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The Big Picture: 11 Laws that Will Change Your Life
Part Tony Robbins, part Mehmet Oz, here is fitness guru and creator of P90X Tony Horton’s wake-up call for readers—a motivational and practical guide to creating a better life and a healthier body.
One of America’s best-known and most-loved fitness gurus, "master of motivation" Tony Horton shares his philosophy that will help you live your best life. In his first non-workout book, he offers 11 Rules that provide a clear path and purpose for achieving life goals and obtaining optimal health.
Written with his trademark irreverence, candor, and take-no-prisoners approach, The Big Picture shows you how your physical health is intricately linked to your mental, financial, and family health, and overall happiness and contentment—and how the same skills and principles that work in the gym work in every area of life. Tony shares stories of the hard-won battles he’s faced—many of the same life challenges experienced by his fans—from childhood bullies and problems at school, to financial troubles and being overweight.
Enlightening and practical, The Big Picture can help you how to slim down, feel good, and live better.
One of America’s best-known and most-loved fitness gurus, "master of motivation" Tony Horton shares his philosophy that will help you live your best life. In his first non-workout book, he offers 11 Rules that provide a clear path and purpose for achieving life goals and obtaining optimal health.
Written with his trademark irreverence, candor, and take-no-prisoners approach, The Big Picture shows you how your physical health is intricately linked to your mental, financial, and family health, and overall happiness and contentment—and how the same skills and principles that work in the gym work in every area of life. Tony shares stories of the hard-won battles he’s faced—many of the same life challenges experienced by his fans—from childhood bullies and problems at school, to financial troubles and being overweight.
Enlightening and practical, The Big Picture can help you how to slim down, feel good, and live better.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 4, 2014
171 people are currently reading
624 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
July 28, 2014
I love Tony Horton. I mean, I haven't made my way through P90X completely (yet), but the guy knows his fitness. And here's the thing- fitness advice tends to cross over to life advice pretty often. Those principles that make us physically healthy- pushing hard, being consistent, doing your best, properly recovering- those are all things that make us emotionally healthy too.
As a side note, a least once a month, the pastor at the church I attend talks about P90X in a sermon- again, usually about the importance of consistency.
Each chapter in this book is a different "law" to practice. Take what you need, leave what you don't, but it's full of pretty solid practical advice, enough stories to keep it interesting, and some classic TH humor (okay, note on that last point, his book humor is way funnier than his workout humor, just sayin').
Definitely recommend as a good personal development book- gives you a little pep talk and motivation to start putting some healthy habits into practice.
Get out there, and "Do your best, and forget the rest".
As a side note, a least once a month, the pastor at the church I attend talks about P90X in a sermon- again, usually about the importance of consistency.
Each chapter in this book is a different "law" to practice. Take what you need, leave what you don't, but it's full of pretty solid practical advice, enough stories to keep it interesting, and some classic TH humor (okay, note on that last point, his book humor is way funnier than his workout humor, just sayin').
Definitely recommend as a good personal development book- gives you a little pep talk and motivation to start putting some healthy habits into practice.
Get out there, and "Do your best, and forget the rest".
January 9, 2019
I'm kind of floored that I enjoyed this book so much.
My wife completed P90X and mentioned his lines multiple times, had a mini-crush on him, etc...
I bought her the book for Christmas 2018, and she was in the middle of a different book - so I picked it up, read it and am impressed.
His knowledge is vast, and it was enjoyable to learn more about his trying times and how exercise, variation, intensity, etc... all come together.
The Conclusion re: Row, Row, Row your Boat brought it all together for me; it was impressive.
I might even do a P90X campaign .... if I ever get my workout mind together.
My wife completed P90X and mentioned his lines multiple times, had a mini-crush on him, etc...
I bought her the book for Christmas 2018, and she was in the middle of a different book - so I picked it up, read it and am impressed.
His knowledge is vast, and it was enjoyable to learn more about his trying times and how exercise, variation, intensity, etc... all come together.
The Conclusion re: Row, Row, Row your Boat brought it all together for me; it was impressive.
I might even do a P90X campaign .... if I ever get my workout mind together.
August 16, 2015
Man, I really like this guy.
July 25, 2014
I loved the book...great advice!!
January 22, 2018
I liked this book. It’s part biography, part self-help, and part motivation. Tony Horton is a fitness trainer in the United States that’s known for his straight-forward approach. Not surprisingly, his examples of how to apply his advice are often in the area of fitness. His writing style is like he just turned on dictation (voice recognition) and started talking. Maybe that’s what he did.
The self-help information isn’t earth shattering. You knew you had to figure out your big purpose in life, right?
It’s not bad, either. For me, the most helpful self-help idea was applying big-picture ideas for improving life to fitness. It made me think differently about how I could apply big-picture ideas to improve other areas of life.
The strength of the book is the motivational part. It’s a quick read, so it would be easy to read this book more than once to get a better perspective on whatever needs improvement in a particular moment.
The only self-help idea in this book that I’d argue against was the digression (there are many of them, but I'm only quibbling with this one) to ignore hunger. While I’m good with the idea that hunger isn’t an emergency (thank you, Martha Beck), I don’t think ignoring hunger is a good as a blanket rule.
The author seems to assume everyone eats garbage, except him of course. Garbage messes up hunger signals. He doesn’t say that, but I think that’s what he was getting at. While I agree that a meal of higher carbohydrates causes me to be hungry quicker than a meal of higher fat (and that's the premise of Always Hungry?), that doesn’t mean I think it’s ok to tell people to ignore their body’s normal signals. A lot of people have physical or emotional issues and, for them, ignoring hunger may be a bad thing.
For a summary of the book, see my blog at self help book reports . com.
The self-help information isn’t earth shattering. You knew you had to figure out your big purpose in life, right?
It’s not bad, either. For me, the most helpful self-help idea was applying big-picture ideas for improving life to fitness. It made me think differently about how I could apply big-picture ideas to improve other areas of life.
The strength of the book is the motivational part. It’s a quick read, so it would be easy to read this book more than once to get a better perspective on whatever needs improvement in a particular moment.
The only self-help idea in this book that I’d argue against was the digression (there are many of them, but I'm only quibbling with this one) to ignore hunger. While I’m good with the idea that hunger isn’t an emergency (thank you, Martha Beck), I don’t think ignoring hunger is a good as a blanket rule.
The author seems to assume everyone eats garbage, except him of course. Garbage messes up hunger signals. He doesn’t say that, but I think that’s what he was getting at. While I agree that a meal of higher carbohydrates causes me to be hungry quicker than a meal of higher fat (and that's the premise of Always Hungry?), that doesn’t mean I think it’s ok to tell people to ignore their body’s normal signals. A lot of people have physical or emotional issues and, for them, ignoring hunger may be a bad thing.
For a summary of the book, see my blog at self help book reports . com.
January 22, 2021
If you've let Tony into your life through any of his plethora of workouts or mantras then you know he's all about the passion of fitness and not afraid to say something silly for a laugh to help get you through a workout.
I appreciate him and what he's offered so many people. To bring home exercise to world wide recognition and helping (millions of) people change their lives for the better. And now, we're seeing the value of Beachbody while we socially distance during a pandemic.
He's got so many mantras in P90X that we've all heard hundreds of times. "Do your best and forget the rest" for example. It only makes sense to dig in and see what other gems he's got to share.
The book reads easily and you definitely hear all of the Tonyisms shine throughout. It's a fun read for P90X fans and it's worth it to hear more principles that guide him.
I will be giving this book to my dad now as he was the first person I ever knew who bought P90X and got ripped. Unfortunately, perhaps due to the extreme way he dug into the moves, I'm going to highlight the parts about yoga and taking it easy and going with the flow as he continues to try to get back into fitness through some injuries and body fatigue.
Good book, good, easy to follow principles, nothing ground breaking but it was good to hear from a familiar, likeable voice
I appreciate him and what he's offered so many people. To bring home exercise to world wide recognition and helping (millions of) people change their lives for the better. And now, we're seeing the value of Beachbody while we socially distance during a pandemic.
He's got so many mantras in P90X that we've all heard hundreds of times. "Do your best and forget the rest" for example. It only makes sense to dig in and see what other gems he's got to share.
The book reads easily and you definitely hear all of the Tonyisms shine throughout. It's a fun read for P90X fans and it's worth it to hear more principles that guide him.
I will be giving this book to my dad now as he was the first person I ever knew who bought P90X and got ripped. Unfortunately, perhaps due to the extreme way he dug into the moves, I'm going to highlight the parts about yoga and taking it easy and going with the flow as he continues to try to get back into fitness through some injuries and body fatigue.
Good book, good, easy to follow principles, nothing ground breaking but it was good to hear from a familiar, likeable voice
March 5, 2014
As I'm nearing the end of the P90X program, I realize there's an interesting bond that occurs when you're spending 5-7 hours a week with a persona on the TV. I know all of Tony's pre-recorded lines by heart at this point, but I still look forward to the hour we have each morning.
This made me interested in reading his new book. Granted, a lot of the advice in the book is simplistic, or maybe it's because I've heard a lot of before through his workout programs or his YouTube channel. But there were also some helpful and inspiring points that he brings up making it worth the investment of time and money.
This book is best for someone who is interested in health and fitness, especially if you're thinking about (or are already doing) the P90X program. It's a very easy read and has some good tips for taking care of your body and mind.
This made me interested in reading his new book. Granted, a lot of the advice in the book is simplistic, or maybe it's because I've heard a lot of before through his workout programs or his YouTube channel. But there were also some helpful and inspiring points that he brings up making it worth the investment of time and money.
This book is best for someone who is interested in health and fitness, especially if you're thinking about (or are already doing) the P90X program. It's a very easy read and has some good tips for taking care of your body and mind.
December 28, 2021
Absolutely adore Tony Horton, this man’s programs got me into fitness, and keeps bringing me back when I fall far off the wagon. Love his personality and attitude and this permeates the book. Also, interestingly, this was a book Tony himself turned to after he lost his balance following a bout of Ramsay Hunt Syndrome - particularly tragic as balance exercises were his jam.
Much of the book was stuff I had encountered before, so nothing new, but it was a good refresh as a skim read, and I particularly enjoyed the health and fitness spin at looking at all of life. I also liked how each chapter title was based off his famous catch phrases throughout his famous exercise programs. - it was also a delight to read, it was as if I was hearing his voice come through from the page, motivating me on towards my goals; I will give the book 1 extra star for this from 3 -> 4.
Much of the book was stuff I had encountered before, so nothing new, but it was a good refresh as a skim read, and I particularly enjoyed the health and fitness spin at looking at all of life. I also liked how each chapter title was based off his famous catch phrases throughout his famous exercise programs. - it was also a delight to read, it was as if I was hearing his voice come through from the page, motivating me on towards my goals; I will give the book 1 extra star for this from 3 -> 4.
December 1, 2019
Useful info
I enjoyed Tonys book and like him as motivator as I have used everybody products for a number of years and Tony H and Shaun T have helped me stay fit . The only issue i have as I am of similar age to Tony in the book , is i can't recommend exercising at least 6 days out of seven as Tony stated in his book not for a 55 year old anyway . I think this would be hard on most men of similar age. Plus reading between the lines i am not sure if he has any heavy family commitments which does make a difference as it written from a single man's perspective . A good book but a bit out of touch with reality from my point of view.
I enjoyed Tonys book and like him as motivator as I have used everybody products for a number of years and Tony H and Shaun T have helped me stay fit . The only issue i have as I am of similar age to Tony in the book , is i can't recommend exercising at least 6 days out of seven as Tony stated in his book not for a 55 year old anyway . I think this would be hard on most men of similar age. Plus reading between the lines i am not sure if he has any heavy family commitments which does make a difference as it written from a single man's perspective . A good book but a bit out of touch with reality from my point of view.
September 29, 2018
He gave some good advice but some of it was doing the extreme and also, not all of America can afford to eat the things he does.
February 4, 2018
I don't think my opinion of the book has anything to do with the fact that I love Tony Horton and P90X! I don't think it has anything to do with the fact that I admire what he has done and will go back to P90X as my first love!
Tony Horton digs in and gets you to thinking about your life an what you are going to do with it. He has very interesting information and I can't wait to go back and read it again!
If you like Tony Horton, Beachbody, P90X then you will love this book!
Tony Horton digs in and gets you to thinking about your life an what you are going to do with it. He has very interesting information and I can't wait to go back and read it again!
If you like Tony Horton, Beachbody, P90X then you will love this book!
March 22, 2020
Love P90x, I got this book because I was looking for Sean Carroll's book and thought it was great that Tony Horton had a book of the same title! He writes like he instructs - entertaining, light-hearted, enjoyable, maybe a little silly. I honestly didn't get through the whole book, but Tony is awesome.
July 11, 2019
Very basic - not the Tony Horton I hoped for
I am a huge fan of P90x - and I love Tony! This book was way too mellow and vanilla. Basic info. Don’t bother if you are already taking care of yourself. Great for a person who is on their first journey into fitness.
I am a huge fan of P90x - and I love Tony! This book was way too mellow and vanilla. Basic info. Don’t bother if you are already taking care of yourself. Great for a person who is on their first journey into fitness.
February 5, 2022
I was introduced to Tony when my oldest son was getting ready to try out for the high school baseball team. He asked if I could buy P90X so he could get in shape. So I did. Then he asked if I would get up at 5:00 am every morning to work out with him. Well, I wanted to support his dream so I agreed. At first, I have to admit I thought Tony was annoying! Wacky jacks? His comments made me roll my eyes BUT 90 days later I lost 2” and I felt great. And I feel in love with Tony and his workout.
Fast forward to 2022, I stopped working out, my eating habits have not been great. I’ve developed health challenges and have been depressed. I need Tony back in my life. His book popped up when I was looking to order another set of P90X. So I bought the book and it had given me great insight and hope again- to be a better, healthier me. I highly recommend Tony’s 11 Laws. BTW- my son made the team. When my second son was going to try out for the high school baseball team I worked out with him too. He also made the team.
Fast forward to 2022, I stopped working out, my eating habits have not been great. I’ve developed health challenges and have been depressed. I need Tony back in my life. His book popped up when I was looking to order another set of P90X. So I bought the book and it had given me great insight and hope again- to be a better, healthier me. I highly recommend Tony’s 11 Laws. BTW- my son made the team. When my second son was going to try out for the high school baseball team I worked out with him too. He also made the team.
February 10, 2025
I wanted to know more about Tony Horton after discovering his Power Life products. His book is an easy read and contains many useful self help strategies. However one caution -- you can really get caught up with his enthusiasm and think that this is how you can change life. I found that many of his 11 laws were applicable to my life but not all of them. I had to back away from the book after reading it and let my emotional reactions settle. I should explain. I am 76 and I really doubt that I could implement all the rules he recommends so I found that discouraging. I would encourage you to read it if you are looking for a very good self help book but if you are impressionable or emotional be aware that it might take you on a self analysis trip that you might not want to go on. Still, that is the purpose of self books --to help, so I recommend reading it.
May 31, 2017
LOVE this book---it is so basic and common sense. It's encouraging, it's real. I am part bias because I really love TH, even his corniness, but I do love the message of this book. The tips and strategies are ones that should be applied to anyone's life....this is not just a book for someone that maybe picked it up because they are on a weight loss journey...it's for everyone. There are so many good messages in this, I often grab quotes from it and pass them along to my teenage boys. I keep it on me at all times and am constantly re-reading.
November 4, 2017
Mr Horton can truly do it all. He is an incredible inspiration to me not only through his fitness programs, but his no-nonsense and easily digestible philosophy can be applied to anything in life regardless of religion or spiritual beliefs! I am blessed to come across his program on a lazy Sunday afternoon. After doing his programs and reading this book, my life will never be the same!
January 29, 2023
It is my second time reading this book. It’s straightforward and motivational throughout. I think what I loved most is his advice can not only be applied to fitness, but also everyday life. I also love his P90 workout series and this book reminds you of how real he is. I believe this book can truly help you retrain your mind on how to set goals (big or small) and ACTUALLY achieve them.
November 20, 2017
Good, but repetitive
It was an interesting read but a little repetitive at times. If you have seen his intros on the P90x videos, then you have heard about 70% of this book. All the same, he does a nice job with the motivation.
It was an interesting read but a little repetitive at times. If you have seen his intros on the P90x videos, then you have heard about 70% of this book. All the same, he does a nice job with the motivation.
June 21, 2018
Great book on health, fitness, goal, and just life. Funny, easy read, great way to form some great ways to live a happier life while you read.
January 4, 2019
Especially enjoyed the parts on purpose and yoga.
July 13, 2019
Tony has it! His programs are awesome and this book explains the context behind his thinking.
September 10, 2020
Great book!
Loved this book! He was very inspiring and pushed me to want to be my beet and seek for the big picture!
Loved this book! He was very inspiring and pushed me to want to be my beet and seek for the big picture!
July 19, 2021
An insightful addition to Tony’s Bring it
September 6, 2021
Great Read
Great Read with good information!! Very insightful and motivating for how to get the physical and mental growth needed to push through daily challenges.
Great Read with good information!! Very insightful and motivating for how to get the physical and mental growth needed to push through daily challenges.
January 9, 2022
P90X😤
March 12, 2017
3.5 stars
I don't think there is anything life-changing in this book but there is some very simple and solid life advice. It's also nice to hear Tony's story of what helped him go from beach bum to a very successful personal trainer. (I enjoy reading books by people who have built themselves up to become successful). For those who know Tony, they know he's a goofball. He's quick with a corny joke and always seems to have fun. That's one of the reasons I like him and his sense of humor definitely comes through while you're reading. Overall, this is a quick, fun read- especially for those who are already fans of Tony.
I don't think there is anything life-changing in this book but there is some very simple and solid life advice. It's also nice to hear Tony's story of what helped him go from beach bum to a very successful personal trainer. (I enjoy reading books by people who have built themselves up to become successful). For those who know Tony, they know he's a goofball. He's quick with a corny joke and always seems to have fun. That's one of the reasons I like him and his sense of humor definitely comes through while you're reading. Overall, this is a quick, fun read- especially for those who are already fans of Tony.
April 4, 2019
Very good book for energetic people who are enthusiasts of fitness and alternative or holistic medicines. I have not learned much in terms of personal development (because we also talk about it), nor in terms of how our body functions, how to maintain a balance to overcome challenges, or to set reasonable goals in life. But he talks very well about supplements and others, about injuries and how to get up again in a surprising way in the lineage that I am without supplementing as we see with all kinds of powder and supplements sold on the fitness market but a good practice and a good diet. Attention this book does not only talk about fitness but also about balance, health of life and its pillars. Very good book!
February 7, 2014
Posted first to Blog Critics as Book Review: 'The Big Picture; 11 Rules That Will Change Your Life' by Tony Horton.
Self-help and exercise books carry a certain niche in the market place. Where do you turn and who can help you with your dilemmas. With so many knowable gurus available where do you start?
The Big Picture by Tony Horton, is certainly one of those works that can help guide you. Horton is the creator for one of the bestselling workout programs known as P90X. Yet as with all exercise there is more to your remaking than just a body sculpting phenomenon. Horton shares his insights as well as his experience through 11 rules that have helped him change his life, and can in turn help you further enhance your ability to become who you want to be. A savvy and entertaining host, he offers the very changes that have helped him along on his own personal journey.
Often self-help books are dry and sometimes hard to hold you interest. While we all want to be the best we can be, we often feel like there is an overload of information, and beyond that, how do we–simple humans– begin the process. If we knew the answers we wouldn’t spend so much time looking for them.
Horton offers up 11 rules of life, his own experiences, and his take on how to move into the next phase. He uses his background, which includes a bit of comedy, to help you through the dryness, and while some of the jokes make you laugh some are just a bit painful. That in and of itself is a beautiful thing, because you begin to realize he is much like you, and not everything is as easy as it seems. He too, has tried and failed, and yet now he has moved beyond and is living the life he dreamed.
The fact that he is willing to share and wants to encourage you to also dream and move forward is a testament to his character. Not everyone will be as success full as Horton, yet there are shades of success, differing colors and abilities which make us such a unique species. Everyone’s best is different and the reason why we evolve as we do. Yet for some the way has been lost and the rules that Horton uses to stay on track are certainly livable and highly personal to each individual using them.
If you are looking for a guide to get you back to basics and help you live a fuller and richer life, you will realize this is a gem in the rough. You will need to polish up those hidden abilities and feelings to find the true diamond within, and Horton gives you some great guidelines to follow. The humor and experiences he threads through the book keeps you interested, and his own success makes it all too real.
This is a great book to add to your library; it is not just about exercise, but about moving forward in life. Whether that is with your search for an exercise routine, healing a breech, improving your working and family lives or just plain guidance you will find words of encouragement and praise. The Big Picture is just that, and fuels the imagination.
This book was received free from the publisher. All opinions are my own based off my reading and understanding of the material.
Self-help and exercise books carry a certain niche in the market place. Where do you turn and who can help you with your dilemmas. With so many knowable gurus available where do you start?
The Big Picture by Tony Horton, is certainly one of those works that can help guide you. Horton is the creator for one of the bestselling workout programs known as P90X. Yet as with all exercise there is more to your remaking than just a body sculpting phenomenon. Horton shares his insights as well as his experience through 11 rules that have helped him change his life, and can in turn help you further enhance your ability to become who you want to be. A savvy and entertaining host, he offers the very changes that have helped him along on his own personal journey.
Often self-help books are dry and sometimes hard to hold you interest. While we all want to be the best we can be, we often feel like there is an overload of information, and beyond that, how do we–simple humans– begin the process. If we knew the answers we wouldn’t spend so much time looking for them.
Horton offers up 11 rules of life, his own experiences, and his take on how to move into the next phase. He uses his background, which includes a bit of comedy, to help you through the dryness, and while some of the jokes make you laugh some are just a bit painful. That in and of itself is a beautiful thing, because you begin to realize he is much like you, and not everything is as easy as it seems. He too, has tried and failed, and yet now he has moved beyond and is living the life he dreamed.
The fact that he is willing to share and wants to encourage you to also dream and move forward is a testament to his character. Not everyone will be as success full as Horton, yet there are shades of success, differing colors and abilities which make us such a unique species. Everyone’s best is different and the reason why we evolve as we do. Yet for some the way has been lost and the rules that Horton uses to stay on track are certainly livable and highly personal to each individual using them.
If you are looking for a guide to get you back to basics and help you live a fuller and richer life, you will realize this is a gem in the rough. You will need to polish up those hidden abilities and feelings to find the true diamond within, and Horton gives you some great guidelines to follow. The humor and experiences he threads through the book keeps you interested, and his own success makes it all too real.
This is a great book to add to your library; it is not just about exercise, but about moving forward in life. Whether that is with your search for an exercise routine, healing a breech, improving your working and family lives or just plain guidance you will find words of encouragement and praise. The Big Picture is just that, and fuels the imagination.
This book was received free from the publisher. All opinions are my own based off my reading and understanding of the material.
July 24, 2014
Tony Horton. He seems to have an impression on people. My fiancé can’t stand him. He says “When I want to work out, I want to work out, not have some dude crack corny jokes at me.” I, on the other hand, adore him. When I want to work out, if someone’s cracking corny jokes, it means I get to have fun while being productive, which is just great news all around!
But the thing about Tony Horton is: he’s a fitness trainer. He’s a performer. But he’s not a writer. And while he did have me laughing out loud at his corny one-liners, he didn’t inspire me that much. It’s not that he didn’t have good ideas. It’s that he didn’t present them as well as he could have. There are just certain things writers know: how long to belabor a point, when to give an anecdote and when to give explanation, what order things should go in, how to put what you instinctively know into words and concrete steps.
I downloaded this book to my Kindle, and for some bizarre reason, an error occurred when I was halfway through it. I tried to turn the page, and it said that I had to get onto the cloud and re-download it. I just decided to throw in the towel. Tony Horton seems like an enjoyable person to spend time with, but if you want to read a motivational book, I wouldn’t waste your time with this one.
But the thing about Tony Horton is: he’s a fitness trainer. He’s a performer. But he’s not a writer. And while he did have me laughing out loud at his corny one-liners, he didn’t inspire me that much. It’s not that he didn’t have good ideas. It’s that he didn’t present them as well as he could have. There are just certain things writers know: how long to belabor a point, when to give an anecdote and when to give explanation, what order things should go in, how to put what you instinctively know into words and concrete steps.
I downloaded this book to my Kindle, and for some bizarre reason, an error occurred when I was halfway through it. I tried to turn the page, and it said that I had to get onto the cloud and re-download it. I just decided to throw in the towel. Tony Horton seems like an enjoyable person to spend time with, but if you want to read a motivational book, I wouldn’t waste your time with this one.
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