Maxwell Maltz
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Maxwell Maltz (10 March 1899[1] – April 7, 1975[2]) was an American cosmetic surgeon and author who developed Psycho-Cybernetics, a system of ideas through which, he claimed, one could improve his self-image and, in turn, lead a more successful and fulfilling life. He wrote several books, among which Psycho-Cybernetics (1960) was a long-time bestseller that influenced many subsequent self-help teachers.[3]
Maltz graduated with a doctorate in medicine from the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1923.[2]
Psycho-Cybernetics: A New Way to Get More Living out of Life was first published in 1960 by Prentice-Hall and first appeared in a pocket book edition in 1969. The book introduced Maltz's view that a person must have an accurate and positive view of one's self before setting goals, otherwise he or she will get stuck in a continuing pattern of limiting beliefs. His ideas focus on visualizing one's goals. He believed that self-image is the cornerstone of all the changes that take place in a person. If one's self-image is unhealthy, or faulty, all of his or her efforts will end in failure.[4]
Maltz also wrote fiction, including a play called Unseen Scar (1946)[5] and a novel, The Time is Now (1975)[6]. His autobiography, Doctor Pygmalion: The Autobiography of a Plastic Surgeon (1953)[7], was re-titled Doctor Psycho-Cybernetics after his self-help work was published.
Although the book Psycho-Cybernetics was first published in 1960, as of 2008 the book is ranked #34 in the book “50 Self-Help Classics".[8]
[edit] References
- ^ SpringerLink - Journal Article
- ^ a b College of Physicians and Surgeons Obituary Database. Retrieved on 2007-09-27.
- ^ Gray, Michael C.. Psycho-Cybernetics Book Review. www.profitadvisors.com. Retrieved on 2008-03-14.
- ^ Welcome to 50Classics.com. www.butler-bowdon.com. Retrieved on 2008-03-14.
- ^ Maltz, Maxwell (1946). Unseen Scar: A New Play. New York: Hart Stenographic Bureau.
- ^ Maltz, Maxwell (1975). The Time is Now. New York: Simon and Schuster. ISBN 067121859X. OCLC 1009493.
- ^ Maltz, Maxwell (1953). Doctor Pygmalion: The Autobiography of a Plastic Surgeon. New York: Crowell. OCLC 14656784.
- ^ Welcome to 50Classics.com. www.butler-bowdon.com. Retrieved on 2008-03-14.