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Behaviorism in everyday life
186 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1980
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December 29, 2015
Every time I read a book on the principles of behaviourism, I am smiling and 'happy'. I nod my head because I 'understand'. I reap the rewards immediately by implementing/honing the principles in my own life. I can only hope that others will join this way of living soon.
As Rachlin says,
"Behaviourism with all its inadequacies is the most useful framework ever devised for solving problems (including those that seem to be mental) of everyday life. But it is not an arcane discipline available only to a few trained psychologists; it is just a different way of looking at oneself and the people one meets. It is (or should be) easy to understand. After understanding, I hope, agreement will follow."
This is not a self-help book, although many would see it as one. Instead, Rachlin discusses how the principles of behaviourism can be used to manage your self. The difference being you can apply these principles to manage ANY/ALL of your behaviours.
My favourite part was when Rachlin talks about happiness. He won me over with that section. He writes:
"It is the change and only the change from one situation to another that affects our happiness. Thus happiness is not only relative but also temporary. It lasts as long as the effects of a change in our lives can last - a few days, at most, a few weeks."
Elsewhere he writes:
"Happiness is a function of change. Since it is impossible to arrange our lives so that they are continuously changing for the better, it is impossible to achieve either complete or permanent happiness." The illusion of eternal happiness is no more. This makes me happy.
Then there is a whole section on self-control and habits. It is simple and easy to follow. Very specific instructions if one wants to gain more self-control and change their habits. Every topic/principle in the book is linked back to the economic value for the persons involved. A good reinforcer/reward for someone who likes to see the bigger picture.
Caveat - some readers may find the last chapter on philosophical speculation a little too bold, especially if one is not well versed with the field of behaviourism.
As Rachlin says,
"Behaviourism with all its inadequacies is the most useful framework ever devised for solving problems (including those that seem to be mental) of everyday life. But it is not an arcane discipline available only to a few trained psychologists; it is just a different way of looking at oneself and the people one meets. It is (or should be) easy to understand. After understanding, I hope, agreement will follow."
This is not a self-help book, although many would see it as one. Instead, Rachlin discusses how the principles of behaviourism can be used to manage your self. The difference being you can apply these principles to manage ANY/ALL of your behaviours.
My favourite part was when Rachlin talks about happiness. He won me over with that section. He writes:
"It is the change and only the change from one situation to another that affects our happiness. Thus happiness is not only relative but also temporary. It lasts as long as the effects of a change in our lives can last - a few days, at most, a few weeks."
Elsewhere he writes:
"Happiness is a function of change. Since it is impossible to arrange our lives so that they are continuously changing for the better, it is impossible to achieve either complete or permanent happiness." The illusion of eternal happiness is no more. This makes me happy.
Then there is a whole section on self-control and habits. It is simple and easy to follow. Very specific instructions if one wants to gain more self-control and change their habits. Every topic/principle in the book is linked back to the economic value for the persons involved. A good reinforcer/reward for someone who likes to see the bigger picture.
Caveat - some readers may find the last chapter on philosophical speculation a little too bold, especially if one is not well versed with the field of behaviourism.
Displaying 1 of 1 review