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Be Good To Yourself
The greatest thing a man can do in this world is to make the most possible out of the stuff that has been given him. This is success, and there is no other. Orison Swett Marden Such gems of knowledge are aplenty in the author's books and these books were written long before the modern Gurus descended! "As a man thinketh in his heart,so is he'.His opinion of himself will be reproduced by the life process within him and outpictured in his body.If you would make the most of yourself,never picture yourself as anything different from what you would actually be,the man or woman you long to become.Building up on this wonderful positive theme the Author blends Self-Confidence,Self-Help and Spirituality into a fantastic,absorbing and motivating confluence.
188 pages, Hardcover
First published December 1, 2000
29 people are currently reading
59 people want to read
About the author
Orison Swett Marden
1,672 books174 followersOrison Swett Marden (1850-1924) was an American writer associated with the New Thought Movement. He also held a degree in medicine, and was a successful hotel owner.
Marden was born in Thornton Gore, New Hampshire to Lewis and Martha Marden. When he was three years old, his mother died at the age of 22, leaving Orison and his two sisters in the care of their father, a farmer, hunter, and trapper. When Orison was seven years old, his father died from injuries incurred while in the woods, and the children were shuttled from one guardian to another, with Orison working as a "hired boy" to earn his keep. Inspired by an early self-help book by the Scottish author Samuel Smiles, which he found in an attic, Marden set out to improve himself and his life circumstances. He persevered in advancing himself and graduated from Boston University in 1871. He later graduated from Harvard with an M.D. in 1881 and an LL.B. degree in 1882. He also studied at the Boston School of Oratory and Andover Theological Seminary.
Marden was born in Thornton Gore, New Hampshire to Lewis and Martha Marden. When he was three years old, his mother died at the age of 22, leaving Orison and his two sisters in the care of their father, a farmer, hunter, and trapper. When Orison was seven years old, his father died from injuries incurred while in the woods, and the children were shuttled from one guardian to another, with Orison working as a "hired boy" to earn his keep. Inspired by an early self-help book by the Scottish author Samuel Smiles, which he found in an attic, Marden set out to improve himself and his life circumstances. He persevered in advancing himself and graduated from Boston University in 1871. He later graduated from Harvard with an M.D. in 1881 and an LL.B. degree in 1882. He also studied at the Boston School of Oratory and Andover Theological Seminary.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
May 16, 2019
Disclaimer: I have read most if not all of Marden’s books. They were all written in the late 1890s and 1900s. The most surprising feature of all of his books involves when they were written. The reader if unaware as to when they were written would or could think they were written about America in 2019. The lessons throughout all of his books are probably more applicable today than when he wrote them. The overall lesson, at least for me, is that in the past 100 plus years we as a country have learned nothing during that time. The clues have already been spelled out for our success if only we would take advantage of them. Apparently “history does repeat itself” otherwise how can you explain that we have accomplished so little in the field of personal development and improvement when the clues have been known for over 100 years?
I have a difficult time reading any of Marden’s books. Not because of a writing style but because like the author most likely intended, his words cause you to pause and think about how those words apply to you or in my case me. I oftentimes feel as if he were talking directly to me, other times talking about me but most of the time he is talking with me.
This book identifies the ideal self; the ideal man or the ideal woman. With that thought in mind you must remember as you read it, it was written in the 1900s and as such Marden did not differentiate that much between man and woman and referred to “man” as meaning both men and women.
What do I mean when I say his words cause me to stop reading and just sit and think about what he wrote? Here is an excerpt from the book that exemplifies what I mean:
“One reason why the majority of people have such poor judgment, especially employees, is because they do not depend upon it. Unused faculties never develop any more than do unused muscles. The habit of using good judgment in everything, no matter how trifling, will multiply efficiency a thousandfold.”
How could you read that and NOT think about how it may or may not apply to you? Remember he started by saying “the majority of people” and in most cases that WOULD mean you or me. The question then becomes do I exhibit good judgment or do I exhibit poor judgment. A better question would be what am I doing to improve my judgment? This is why it takes me so long to read any of Marden’s books. I stop to take a personal inventory of what he has written, something most authors can only dream about doing.
Marden writes about what has taken place within his environment in the 1890s through the early 1900s. What makes his books so sad is that the basic principles he writes about in his time sill apply today if not more so. We have learned so little as a society in those 100 plus years and people, certainly not you, continue to reinvent the wheel when the instructions for the wheel were given to those who would just listen or in this case just read what was written so long ago.
I can only imagine what a world would look like if Marden’s teachings were taught to the youngest people cable of understanding and more importantly what happens when they apply those lessons to improving their life and their chance at success.
If you can’t tell, I think this book, like all of his books, is OUTSTANDING! If you happen to be one of the millions of people who already believe they know it all, then there is no sense or value in you reading this or any of Marden’s books. But if you are a learning based person it would be impossible to read his books, especially this one, and NOT come away with a lot of Ahas as you read it. Hopefully you can check off some of what he writes about as already having applied them in your life. Then making a list of items that need more or specific attention in your life.
Who should read the book? Everyone! Difficult for me to imagine people NOT taking away valuable life lessons by reading not only this book but all of Marden’s writings.
Would I read it again? Sections of the book, absolutely!
Would I refer the books to my friends and family? Absolutely, already have
Would I buy the book as a gift? This book would make for a great gift especially for high school and college graduates but ONLY if they read it. If you want to give the student the best opportunity for success, start them reading anything written by Marden. The best part is that some of his books are actually FREE on Amazon.com and the rest are typically only 99 cents. What a bargain!
I have a difficult time reading any of Marden’s books. Not because of a writing style but because like the author most likely intended, his words cause you to pause and think about how those words apply to you or in my case me. I oftentimes feel as if he were talking directly to me, other times talking about me but most of the time he is talking with me.
This book identifies the ideal self; the ideal man or the ideal woman. With that thought in mind you must remember as you read it, it was written in the 1900s and as such Marden did not differentiate that much between man and woman and referred to “man” as meaning both men and women.
What do I mean when I say his words cause me to stop reading and just sit and think about what he wrote? Here is an excerpt from the book that exemplifies what I mean:
“One reason why the majority of people have such poor judgment, especially employees, is because they do not depend upon it. Unused faculties never develop any more than do unused muscles. The habit of using good judgment in everything, no matter how trifling, will multiply efficiency a thousandfold.”
How could you read that and NOT think about how it may or may not apply to you? Remember he started by saying “the majority of people” and in most cases that WOULD mean you or me. The question then becomes do I exhibit good judgment or do I exhibit poor judgment. A better question would be what am I doing to improve my judgment? This is why it takes me so long to read any of Marden’s books. I stop to take a personal inventory of what he has written, something most authors can only dream about doing.
Marden writes about what has taken place within his environment in the 1890s through the early 1900s. What makes his books so sad is that the basic principles he writes about in his time sill apply today if not more so. We have learned so little as a society in those 100 plus years and people, certainly not you, continue to reinvent the wheel when the instructions for the wheel were given to those who would just listen or in this case just read what was written so long ago.
I can only imagine what a world would look like if Marden’s teachings were taught to the youngest people cable of understanding and more importantly what happens when they apply those lessons to improving their life and their chance at success.
If you can’t tell, I think this book, like all of his books, is OUTSTANDING! If you happen to be one of the millions of people who already believe they know it all, then there is no sense or value in you reading this or any of Marden’s books. But if you are a learning based person it would be impossible to read his books, especially this one, and NOT come away with a lot of Ahas as you read it. Hopefully you can check off some of what he writes about as already having applied them in your life. Then making a list of items that need more or specific attention in your life.
Who should read the book? Everyone! Difficult for me to imagine people NOT taking away valuable life lessons by reading not only this book but all of Marden’s writings.
Would I read it again? Sections of the book, absolutely!
Would I refer the books to my friends and family? Absolutely, already have
Would I buy the book as a gift? This book would make for a great gift especially for high school and college graduates but ONLY if they read it. If you want to give the student the best opportunity for success, start them reading anything written by Marden. The best part is that some of his books are actually FREE on Amazon.com and the rest are typically only 99 cents. What a bargain!
March 3, 2014
Awesome
Awesome
The pages of this book are filled with timeless knowledge and wisdom. There is something in it for everyone. Reading this book has been a truly enlightening experience.
Awesome
The pages of this book are filled with timeless knowledge and wisdom. There is something in it for everyone. Reading this book has been a truly enlightening experience.
July 11, 2022
This book contains some timeless principles that can help lead to success in all areas of life. It does a good job of explaining why one should seek to get familiar with them and the benefits of doing so. It is very thin on explaining exactly how one can put the principles to work in practical ways. It is a great refresher for people familiar with these types of principles, but will not really move the needle for those looking for more advice on how to go about applying them in their lives.
October 5, 2025
a radiant little book, simple in language yet profound in wisdom. Marden’s voice feels like sunlight for the spirit, reminding the reader that kindness to oneself is the root of strength, success, and genuine joy. Every page carries quiet power, offering timeless encouragement for a balanced, purposeful life.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews