this to be a problem! No but really, I think I enjoyed this a lot more than I would have had it been written by someone who actually knows anything about personal development, health and wellness, career strategy and what have you. Altucher mostly just draws from his own personal experience, and the good thing is that he's clearly batshit. He's had more success than everyone, and he's experienced more failure than everyone except me, and he's lived to tell about it - but he's way worse for the wear.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warning: You might develop a short-lived crush on an author while reading his book. There. I said it. You've been warned.

I found the book funny, useful, and thought-provoking... especially the parts about limiting the input of "crappy people" and questioning many tenants of the "American religion" (e.g. everyone should go to college, buy a house, etc.). The best parts, however, were the lessons learned from various entrepreneurial start-ups and failures. Anyone who owns a business will appreciate these parts.

Yes, the book is a compilation of blog posts and it is stupidly/superficially criticized for minor grammar mistakes. So what? The content is great. On the topic of "crappy people", I've taken some immediate steps that have happily reduced my exposure to negativity...and red-penned grammar freaks.

Overall, this is a book about thinking and acting differently than the mainstream...a practice I encourage!

[Ian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun book. It is a series of his blog posts on many different life subjects, such as whether to own a house or rent (his take: He'd rather shoot himself in the head with a shotgun then have a mortgage again), whether to attend college (they're scams), and how to succeed in life (do something new every day, start a business, etc.) I don't agree with nearly all of his advice, and he is prone to hyperbole, but his writing is always engaging, his self-honesty is incredible (he truly bleeds on the page when discussing the multiple times he's gone bankrupt, his divorce, losing tens of millions of dollars he earned, and so on). All in all, he's an amazing man, an amazing writing, and in some ways a freak of nature. Definitely worth a read. One of the strangest and most personal self-help books you'll ever encounter.

FYI: You can get it e-mailed to you free if you sign up on his website: http://www.jamesaltucher.com/

[J.F. Penn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the 2nd half of this but it's worth skipping over some of the rants. There's gold in there but you have to dig. I agree with a lot of what he says so it's kind of preaching to the converted. Self help for a blogging generation.

[C.H.E. Sadaphal · Rating 2 out of 5]

Remember Dennis Miller's "rants" on his HBO series. This book is a very long "rant" with no real support to stand on. It gives one man's opinions and frustrations about the world with no genuine resolve. The section on self-publishing a book is helpful.

[Nela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why am I so enamored with James Altucher? One. Despite what he says, he is a genius, with an IQ way above most people we interact with on a daily basis. Two. He has both right and left sides of the brain developed. That's rare. Three. James loves to read. My respect. Four. He is honest. Brutally, terrifyingly, unreasonably, completely honest. He will tell you things about his life, both inner and social, that most people would never dare to do. I know only one other person on this planet who does the same. My respect for that also. It takes balls. Five. He is an idea machine who (that) encourages us to become idea machines too. "List all the things you've ever been interested in in your life. See which ones you can combine." Who ever asks you this? Who encourages you to stretch your mind in this way? Your co-workers? Your friends? Drinking or shopping buddies? Neighbors? Family? These are the parts of our lives that make us grow, these moments where we get to explore who we are and also who we are becoming (and who we can become). How beautiful to take the time to explore this. I am grateful to be on the receiving end of this advice. Now my brain is busy with what I will put on my list. Six. James has picked for his spouse an incredibly intelligent woman, someone who is his peer and whose accomplishments he is proud of. And he says this regularly, not only in this book. How many people do we know who are married to their intellectual peer? Someone who we also can look up to? Someone whose lifestyle or life philosophy we admire? Who we can learn from? My respect to him for this also. Listen to their "Ask Altucher" podcast and hear for yourself; great dynamic there between the two. Seven. He is really funny, actually both witty and funny. The stuff he writes about is serious, but he gives a hilarious take on many episodes in his life and pokes fun at himself. Eight. He will challenge many things you hold dear, your life philosophies, the way you were programmed since childhood, your values and the entire system of values that you know and that is part of your existence as the human you know yourself to be. And he will tell you to challenge and question everything, to start from scratch, to free yourself from all you have been programmed to believe to be true. This is the uncomfortable part. But what an exercise in growth! Nine. He will take you on the long and painful journey from failure to success in all of its complicated curves, ups and downs, the excruciating moments when everything hurt and when he thought he could not go on for one more day. And then he will show you, example by example, how he re-created everything, he will teach you his daily practice, and he will do it in a very hands-on way. Practical, easy to understand, and impossible to say "I can't" to. This is free advice, and you'd be wise to listen and take notes. And finally ten. James Altucher gets it. He's not living in a rarified atmosphere, oblivious to the real world, he is not insulated from pain, and moreover he exposes that pain so it seems more banalized, because he makes it appear smaller than what we imagine it to be, he takes it out and examines it from every angle, and then he says, you know what? Fuck that. I can do better. I can overcome it. I can b e c o m e a better human being. I can strive to become one every single day. And I can start today, and keep at it. Be persistent. Be bold. Have balls to pick myself up, and keep going. And all the while respect this life we have, the time we have left on this planet. End of review. Just get the goddamn book. It's a good read, and it will definitely make you think. And write more lists. And get you one step closer to becoming a better human being. That's my opinion.

[Pete Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

A concise, quirky, fantastic read. I'm a huge fan of Altucher's blog and while he makes it clear that the book is merely a collection of blog posts, it flows smooth enough and has his classic whit and humor. I have him to thank for waking me up from a depression that was induced by what he calls the American Religion (which tells you things like, you have to go to college, you have to buy a home, etc).

He brings refreshing truth and creative thoughts. While this might typically be labeled "self-help" Altucher himself states that it is not meant to be so. It is a great mix of personal stories and practical suggestions on living (called the Daily Practice) that have worked wonders for Altucher.

I'd highly recommend pairing this book with Sam Harris' short essay on Lying. Having read them back to back, they offer a wonderful reminder that honesty and truthfulness is rare in the world around us. And if we are bold enough to break free and speak truth, we will come alive in a way we might not have thought possible. It is already beginning to work for me and true freedom is becoming more and more of an everyday reality.

[Charlie · Rating 4 out of 5]

If You have at any point in your life decided to be really ambitious and live by external goals rather than things you value, this book may serve as a very effective warning. James Altucher doesn't explicitly say that this kind of goal driven, success orientated lifestyle is bad, but he does warn that what is often conventionally sought after can leave a person devoid of what they thought they were doing it all for: happiness.

I really liked the book because it was down to earth, i.e. written in such a way as if it wasn't considered gospel by the author. Some of the ideas are serious food for thought for anyone on the verge of going into the rat race and his 'daily practice' has, i've found, been very helpful for keeping consistent happiness in each day.
I should finally say that part of the reason I rank this book so high is that I think the author is an authority on this given his history in terms of pursuing and finding the 'successful' life, losing it all and finding it again.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I mentioned in my other review of Mr. Altucher's work that I purchased 2 of his books. I will be upgrading "How to be the Luckiest...." to 2 stars after finishing it. I love books, so if it's around I'll read it, even if I'm not a fan of the writing style.

So that brings me to this book. I'm on page 43 and again I'm converted back to a fan of James Altucher's insight, and writing style.

This book still reads like it may have been copy pasted from his blog. But, the manner in which it comes across for some reason connects much differently than the other book.

This book will make you reconsider the world and your place in it. It's practical and poignant so far, and if it continues throughout I'll leave the 4 star rating as is.

We are in a great need for a shift in paradigm, and this book is one of many books out there that offer just that to it's readers.

Thanks James.

[Dennis Mitton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book with a gaping hole...

In the first part of the book - which I liked - Altucher preaches against believing whatever you're told. He writes a little about parents and grandparents and stresses repeatedly that moderns are bombarded in a thunderstorm of messages about what makes us happy. "Of course, you're sad and lonely," a commercial says. "You need a WARM CUP OF TOMATO SOUP to make you feel like life has meaning again. See this good looking mom? She's having a cup of soup and is clearly all put together! Look at you? Still in sweatpants? Head on down to the grocery a get a can so you can be a happy gal too!" He harps A LOT about how, for most people, college is a waste of time. And he's positive that banking and buying a home is the greatest ruse ever foisted on humanity.

Truthfully, though, and I like this; he's not telling you to swear off these things. Instead, he is only asking that you consider them before you sign on as a devotee. In this first part, he deftly steps through the brainwashing every person alive has lived under since the day they were born. When that's complete, he outlines the Religion of America whereby we believe truths because we are brainwashed to do so. It's a circle.

In the second half of the book, he takes these tenets of the Religion of America and explains why they're all bunk. I expected a more nuanced argument, bringing up points and facts you might not have considered, but instead, he pretty much calls you a dope for buying into this mess. Seems in contradiction to the first half to me.

Overall, it's a good and worthy book, but I think he fails in two ways.

The first is glaring. I haven't read other reviews but know I'm not the first to see this. In the middle of his diatribe about logic and effect and testing he defines 'hapiness' as the most important thing a human achieves. I guess readers are supposed to acquiesce to this because everyone wants to be happy? But is a murderer happiest when murdering? Is a molester happiest when molesting? So, in a book about logic and clear thinking, I have to reject the assertion that happiness is the pinnacle of an individual's achievement.

Running down that rabbit trail, he seems to equate the best outcome with the most happiness. It's a weird logic to me.

[beauxmots · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/4 stars
Interesting read and different than the usual self-help books you read. I appreciate Altucher's honesty and he also has a good podcast. His views are a bit different but I like how he talks about his life with honesty and is not afraid to talk about it. the book had a lot of typos but maybe that was the point he was making. Some parts of the book were captivating but then towards the end you just wanted to finish it. Like any book, you have to be in the mood to read it. I liked his ideas about creating ideas and the daily practice and to avoid crappy people. These are the key takeaways. If you like Altucher's other work then this book is for you; if you want a different spin on self help, this would also be included. I originally thought Altucher sounded arrogant and it was surprising as he's not that in his podcast, but if you continue you reading you'll realize he's just sharing his thoughts, and that's it. I'd like to read a couple of his other books, as well.

[Robert · Rating 3 out of 5]

A stream of consciousness, I Was Blind But Now I See is a quick and entertaining read. James relays several life stories that put things into perspective, which I believe most people often lack in day to day life. Along with his perspective, he outlines a Daily Practice focused on making progress across physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual realms, plus his sage advice to stop engaging with crappy people.

This was worth the effort and I feel more inspired having read it.

Recommend.

[sumayya · Rating 5 out of 5]

James has a unique style that is easy to understand and relate with !

I feel james has analytical mind and writes straight from his heart ....I listened to his Ted talk and eversince,I have read most of what he has written .I thoroughly like it! We all should "Choose our selves" !

[Wristband · Rating 3 out of 5]

James on James - bits & pieces had me laughing out loud.

[Matthijs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Got the book because James is one of my favourite bloggers/authors. In the book the author attempts two things. First, he tries to create some awareness about a wide variety of issues that we take for granted/as normal without actually considering why. For instance, he argues against students going to college or owning a home (as opposed to renting one) and uses clear cut arguments and mentions alternatives to make his point. Although I don't agree with him on every point, I can totally appeal to the underlying idea that people get stuck to a paradigm without questioning it. For example with regard to owning a house, people expect safety and a solid investment when buying one - both have proven to be totally off the last decade - but probably the most influential reason for buying a home is because your parents did it, and their parents did it and their parents did it...
Secondly, the author describes how to deal with the awareness and to get the confidence/strength to do things in your own way. He mentions four 'pillars' that represent you as a human being and elaborates on them but rather briefly.

It's a very entertaining read, there is a lot of humour, the author is brutally honest towards himself, almost to the extent of self-destruction, and expresses some very strong anecdotes to support his ideas. The author is a serialentrepreneur, investor, trader, programmer and amateur psychologist who went from poor to very rich to very poor to rich and to poor again and writes about his experiences along the way and a very strong anecdotal form.
I really liked the book, but could not give it 5 stars because of the X reasons.
First, the book is a bit sloppy written. It's more or less a collection of his blog posts and he did not even bother to adapt some of them: in some parts he mentions "this blog" or "in another post". There are a lot of typing errors as well. Kind of makes me feel everything was rushed and little regard was held towards the reader.
Secondly, James contradicts himself rather often. For instance, his 'Daily Practice' (to happiness) embodies living a healthy, balanced life that should be centred around what's most important according to your principles and values. Nonetheless, he has a very commercial mind and regularly writes conflicting things. For instance, he argues that to be happy follow the daily practice of doing sports, eating healthy, sleep, read, engage in spiritual activities, spend time with friends and family while you also would have to work 10-12 hours a day to make money (this guy is all about making money).

[Sherri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about Stephanie Rische, who tried to find someone to fall in love with, but always came up empty. She comes across many uncomfortable situations, but amidst it all finds that God is with her in every step she takes.

I found this book to be a step beyond the tradition single girl looking for love book, in which it doesn't necessarily focus on what you as a singleton is doing wrong. Rather, it is focusing on creating a relationship with God, despite the pitfalls of dating that may come your way.

Even though I'm currently married, I went thru many of the situations Stephanie encountered. Well, not nearly all the dreadful blind dates, but the years of singleness. The wondering of if I will ever meet Mr. Right. I found that the way that Rische wrote was enlightening and a delight to read. She made it as though we were best friends and she was sharing her struggles in her quest of finding her mate.

When I selected this book, I knew of several friends who are still on the dating quest. There is one friend in particular, whom I believe would find this book a delight. It will give her courage and aware, that finding Mr. Right shouldn't be the sole purpose in life. Accepting yourself with all the good things you can do to share with Him and others, is just as wonderful.

I received this book from Tyndale Blog Network in exchange for an honest review.

[Uwe Hook · Rating 4 out of 5]

James Altucher is one of my favorite bloggers. His book has a refreshing perspective on many "sacred cows". It's honest, enlightening, and healthy. Altucher discussed accepted and taken for granted area of our lives - thoroughly review it from every angle - and then make the decision that it is working or not working for us. It is honest, enabling and at this point in our lives, a much needed process. He touches on such subjects as the need for colleges, buying a house, and life in a corporate cubicle. An analogy is that of taking everything out of the house and putting it on the front yard. Then deciding on each and every item before taking it back into your house. The author's point is that just because an outdated belief is promoted or handed down to you years ago, does not entitle it a place in your life. A great read to start the year.

[Raf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great James Altucher book! I appreciate his willingness and courage to challenge the status quo. James goes against the grain in stating that things such as owning a house is a really bad idea and investment or there are better alternatives than wasting your money on college. James exposes the “American Religion” which overstates the need to be super successful in regards to owning material possessions and working a corporate job that you hate. I also appreciate his chapter on obstacles to success and dealing with crappy people. What I love most about reading James Altucher’s books, blogs, and listening to his podacasts is his charge to think outside the box. As with any of Altucher’s books, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain from his insights.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I must have picked this up in an Amazon sale. It was a decent book, with some decent advice, and then a lot of really crappy advice. Mostly I feel like this guy was expressing himself and that he genuinely wants to help other people. The advice I thought was most useful was that about dealing with people that you don't like . People who are crappy to you. Luckily, his method of dealing with them and mine are the same so I didn't learn a lot there. I dunno it was okay. If you're troubled by being overly compassionate to people who suck or if you are over involved with a lot of current issues, this book might help you.

[Grace · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've been reading Altucher's blog off and on now for some time. This book is his blog... but bound up and charged for. A summary could be put as, "I bought into the dreams and lies they believe in and shared with me. I'm sorely disappointed in myself, so I'm warning you to not fall for it."

You want to know the details? Just read it on his blog. It's pretty much self-help anyway with a healthy dose of commiserating with a guy who just happened to figure it and do something about it.

This isn't to say it's all bad. It's just not what I was hoping for. It's pretty much regurgitated stuff from his website.

[Stefan Kanev · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was an interesting experience.

I had it on my kindle for ages. I'm not sure who recommended it to me, but apparently I thought it was a good recommendation and went ahead and bought it. It sat there for years, until I finally decided to start reading it.

For a while I was ambivalent. I couldn't make up my mind whether this book was genius or bullshit. Finally I started leaning towards the former.

There are a bunch of interesting ideas and some good advice, but where this book really shines is the writing. It's not edited greatly (typos, weird grammar, some repetition), but it is brutally honest. By the end I has the urge to pick up another book from James Altucher.

[Michael Crump · Rating 2 out of 5]

Felt like a bunch of repurposed blog posts shoved into a book. James repeats himself over and over about 1) no need for college 2) don't buy a house 3) you don't need a corporate job and more. He pounds on all of his failures from divorce, businesses, jobs, etc. He tries to provide what he found was the solution: 1) Don't engage with crappy people 2) Be creative every day 3) focus on the inside vs. outside 4) fight the fear 5) use the power of negative thinking 6) don't be an animal anymore. This book is ok to read alongside another one or if you're bored on a flight. I would recommend buying it as he says nothing that hasn't been said before if you read any self-help books.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

James Altucher is pretty funny, in a shock jock kind of way. He's not profane or anything, he just likes to slay unlikely sacred cows, and that makes him interesting to read. He's also very transparent and self-deprecating, although it's probably skewed for comedic effect.

The content is enjoyable and engaging, and at 99 cents for the Kindle version it's hard to complain. Still, I'd rather pay $1.99 (or whatever it takes, actually) and see the copy get properly edited. This book is so full of grammatical errors that it makes you feel like you're grading it.

[David Geschke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Close to a five star rating here, but to get that rating from me it would have to be a book I'd want to read over and over, not sure this qualifies. There's some information in this book that didn't resonate with me as well, but overall I really like his writing style and the fact that for what I consider a "self help" book the ideas presented within come from a different place than most authors. Certainly a worthwhile read. A LOT of great information and useful tips.

[Author Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interestering stories of his personal life on how he coped. He shares in a raw thought provoking honest way. His writing style and flavor is unique and funny. I appreciate all the shared insight from his life lessons. I believe he is genuine in wanting to help others. This books gives you a reason to re evaluate and look at things from a different view. James shares lot of useful tips and advise. I am a fan of his writing.

[Gerald Heath · Rating 4 out of 5]

I quite enjoyed this self-published self-help book by a man who has succeeded and failed on a large scale many times in his life. Some of his advice goes against the grain, such as "Don't buy a home", and "Don't go to college", but he actually makes a great deal of sense. My wife Betty and I both found this book inspiring.

[Mof · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots to love about this book.
Simple lists. The three goals in life: I want to be happy, I want to eliminate all unhappiness and I want every day to be as smooth as possible.
More practical are the ten hints for succeeding on the job. I would boil them down to three: make your boss look good, know all the secretaries and constantly test your value on the marketplace and leave.

[Christopher Arriola · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really fun to read and I found his writing style to be hilarious! If you read personal development books, there is no new principle/information you will learn here. If you internalize the concepts he writes about, however, it's extremely liberating.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

James Altucher reveals the lessons he learned about coping with the world and yourself. It is insightful and a very easy read. You will read the kind of truths that you can get behind, because they make sense.