Reviews: The Chimp Paradox (11)

This isn't quite the worst "self-help" book I have ever read but it is awful. The thought that anyone in real need of help might turn to it is worrying.

Why is it so bad? Partly because it wilfully misrepresents the science on which it pretends to be based. If you want to know how the mind works, try Steven Pinker or David Eagleman. Partly because it creates a ludicrously simplistic dichotomy as the basis of its system, more in keeping with a cod-religion than a serious analytical and therapeutic system. But mostly because it tells its readers to that they are not the owners of their behaviour but at war with an alien within them -

"The chimp within your head is a separate entity from you. It ... has nothing to do with you as a human."

This is pernicious nonsense.

A balanced person may be able to see the treatment in this book as a mere banal metaphor but Inviting vulnerable people to enter a world of oppositional fantasy might be considered more likely to reinforce behavioural problems than solve them.

if your interested in knowing who you really are..this is were to begin,what a great insight into the mind...and more specifically your mind..most of the time i know i was my own worst enemy and this book confirmed it all for me...very interesting and also educational,there's much i can say but if you truely want and are interested in knowing yourself i would recommend..

A real life saver! Finally a book that explains our relationship to ourselves and others and how to manage it all effectively to be happy and content. Steve Peters really knows what he's talking about and thank god this book shares it in an easy to understand format. He gives insight and exercises that work with realistic advice and expectation, absolutely brilliant I can't thank him enough!!!!! My mum already bought a copy too and has bought one for my sister. Everyone could benefit from reading this book. Help know yourself and how to realise your own happiness.

I wish I had this book to read years ago!
Very clear and simple explanations of why we think the way we do and how to look to change the way we deal with life and decision making – if YOU want to.
Good examples of the points that are being made
Suitable for personal and work environments

This should be required reading in secondary schools. I genuinely believe we'd all have much more understanding relationships, and achieve greater success if it were.

I have engaged with many self-help and personal development tools over the years; some of them excellent, which I explored very extensively. In the last few years I have become increasingly aware of the two voices fighting in my head over how I should live my life. None of the therapy or training I had done had really addressed this issue. Dr. Steve Peter’s book The Chimp Paradox, however, spoke directly to my dilemma, explaining the way in which my brain generated differing and often conflicting ideas and priorities, using both illustrative and scientific language to convey the processes involved. The book continues, exploring the way in which these processes may negatively affect our ability to achieve our goals; and providing exercises and tools to work towards an outcome that will facilitate clarity and success. This has been a major breakthrough for me, and I am deeply grateful that this work has been made available.
I can see nothing about this book that suggests that it would be an academic treatises.
The tone of the book is light and easy to read, which makes it very accessible. I strongly recommend it for anyone who is bothered by the two voices fighting it out on their head. There is also an online offering for people who wish for further support. And lastly Dr Peters has published a book on the subject for children. I wish I had know about the chimp paradox long ago!

This book gave me a whole new perspective on why people think and behave in certain ways. It's enabled me to reflect on myself and question the person I want to be and how I am going to get there.

I enjoyed reading this book because it is helpful to me, especially planning long term and short term goals. To be succinct, managing your mind will help in succeeding in goals that you personally want to achieve. This book as lessons that I am going to be using in helping me create a vibrant lifestyle.
Main talking point is managing the emotional mind and not being panicked which causes anxiety. Honestly found book useful and hope it gives readers confidence in themselves and live with tranquility.

I found this book really helpful, it helped me to take a more logical standpoint on my irrational behaviours and find a way to take a step back from my emotions before reacting in triggering situations. I enjoyed reading it and got through it within a matter of days.

Opens up you perspective to another level. Great book for any age and people who struggle mentally