Jul 07, 2003 08:16 PM
2309 Views
(Updated Jul 07, 2003 08:16 PM)
The author’s references to “cheese”, as most know, is not a resurrection of the use of the early nineties slang term for money nor an actual by product of milk but rather Dr. Spencer Johnson uses cheese as a metaphor for whatever one desires in life. The book serves to illustrate to a target population of readers that whatever they want they can have if they assess their situation and make appropriate changes so that they are in a better position to acquire whatever it is that they want. I have two impressions of the book; One is good and one that is not so good.
The first impression is that it is a great little enlightening book that helps one to realize that whatever situation he or she is in, it is not a permanent and can to be improved upon. All one needs to do is accept that change will happen. In order to reap the most out of the inevitable change, one must: anticipate it, monitor it, adapt to it, and enjoy it. I think that for small scale changes this book is great. However, the simplicity of the book reveals that Dr Johnson is an idealist; he gives the façade that all changes bring about positive outcomes. This illustrates that he has never faced any true opposition. That quite possibly, the greatest change he has ever encountered is along the lines of unexpectedly discovering that his favorite five star restaurant no longer serves his favorite entrée or having to reschedule his flight to Maui because of foul weather conditions. These changes are minute and do not effect the person long term. I would highly recommend this book for CEOs, accountants, brokers and the Bushes.
Point of clarity: I am not insinuating that life is roses for those that are financially secure; I am merely pointing out that with money comes options and at a minimum a sense of control over one’s life.
As I read the book it became increasingly obvious to me that the book is targeted for the “Haves” and not the “Have-nots”. The Have-nots experience an entirely different world than the Haves. A world in which the changes that go on in their lives are controlled by someone else who does not have their interests in mind. The Have-nots do not have the resources to implement change and as far as anticipating change, monitoring change, adapting to change, and enjoying change, an entirely different set of rules apply. According to the enlightened character Haw’s writings one the wall: change happens. Yeah. That’s not rocket science. Anticipate change. For what? Monitor change. Have been, and yes the slope is steadily declining. Adapt to change . What’s the alternative? Enjoy change. Sure.
I apologize if this paper seems to reek of pessimism but I am a realist and sometimes reality is not pretty.
My purpose in life is to advocate for the rights of those that are born into or find their selves in the oppressive system with modest, to low, to no socio-economic status. I commit my life to fighting for an interactive change in the system as well as in the hearts and minds of those that are beneficiaries of the system. It is my moral obligation to empower those that currently have little influence in their lives.
If either Dr. Johnson or Kenneth Blanchard were to adopt the needs of those less fortunate and write a witty self-help book on how to overcome centuries of injustice and oppression, I would then deem it worthwhile to read. This book, however, is a dime a dozen one and aimed at a very small select audience. To my knowledge there is a dearth of 45 minute reads on the market that depict realistic means of changing a capitalistic, greedy, principle-less society into a humane one. I suggest Dr. Johnson put his creativity and skills to better use and work to facilitate an honorable change in his readers’ minds…a moral change.
