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Outsider’s Self-Help Guide
A Thoughtful Self-Help Guide
If we want to improve ourselves, we should first try to understand ourselves. If we want to control our thoughts and our actions, we should first try to understand the origins of our thoughts and our actions. With a little guidance, this is easier than it might sound. Using normal conversational terms, we draw from philosophy, cosmology, and theology to build a picture of ourselves as humans.
Learn to see yourself from your soul’s perspective. Consider what it is like for a soul—an "outsider" from outside the universe—to live as a human.
Intentionally easy to read with everyday language, commonsense logic, and a detailed table of contents for simple navigation. There is no requirement to read the sections in order, nor is it necessary to complete one section before moving on to the next. The reader should just start on one section, and at any time they desire a change, they may just go back to the table of contents and try another section or even jump directly to a particular subsection.
If we want to improve ourselves, we should first try to understand ourselves. If we want to control our thoughts and our actions, we should first try to understand the origins of our thoughts and our actions. With a little guidance, this is easier than it might sound. Using normal conversational terms, we draw from philosophy, cosmology, and theology to build a picture of ourselves as humans.
Learn to see yourself from your soul’s perspective. Consider what it is like for a soul—an "outsider" from outside the universe—to live as a human.
Intentionally easy to read with everyday language, commonsense logic, and a detailed table of contents for simple navigation. There is no requirement to read the sections in order, nor is it necessary to complete one section before moving on to the next. The reader should just start on one section, and at any time they desire a change, they may just go back to the table of contents and try another section or even jump directly to a particular subsection.
142 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 17, 2025
15 people are currently reading
767 people want to read
About the author
William Turmel
4 books5 followersDr. William Turmel has spent his life observing and trying to understand our world and the humans who inhabit it. To this end, he has earned advanced degrees in science, including a doctorate in nuclear chemistry. Most of his professional career has been in the advancement of high technologies, where he has worked on several engineering projects and as an international sales agent. In more recent years, Dr. Turmel has shifted his focus to writing and teaching.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
May 5, 2025
A slow reading to debate with one's beliefs
I read this book between my tablet and my phone using the Kindle app.
When I chose this book, I decided to read it carefully, as the author recommends, and with an open mind. I am a strong atheist, so I find it very difficult to believe that we have a soul that comes from an "outer world"—one that is responsible for guiding my actions and navigating my life until it returns to its own realm after I die.
That said, I must admit that the author presents his thesis in a very structured way, with good examples that, for the sake of the argument, make sense. The book is divided into three main pillars; the one I enjoyed the most was the second, which focuses on cosmology.
If you're into these kinds of topics, this book is perfect for you. If you want to challenge your own beliefs, this book can also be very useful. However, it is not an easy read or something to go through quickly. It needs to be read slowly and carefully—it’s not the kind of book for skimming or flipping pages just to get the gist.
I read this book between my tablet and my phone using the Kindle app.
When I chose this book, I decided to read it carefully, as the author recommends, and with an open mind. I am a strong atheist, so I find it very difficult to believe that we have a soul that comes from an "outer world"—one that is responsible for guiding my actions and navigating my life until it returns to its own realm after I die.
That said, I must admit that the author presents his thesis in a very structured way, with good examples that, for the sake of the argument, make sense. The book is divided into three main pillars; the one I enjoyed the most was the second, which focuses on cosmology.
If you're into these kinds of topics, this book is perfect for you. If you want to challenge your own beliefs, this book can also be very useful. However, it is not an easy read or something to go through quickly. It needs to be read slowly and carefully—it’s not the kind of book for skimming or flipping pages just to get the gist.
May 12, 2025
The Outsider’s Self-Help Guide by Dr William Turmel is an abridged version of his broader Outsider Model series. Divided into three main sections—philosophy, cosmology, and theology—it offers a thoughtful exploration of what it means to be human within the cosmos.
Turmel’s central idea is simple yet powerful: to grow or improve, we need to first understand ourselves—why we think the way we do, what shapes our behaviour, and how we relate to the world around us.
One idea that particularly stood out to me was his concept of “small science”—a fascinating reflection on how limited our perception of reality might be, and how that influences what we consider to be true or knowable. Drawing on science, metaphysics, and theology, Turmel presents complex ideas in a way that feels grounded and approachable. It’s both accessible and intellectually rich—a rare combination.
I found myself returning to sections for a second read, not because they were unclear, but because they offered so much to reflect on. It’s definitely sparked my interest in exploring his other work.
This quiet yet profound book is likely to resonate with anyone interested in self-awareness, purpose, or the bigger questions of life. A small book with a lasting impact.
Turmel’s central idea is simple yet powerful: to grow or improve, we need to first understand ourselves—why we think the way we do, what shapes our behaviour, and how we relate to the world around us.
One idea that particularly stood out to me was his concept of “small science”—a fascinating reflection on how limited our perception of reality might be, and how that influences what we consider to be true or knowable. Drawing on science, metaphysics, and theology, Turmel presents complex ideas in a way that feels grounded and approachable. It’s both accessible and intellectually rich—a rare combination.
I found myself returning to sections for a second read, not because they were unclear, but because they offered so much to reflect on. It’s definitely sparked my interest in exploring his other work.
This quiet yet profound book is likely to resonate with anyone interested in self-awareness, purpose, or the bigger questions of life. A small book with a lasting impact.
June 5, 2025
Fantastic book that opened my mind.
I read this book in a single day, not being something I am usually into, but I thought I would give it a try. I am glad I did.
There are three main sections, all of which explore what it means to be a human being in this vast universe. It explores how reality may be a lot more than we can see and feel. How to grow as a person and reflect on oneself and how we think the way we do.
It was a thoughtful read and will be a book I will work on and will re-read in the future. It is definitely for the patient and more intelligent of us I feel, but is very rewarding if you put the time in.
If you want to learn more about life, look at things from a different perspective and explore the universe. This book is worth your time!
I read this book in a single day, not being something I am usually into, but I thought I would give it a try. I am glad I did.
There are three main sections, all of which explore what it means to be a human being in this vast universe. It explores how reality may be a lot more than we can see and feel. How to grow as a person and reflect on oneself and how we think the way we do.
It was a thoughtful read and will be a book I will work on and will re-read in the future. It is definitely for the patient and more intelligent of us I feel, but is very rewarding if you put the time in.
If you want to learn more about life, look at things from a different perspective and explore the universe. This book is worth your time!
April 12, 2025
The author has advanced degrees in science and has spent his life observing humans and how we inhabit the world. He has written a compelling and thought-provoking text about understanding ourselves, in this abridged version of the outsider model series. The book is split into three sections – philosophy, cosmology and theology – and it is important to peruse the ‘read me first’ section to understand the terminology used. The ‘outsider’ is the soul which is considered to come from outside the universe and stays for the life of the human body on earth. The outsider, the metaphysical traveller, experiences life in a human body then returns to the outside. He posits the theory that the outsider can see the details of our life before they live it. The idea that our life is a combination of outside influences and our internal responses to real and imagined outside influences, is perfectly reasonable. This is a deep dive, and not for shallow thinkers, but if you can open your mind to possibilities you will find this a very enjoyable read.
March 15, 2025
I became interested in this book after reading the description. I decided to give it a shot after reading Doctor Turmel’s bio. I write fiction that blends different fields, including theology and science fiction. I’m always trying to feed my brain with perspective of scientist who think freely. This seemed right up my alley. I liked the introduction to the book. It set me at ease that it wasn’t going to be either preachy. It also didn’t make claims to sell itself like many metaphysical books do. The main content of the book is presented in an abstract, representational style, drawing on metaphors. The actual concepts reminded me of psychologist like Piaget and philosophers like Tarthang Tulku. I don’t think this book is one you read one time and then put down with all the content absorbed. It’s one you read from, reflect and then return to. The information inside is meaningful enough to make you want to return, though. Overall, I recommend it for those who like to engage in deep thinking about self and the universe.
April 16, 2025
‘The Outsider’s Self-Help Guide,’ by William Turmel, is a thought-provoking work in philosophy and philosophy of science. An open mind is helpful here, as well as suspension of disbelief in certain areas. Many complicated subjects are broken down and synthesized into a coherent perspective on what it’s like to be human with all of the intangibles that surround us and complicate things. From the macro world to the micro, a plethora of different research subjects and modes of thought are utilized to lend credence to the author’s model and perspective.
The book starts with the ‘Outsider Model’, which gives us a figurative point of reference to attempt to understand the mysteries of the human condition. The idea of a human soul is taken as an assumption, as well as a human I (metaphysical and physical), as well as the human me (entirely metaphysical from outside the Universe.). There are other metaphysical and physical characters that round out this model, such as the passenger, stowaway, human body, and heart.
Though many would agree with it, some people would take issue with this division of parts, an intellectual calculus, and binning them into the physical and metaphysical. For instance, not everyone believes in a soul. Still, if a soul is given, need it be separate from the body? If you believe it’s separate, at what point does one divide it from the body? Is this division point intuitive for everyone or arbitrary, and how can the ‘metaphysical’ interact with the physical? Thinkers like Alan Watts or Friedrich Nietzsche might disbelieve in this model and these hard divisions. For instance, in the model, there is an ‘Outside,’ that is described as someplace outside the universe ‘not describable in human terms.’ The very definition, described in human terms, seems to negate this place. It conjures a Wittgenstein quote: ‘The limits of language mean the limits of my world.’ If a metaphysical realm exists why would we be able to parse it with physical organs? We can only perceive ‘metaphysics’ with the physical senses, after all. Still, if you logically negate metaphysics, how do you explain our desire to postulate and explore metaphysics beyond the merely physically mundane? It's a similar impulse that brings us to religion or postulates those ideas. It could be the need for myth, symbolism, and 'the beyond' that makes life durable, interesting, magical, or worth living at all.
You can’t do this book justice with a summary, for it is chock-full of ideas. Just read it and come to your conclusions. It’s well-written and thought-provoking in an array of different subjects, from philosophy to cosmology, to theology. Human life and the universe are so complicated that it’s an admirable effort to think critically about them in this fashion. Of course, as it has been said, it’s only complicated if you make it so, when you try to translate it into logic and human language.
The book starts with the ‘Outsider Model’, which gives us a figurative point of reference to attempt to understand the mysteries of the human condition. The idea of a human soul is taken as an assumption, as well as a human I (metaphysical and physical), as well as the human me (entirely metaphysical from outside the Universe.). There are other metaphysical and physical characters that round out this model, such as the passenger, stowaway, human body, and heart.
Though many would agree with it, some people would take issue with this division of parts, an intellectual calculus, and binning them into the physical and metaphysical. For instance, not everyone believes in a soul. Still, if a soul is given, need it be separate from the body? If you believe it’s separate, at what point does one divide it from the body? Is this division point intuitive for everyone or arbitrary, and how can the ‘metaphysical’ interact with the physical? Thinkers like Alan Watts or Friedrich Nietzsche might disbelieve in this model and these hard divisions. For instance, in the model, there is an ‘Outside,’ that is described as someplace outside the universe ‘not describable in human terms.’ The very definition, described in human terms, seems to negate this place. It conjures a Wittgenstein quote: ‘The limits of language mean the limits of my world.’ If a metaphysical realm exists why would we be able to parse it with physical organs? We can only perceive ‘metaphysics’ with the physical senses, after all. Still, if you logically negate metaphysics, how do you explain our desire to postulate and explore metaphysics beyond the merely physically mundane? It's a similar impulse that brings us to religion or postulates those ideas. It could be the need for myth, symbolism, and 'the beyond' that makes life durable, interesting, magical, or worth living at all.
You can’t do this book justice with a summary, for it is chock-full of ideas. Just read it and come to your conclusions. It’s well-written and thought-provoking in an array of different subjects, from philosophy to cosmology, to theology. Human life and the universe are so complicated that it’s an admirable effort to think critically about them in this fashion. Of course, as it has been said, it’s only complicated if you make it so, when you try to translate it into logic and human language.
July 16, 2025
This is a fascinating book that attempts to summarize the author's ambitious philosophical theory (previously argued over three separate books) into 142 pages. By and large it succeeds. Complicated ideas are well-explained and the writing is as readable and approachable as academic writing gets. Readers should note that it is not a conventional "self-help" book. It requires careful reading of the text to understand its ideas and relies on the reader to apply them to the particulars of their life as needed. There are no prescriptive directions.
The book is divided into three sections - metaphysics, cosmology, and theology. Personally, the metaphysics section was challenging and slow-going. It requires an understanding of the author's framework and terminology (what is "I", "me", the heart, the mind, etc). After a while though, once I got used to the terminology, things clicked and the reading became much easier. In a nutshell, the conception of the self presented is kind of like the movie "Inside Out", but with even more layers.
The author clearly has an expertise in science because it grounds his cosmology. Difficult but incredible scientific concepts are effortlessly explained and made easy to understand (although a few illustrations would have helped in some spots). Based on the current state of science (and particularly the wild world of quantum physics), he presents a beautiful and compelling conception of the universe, what constitutes our reality, and even what lies "outside" the universe.
The last section attempts to incorporate an idea of the divine (i.e. a God) into his model of the world and of a human being. This part lost me a little bit, which is perhaps not too surprising since I'm atheist. The author states that Christianity is used for illustration but his philosophical model can be applied for any religion. Nonetheless, the examples and lessons explored in this section are very specific to the idiosyncrasies of Christianity. While I remain skeptical, I would 100% recommend this book to Christians looking for a way to marry their religion with science in a thoughtful and elegant way.
The book is divided into three sections - metaphysics, cosmology, and theology. Personally, the metaphysics section was challenging and slow-going. It requires an understanding of the author's framework and terminology (what is "I", "me", the heart, the mind, etc). After a while though, once I got used to the terminology, things clicked and the reading became much easier. In a nutshell, the conception of the self presented is kind of like the movie "Inside Out", but with even more layers.
The author clearly has an expertise in science because it grounds his cosmology. Difficult but incredible scientific concepts are effortlessly explained and made easy to understand (although a few illustrations would have helped in some spots). Based on the current state of science (and particularly the wild world of quantum physics), he presents a beautiful and compelling conception of the universe, what constitutes our reality, and even what lies "outside" the universe.
The last section attempts to incorporate an idea of the divine (i.e. a God) into his model of the world and of a human being. This part lost me a little bit, which is perhaps not too surprising since I'm atheist. The author states that Christianity is used for illustration but his philosophical model can be applied for any religion. Nonetheless, the examples and lessons explored in this section are very specific to the idiosyncrasies of Christianity. While I remain skeptical, I would 100% recommend this book to Christians looking for a way to marry their religion with science in a thoughtful and elegant way.
April 27, 2025
Dr. William Turmel's, "Outsider's Self-Help Guide" distinguishes itself by prioritizing self-understanding as the foundation for personal improvement. The book posits that to effectively manage thoughts and actions, one must first explore their origins, a process made surprisingly approachable through the author's guidance. It constructs a framework for understanding the human condition by drawing from philosophy, cosmology, and theology, presented in everyday language. This interdisciplinary approach allows readers to consider their place in the universe and the forces that shape their perceptions and behaviors. The guide encourages readers to adopt the perspective of the soul, or the "outsider," to gain a fresh view of human existence. By considering what it might be like for a consciousness separate from the physical world to inhabit a human body, the book prompts a shift in perspective, potentially leading to greater self-awareness and objectivity. Its intentionally easy-to-read style is enhanced by commonsense logic and a detailed table of contents, facilitating navigation. This structure allows readers to easily find and revisit topics of particular interest. Readers can explore the sections in any order, allowing for a flexible and personalized reading experience. The non-linear format respects the reader's autonomy and acknowledges that self-discovery is not always a linear process. This approach makes complex concepts understandable and relatable, offering a unique and valuable resource for those seeking personal growth. The book's strength lies in its ability to make profound ideas accessible to a broad audience, fostering a deeper connection with oneself. It encourages a more introspective and thoughtful approach to self-improvement, moving beyond simple behavioral adjustments to address the underlying motivations and beliefs that drive human behavior.
March 24, 2025
I approached this book with an open mind, curious about different perspectives. I have always been fascinated by religions, philosophies, and perspectives which differ from mine.
Dr. Turmel presents this book in a very calculated and cerebral way. I'm not certain if I'm on board with the proposed idea that our bodies are a separate entity from our soul which can be controlled by stowaway or passenger entities which exist inside our bodies. It's an interesting concept and he explains it in depth, but it's quite disconcerting. Perhaps that's part of the appeal of this book.
With several layers within the text regarding philosophy, cosmology, and theology, there's something here for anyone who wishes to explore who they are and why. This was a book which I needed to set down to work through what I'd read, then pick it back up again. It certainly was not a quick read in one sitting. I did find it quite dry and often times repetitive, but it was well-written with proper grammar.
I enjoyed the fact that Dr. Turmel did not shy away from hard questions such as "Does God exist?" nor from hard answers. He challenged conventionally held beliefs using logic without being pedantic. Overall, I found this dive into the "Outsider" model to be interesting even if it isn't something I necessarily believe to be true. It did make me consider questions I hadn't before.
Dr. Turmel presents this book in a very calculated and cerebral way. I'm not certain if I'm on board with the proposed idea that our bodies are a separate entity from our soul which can be controlled by stowaway or passenger entities which exist inside our bodies. It's an interesting concept and he explains it in depth, but it's quite disconcerting. Perhaps that's part of the appeal of this book.
With several layers within the text regarding philosophy, cosmology, and theology, there's something here for anyone who wishes to explore who they are and why. This was a book which I needed to set down to work through what I'd read, then pick it back up again. It certainly was not a quick read in one sitting. I did find it quite dry and often times repetitive, but it was well-written with proper grammar.
I enjoyed the fact that Dr. Turmel did not shy away from hard questions such as "Does God exist?" nor from hard answers. He challenged conventionally held beliefs using logic without being pedantic. Overall, I found this dive into the "Outsider" model to be interesting even if it isn't something I necessarily believe to be true. It did make me consider questions I hadn't before.
March 23, 2025
The Outsider’s Self-Help Guide by Dr William Turmel would appeal to anybody who struggles with the meaning of life and what our place in life is all about. Turmel draws on philosophy, cosmology and theology to present different scenarios to explain why we may act in certain ways and, if we want to improve ourselves, why we should analyse how we should reach such a point. The book is suitable for those who are deeply into questioning the profound mysteries of our universe and are prepared to follow Turmel’s logic. The book is presented simply, although the language may take some getting used to for those unfamiliar with philosophy, even though Turmel tells us he is using everyday language. I found the concept of looking from the outside interesting, and the scenarios were very easy to follow. It is not a book to be read in one sitting but rather to reflect on in small sections. The last section of the book is about Christianity, but it would have been interesting to see Turmel broaden that section to other religious traditions. This book would appeal to deep thinkers and is not a guidebook for an easy fix for self-improvers.
May 20, 2025
A Thought-Provoking Read for the Introspective Mind
Outsiders: A Self-Help Guide by Dr. William Turnell is not your average self-help book. It delves deep into the psyche of those who often feel like they exist on the fringes of society—thinkers, observers, and quiet rebels who navigate the world with a perspective that doesn't always fit the mold. Dr. Turnell’s writing is rich in theory and reflective insight, making it clear he understands the emotional landscape of outsiders.
Admittedly, I found the first few chapters a little difficult to grasp. The language is academic in places, and some of the abstract concepts took time to settle. But as I continued reading, the ideas began to take shape. Turnell offers practical guidance wrapped in philosophical musings, and by the end, I found myself highlighting passages that truly resonated.
This book is best suited for readers willing to engage deeply and reflect on their own path. It rewards patience and persistence, and ultimately offers a validating, empowering message for those who’ve never felt like they fully belonged.
Outsiders: A Self-Help Guide by Dr. William Turnell is not your average self-help book. It delves deep into the psyche of those who often feel like they exist on the fringes of society—thinkers, observers, and quiet rebels who navigate the world with a perspective that doesn't always fit the mold. Dr. Turnell’s writing is rich in theory and reflective insight, making it clear he understands the emotional landscape of outsiders.
Admittedly, I found the first few chapters a little difficult to grasp. The language is academic in places, and some of the abstract concepts took time to settle. But as I continued reading, the ideas began to take shape. Turnell offers practical guidance wrapped in philosophical musings, and by the end, I found myself highlighting passages that truly resonated.
This book is best suited for readers willing to engage deeply and reflect on their own path. It rewards patience and persistence, and ultimately offers a validating, empowering message for those who’ve never felt like they fully belonged.
March 31, 2025
I just finished the book called “Outsider’s Self-Help Guide” that was written by William Turmel. The book dives into big questions about who we are and what we think. He presents an idea that our bodies and souls are separate, with other entities influencing our actions. The author explains his ideas in detail, making the book a deep read, even though it was sometimes a little dry and somewhat repetitive. The book blends philosophy, theology and cosmology, asking questions like “Does God exist?” and challenging common beliefs. It’s written in fairly easy to understand language, making complex ideas a little easier to grasp. You don’t need to read it from start to finish; you can jump to any part that interests you. Overall, I found the book fairly interesting, even if I don’t fully agree with all the ideas. It can be for anyone who enjoys thinking about and exploring new perspectives on life and the universe. Some people may like reading this book.
April 30, 2025
The Outsider’s Self-Help Guide was a very insightful read that challenged my world views in a good way! The main premise focuses on learning and understanding oneself. Our body and our spirit are not the same. The author breaks down the difference between the human I and the human me, which are like two sides of a coin. The human I is who you are as a person, whereas the human me is your core. I will say, I didn’t struggle in understanding parts and had to reread a couple of sections to really be able to appreciate what the author was conveying. However, after understanding and taking time to think it over, I found this take on life to be fascinating and reliable. It was also very helpful that at the front of the book, there were definitions of the terms used. I found myself referencing this list multiple times through the book, and enjoyed the way this read made me think on a deeper level. I would recommend this book to anyone searching for answers about life.
July 14, 2025
“Outsider’s Self-Help Guide” by William Turmel employs a combination of philosophy cosmology, and theology.
The book aims to build a model of life as a human as a means of understanding and improvement. The “outsider” in the title refers to the human soul, which comes from outside the universe. He defines the “Human I” as the complete human, with both metaphysical and physical aspects. It is an interesting read. With real-life examples to convey his points, the author offers an unusual way to approach self-improvement. Even if I don’t happen to find all of it compelling, it is worth a look for anyone who has tried the usual self-help methods without success.
The book aims to build a model of life as a human as a means of understanding and improvement. The “outsider” in the title refers to the human soul, which comes from outside the universe. He defines the “Human I” as the complete human, with both metaphysical and physical aspects. It is an interesting read. With real-life examples to convey his points, the author offers an unusual way to approach self-improvement. Even if I don’t happen to find all of it compelling, it is worth a look for anyone who has tried the usual self-help methods without success.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews