We Love Self Help Books, Personal Development Books and Self Improvement Books!

Self help books are wonderful - or they can be (they can be crappy, too, of course, but I won't waste your time with crap).

Personal development books and self improvement books can help you improve your life, overcome personal difficulties, solve problems and understand things you've always wanted to understand.

Not everyone can (or even wants to) travel to a far away ashram to talk with an enlightened teacher in person, or participate in self improvements seminars or even just hire a personal development coach to help them in their personal transformation.

Reading self help ebooks, personal development books, and self improvement articles is the next best thing.

Indeed, some folks prefer reading (or listening to books on audio, i.e. self improvement audio) to the other possibilities. For long periods of time this was true of me, too, though in the periods in between I did in fact seek out many teachers and attend many self help seminars.

So, on this page and the many pages 'under' it (which you can access from this page) I am going to highlight some of the most influential, interesting, useful and all round best self help authors there are - and their self improvement books, of course.

I want these pages to be one of the most useful tools around when it comes to finding the best self help books on the market today. And learning a bit about the various personal development authors in the process - I'm going to include some short author bios as well to complete the picture.

Note: If you want to jump past all the interesting historical stuff and directly down to the list of self help authors, you can, just by clicking this link:

Self Help Authors and Their Books.

Other than that, please read on.

Self Help Books Have Become Mainstream

As more and more people get into the process of awakening to their true natures (their true identity), the market for personal development books is rapidly growing to meet the needs of these intellectual, emotional and spiritual seekers. Some self improvement authors of today have risen to the tops of the mainstream best seller lists and have become extremely influential in the lives of people all around the world.

Offering self improvement advice is nothing new however. Self help tips can be traced back to the Indian Vedas (1500–1000 BCE) and beyond. Mankind has long been driven towards spiritual enlightenment and the inner peace, happiness, abundance and unconditional love that flow from it, even though achieving that state has been difficult thanks to the nature of our egos.

How to find inner peace and how to be happy (how to find happiness) is perhaps the oldest and most enduring of human endeavours, closely followed by a host of related life improvement quests, that have to do with success, riches, love, self esteem, relationships, leadership and pretty much every other aspect of human life.

Most of the better known self help authors have achieved some degree of success in some field or other, and that is what drives us to seek out their methods and advice.

Self Help Ideas Come and Go in Trends

Self help ideas tend to come and go in trends. As you saw with the Indian Vedas one might say that the oldest self help books still in existence are around 3500 years old. And those venerable texts might be said to form the basis of some very cutting edge modern concepts such as transpersonal psychology ...

Experience Ego Death to Set Yourself Free

Take the notion of ego death and psychological rebirth. Now, there's an old concept! We know for a fact that the ancient Indian texts
the Upanishads (the oldest of which date back to somewhere around 1000 to 600 BCE) refer to psychological rebirth and that certain old time (pre-Christian) mystery based religions included rites whose function was to let the person experience psychological death and rebirth, something later taken up by Buddhism (still some 500 years before Christ).

This powerful concept of ego death and psychological rebirth (which does indeed produce powerful, positive personal transformation, I can vouch for that) is once again gaining popularity in the form of diverse forms of rebirthing and also in the cutting-edge field of modern transpersonal psychology.

The Enneagram of Personality Can Be Traced Back 1500 Years

Another example of an ancient system experiencing a revival in modern day self help books is the system for categorizing personality (a.k.a. our ego) known as the Enneagram, sometimes called the Enneagram of Personality.

This system for ego development and - ultimately - for letting goof your ego can be traced back more than 1500 years (to Evagrius Ponticus a.k.a. Evagrius the Solitary (345-399 AD) and may be even older than that).

The Enneagram experienced a revival and expansion in the 1970s and has since then been expanded further by intense psychological research, and has probably never been more widely known (or indeed more powerful) than today. Psychologists, personal development coaches (such as myself), and commercial companies all around the world use the Enneagram. The latter use the Enneagram as a powerful HR resource.

It's a great system, and if you're interested in psychology and not yet aware of the Enneagram you should definitely look into it. The best book on the Enneagram that I have read (and I have read many) is "The Wisdom of the Enneagram" by Don Richard Riso and Russ Hudson, a comprehensive but easy to read guide.

Surprise? The Law of Attraction Is Old News

Finally, let take a brief look at the Law of Attraction as a very well known example.
The Law of Attraction is very popular today, but it certainly nothing new (it dates back centuries, probably starting in early New Thought Movement in the early 1800s). The movie The Secret from 2006 (later also a book) produced by Rhonda Byrne, however, breathed new life into the concept and brought it to mainstream society.

Such is the way with many of today's popular self help books. They bring the path of bliss and effective living to everyday people rather than keeping self improvement ideas cloistered for an elect few. But they're actually based on old ideas and knowledge - sometimes very old indeed.

Almost All of Us Want a Better Life, You too, Right?

The common denominator for all of this is the desire for a better life experience.

We want to experience unconditional love and inner peace. We want to be happy.

Even people who read self improvement books because they want to be healthy, beautiful, popular, famous, rich or successful are actually striving for inner peace, love and happiness (at a deeper level).

This desire to be happy is pretty much the driving force behind all self help, personal development, self improvement and search for spiritual enlightenment. And thus it is the driving force behind personal development books, self improvement books and self help books.

Picking and Choosing between the Best Self Help Books and Self Help Authors

There are sooo many self help books to choose from just as there are many paths to personal growth, self improvement and spiritual enlightenment. You will likely click with certain personal development authors and not resonate with others. It may not be so much the self help advice they offer, but the manner in which it is presented that makes it difficult to absorb. Or, if you like, the vibration they hold. :-)

Some self help books written in the 1800s and before can be difficult to read and understand simply because the language (and culture) has changed since then. Fortunately, there are many, many personal development ebooks and books to select from, and many of them deliver messages worth reading. You should feel free to sample various authors until you find a writing style and message to which you can relate.

Below is a sampling of some of the more popular authors of self help books you may want to consider. I (Soren, the Personal Development Guy) may not agree with every single author that I have mentioned below (I don't, actually), but unless at least one of the author's self help books is what I consider worth reading for some reason or other I will not even mention them!

This page about self help books and personal development authors is a work in progress. So, in (an ever expanding) number of cases you will find links to self improvement articles that give you an author biography as well as the main points of the self help author's teachings - plus a list of what they have authored and brief descriptions of each of their works - so you'll know where to start, given your own personal interests. Happy reading ...

Presenting: The Best Self Help Books and Some of the Best Self Help Authors

Alfred Adler:

Alfred Adler was a noted psychotherapist and pioneer in the field of psychology. His work focused on feelings of inferiority, and how those feeling affected development and caused social isolation. His work with the inferiority complex and self esteem helped establish counseling practices that were followed years after his death.

Read more about him and his work in the article Alfred Adler

 

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Barbara de Angelis

 

Maya Angelou Biography

Arjuna Ardagh

Richard Bandler:
Co-developer of NLP Who Will Help You Change

Richard Bandler is one of the developers of NLP, or neuro-linguistic programming. He developed these techniques as a way of changing behavior patterns. He has written several self help books based on NLP that instruct readers how to use his methods to change their lives. One of his most well known books is Using Your Brain for a Change. Read a biography of this self help author in the personal development article called Richard Bandler.

Brandon Bays:
The Journey - a Powerful Self Improvement Technique

Brandon Bays is the author of self help books that teach readers how to attain a state of freedom. Bays found freedom after she was diagnosed with cancer and used her techniques to become cancer-free in six weeks. Her first and main book is titled The Journey: A Practical Guide to Healing Your Life and Setting Yourself Free. Read a biography of this self help author in the personal development article called Brandon Bays.

Alain de Botton:
A Philosophical Focus on Happiness

Alain de Botton is a writer with a philosophical style (an thus a rather mental view of things) who founded a school in London known as The School of Life with the goal of teaching people how to develop fulfilled and happy lives. He has written a few books that include How Proust Can Change Your Life. Read a biography of this self help author in the personal development article called Alain de Botton.

Gregg Braden

Brené Brown:

Brené Brown is a research professor in the field of social work. She is the author of self help books that help readers overcome feelings of shame and inadequacy.
She blames society and the media for making people, especially women, feel they are not good enough.

 She urges readers to wake up to the programming and reclaim their authentic selves by embracing their imperfections. Read her bio and see a list of her self help books in the article Brene Brown.

Les Brown:
Inspiring You to Change Your Life for the Better

Les Brown is the author of Live Your Dreams where he teaches readers how to get what they want from life through positive thinking and taking action. He is a motivational writer and speaker. His self help books have inspired many people to take action in order to change their lives. Read a biography of this self help author in the personal development article called Les Brown.

 

Leo Buscaglia:

Leo Buscaglia wrote self help books on the topic of love. He was moved to create a university class called Love 1A after one of his students committed suicide. He wanted everyone to learn the importance of expressing and receiving love. He wrote self help books for children too so they could learn important life concepts such as the importance of putting others first and understanding death.
Read the article about his self improvement books and his bio Leo Buscaglia.

Tony Buzan:
Brain Power and Peak Performance

Tony Buzan is an expert in maximizing brain power. He developed the technique of mind mapping that has been used by corporations and athletes to achieve peak performance. His books include Make the Most of Your Mind and Speed Reading. Read a biography of this self help author in the personal development article called Tony Buzan.

Andrew Carnegie Biography

Carlos Castaneda:
Alternative Anthropologist, Shaman and Author

Carlos Castaneda was an anthropologist, shaman, and spiritual author. His first book, The Teachings of Don Juan begins the tale of his shamanistic training. He wrote 12 books in all and experts are in disagreement whether they are fiction or truth. They do reveal practices and philosophies that help readers attain states of increased awareness. Castaneda is a popular alternative author whose books have sold in the millions of copies. Read a biography of this self help author in the personal development article called Carlos Castaneda.

Pema Chodron:

Pema Chodron is a Buddhist nun and author of several self help books for those wishing to develop their spiritual nature and find peace in life.
She teaches it is best to embrace suffering and the things that scare us, because it is through them that our spiritual natures grow. She also helps readers awaken to more loving and compassionate living. Read a Pema Chodron bio and see a list of her works in the self improvement article Pema Chodron.

Deepak Chopra:
Prolific Inspirational Spiritual Teacher and Author

Deepak Chopra is a doctor, teacher, and author of self help books that focus on spirituality and mind-body medicine. Some of his most popular works include The Spontaneous Fulfillment of Desire: Harnessing the Infinite Power of Coincidence and The Way of the Wizard: Twenty Spiritual Lessons in Creating the Life You Want. Read a biography of this self help author in the personal development article called Deepak Chopra.

Deepak Chopra Books

Paulo Coelho:

Paulo Coelho has written over 30 books, many of them fiction, and some of them autobiographical and based upon his own spiritual awakening.

His most popular book is a work of fiction that tells the story of a boy on a spiritual journey to the pyramids. His books have sold in the hundreds of millions of copies making him one of the most widely read authors of self help books alive today.


Read Paulo Coelho's bio and read about his works in the article Paulo Coelho.

Stephen Covey:

Stephen Covey is the author of best selling self help books that have sold millions of copies. He teaches the importance of developing and adhering to habits that create success. He stresses the importance of character ethics when it comes to success in business and life.
Covey teaches readers the exact habits they must possess to be triumphant in life today.
Read the article about his self improvement books and his bio Stephen Covey.

 

Peter Drucker :

Peter Drucker is the author of several personal development books for business leaders. He taught leadership styles and management theory. He was extremely influential in the business world and was a consultant to several top corporations.
His books and articles influenced business practices and accurately predicted the shift towards a knowledge based workplace and many other trends that emerged in the last few decades.
You can read more about Peter Drucker and his books here.

T. Harv Eker:

T. Harv Eker is a sought after speaker and author of self help books on the subject of creating wealth. He teaches the importance of having the proper mindset in order to become wealthy, He calls this the Millionaire Mind. His motivational books appeal to those who desire living a life of financial independence by experiencing their fullest potentials.
Read about his biography and his books in the article T Harv Eker.

Masaru Emoto

Timothy Ferriss:
Want to Work Only 4 Hours per Week?

Timothy Ferriss is the author of two popular self help books, The 4-Hour Workweek and The 4-Hour Body.

He offers personal development tips on how to create the best life and body with the least amount of time and effort. Like many other popular authors today, his self improvement ebooks can be downloaded on Kindle (by Amazon).

Read a biography of this self help author in the personal development article called Timothy Ferriss.

Debbie Ford :

Debbie Ford has written several popular self help books that deal with emotional and spiritual development. She has helped readers understand their inner natures and offers practical steps for overcoming negative thinking so they can achieve their goals.

Her books are based upon the information she used in her coaching program designed to help people to lead happier and more fulfilling lives.

Read her bio and see a list of her works in the article Debbie Ford.

Viktor Frankl:

Viktor Frankl was a Holocaust survivor and is the founder of the psychotherapy known as Logotherapy.

His early work was influenced by Alfred Adler and Sigmund Freud, but he later developed his own distinct opinions as well as his own psychotherapy which he called Logotherapy. This particular brand of psychotherapy is still taught around the world today.

Read his bio and see a list of his works in the article Viktor Frankl.

Mahatma Gandhi:
Non-violence, Peace and Unity

Mohandas Mahatma Gandhi is a name recognized around the world in all cultures. He devoted his life to spreading the message of non-violence and peace. His work is compiled in The Essential Gandhi: An Anthology of His Writings on His Life, Work, and Ideas. A great modern teacher indeed. Read a biography of this classic modern self help author in the personal development article called Mahatma Gandhi.

Gangaji:
Surrender into Beingness

Gangaji is a present day spiritual teacher who helps others attain peace through self realization. She is a pupil of the modern day Indian guru Ramana Maharshi, and her methods involve self inquiry and ending struggle by simply 'being.'
Her most popular book is You are That!, but she has also written the more recent The Diamond in Your Pocket, and many people (including myself) just looove to listen to her voice on her various self help audio recordings. Read a biography of this spiritual author in the self help article called Gangaji.

Shakti Gawain:

Shakti Gawain is known for teaching readers the art of creative visualization.

Her best selling books have helped millions of people achieve their goals through affirmations and visualization.

She also teaches clearing exercises for eliminating negative core beliefs and promotes meditation and daily reflection. Read more in the self improvement article calledShakti Gawain.

Kahlil Gibran:
Much Revered Lebanese Poet

Kahlil Gibran, a Lebanese poet and visionary, died in 1931 but the popularity of his books lives on. His most popular,The Prophet, was a work of inspirational fiction that was warmly embraced by the 1960s counterculture, and it continues to be a highly popular piece of spiritual literature to this day.

In fact, Gibran is the third leading poet of all time in sales of books that inspire others to live a better life. Read a biography of this self help author in the personal development article called Kahlil Gibran.

Daniel Goleman :

Daniel Goleman is a psychologist and expert in brain science. He teaches readers about emotional intelligence and how it is more important than IQ when it comes to achieving success in the business world, and life in general.

He has written several self help books that teach readers how to become better leaders, find inner peace, become more successful, and how to meditate.

Read his bio and see a list of his works in the article Daniel Goleman.

 

Amit Goswami

 

Alex Grey

Stanislav Grof:
Fearless Consciousness Explorer and Scientist Who Co-founded Transpersonal Psychology

Stanislav Grof is a psychiatrist and researcher into human consciousness. He is one of the founders of transpersonal psychology. He has written many personal development books. One of his most recent is Holotropic Breathwork: A New Approach to Self-Exploration and Therapy, that deals with the unusually powerful self improvement technique he fathered: Holothropic Breathwork. Another fairly recent book is Psychology of the Future: Lessons from Modern Consciousness Research, which is also his most comprehensive single work (in terms of scope) because it briefly sums up all of Grof's findings and theories in a lifetime dedicated to exploring and mapping human consciousness. Grof is a clear thinker with a slightly scholarly writing style (his newer works are easier to read than his early works) whose body of work (which is based on observation) is nothing short of revolutionary. Highly recommended for those who are interested in the BIG picture of life, the universe and everything and how we humans relate to that. Read a biography of this personal development author (and founding father of transpersonal psychology) in the personal development article called Stanislav Grof.

David Hawkins:
Levels of Consciousness

David Hawkins has written several self help books intended to help readers reach a level of enlightenment so they can leave suffering behind and live a life of peace. His works include Power vs. Force: The Hidden Determinants of Human Behavior and Dissolving the Ego Realizing the Self. Read a biography of this self help author in the personal development article called David Hawkins.

Louise Hay:
Change Your Thoughts to Heal

Louise Hay is a very powerful presence in the world of personal development advice. Her most popular book is Heal Your Body that was written to help people overcome illness by changing their thoughts. She is also a big believer in positive affirmations. Her most important contribution to the movement may be the development of Hay House, a company that publishes many of the top selling self help books on the market today. Read a Louise Hay bio and see a list of her works in the self improvement article Louise Hay.

Hermann Hesse:
Siddharta, Steppenwolf and More

Hermann Hesse is a well known influential writer of books with a spiritual theme that drew from his experiences with Eastern mysticism. His books have been loved by generations of readers and become even more popular as time goes on. His most popular works are Siddhartha and Steppenwolf. Read a biography of this self help author in the personal development article called Hermann Hesse.

Esther Hicks and Jerry Hicks:
The Art of Attraction and Allowing

Esther Hicks and Jerry Hicks promote the teachings of the Law of Attraction and have published many books on the topic. Although the Hicks may not call it channeling, much of the material is produced in cooperation with an entity (actually a group of entities) called Abraham that speaks through Esther. One of their most popular personal development books is Ask and it is Given: Learning to Manifest Your Desires. Read more in the self help article called Esther and Jerry Hicks.

Napoleon Hill:
Your Thoughts Shape Your Experience

Napoleon Hill is most well known for the personal development ideas he delivered in his best selling book Think and Grow Rich. The book was published in 1937 and continues to be a best seller today. His book teaches people how to become successes in life by mastering their thoughts. Read a biography of this self help author in the personal development article called Napoleon Hill.

Susan Jeffers:
Feel the Fear ... and Do It Anyway!

Susan Jeffers teaches readers how to overcome crippling fear in their lives. Her methods were developed in an attempt to improve her own life that was controlled by her fear. Her most popular book is Feel the Fear…and Do It Anyway! Read a biography of this self help author in the personal development article called Susan Jeffers.

Carl Jung:
Extraordinary Psychiatrist

C G Jung, or Carl Jung, is one of the most notable psychiatrists of modern time. He explored alternate fields of science such as astrology, alchemy, and philosophy in his quest to understand the human mind and spirit. Jung wrote 19 books in all, some of them being collections of his writings such as Psychiatric Studies: The Collected Works of C. G. Jung. Read a biography of this self help author in the personal development article called C G Jung.

Jon Kabat-Zinn:
Mindfulness for You

Jon Kabat-Zinn is a proponent of using mindfulness meditation to overcome problems in life such as pain, anxiety, disease, and stress. He bases much of his philosophy on Buddhist teachings. His most popular books include Full Catastrophe Living and Wherever You Go There You Are. Read a biography of this self help author in the personal development article called Jon Kabat-Zinn.

Byron Katie:
Examine Your Thoughts and Let Them Go

Byron Katie is another present day teacher with a simple method of self inquiry that helps readers transform their lives.


Her first and probably most popular book is Loving What Is: Four Questions That Can Change Your Life. Read a Byron Katie bio and see a list of her works in the self improvement article Byron Katie.
 

Robert Kiyosaki:
The Man with Two Dads - One Rich, One Poor

Robert Kiyosaki is most noted for his self improvement books as they relate to personal finance. His most well-known is Rich Dad Poor Dad but he has published over 15 works that have sold millions of copies. Read a biography of this self help author in the personal development article called Robert Kiyosaki.

Bruce Lipton :

Bruce Lipton is a biologist and author of two personal development books that teach readers how beliefs and thoughts bring about physical changes to body cells and DNA. His work proves that DNA can be changed, and because of that we have the power to bring about physical healing. His work further proves that thoughts have the power to change our futures as individuals and as a global society.

Ramana Maharshi:
Modern Mystic and Kind Teacher of Self Examination

Ramana Maharshi was a Hindu spiritual master who became spiritually enlightened in his teens and who taught followers to strive for a state of non-attachment to things of life. He taught quietness and self inquiry to be the fastest path to enlightenment. Much of his work and teachings have been compiled into books such as The Spiritual Teaching of Ramana Maharshi and Happiness and the Art of Being. Read a biography of this self help author in the personal development article called Ramana Maharshi.  

J. W. Marriott:

J. W. Marriott is one of America's most successful businessmen. He turned the Marriott hotel chain into an international property management and franchise empire. He attributes his success to valuing people, both guests and employees. He teaches readers to be decisive, make informed decisions, and not waste time regretting mistakes.
Read a biography of this self help author in the personal development article called J W Marriott.

Abraham Maslow:
Needs, Peak Experiences and Self Realization

Abraham Maslow is most noted for his Hierarchy of Needs that is taught in psychology classes around the world. He was a professor of psychology who taught others about basic human nature and the need to see the positive qualities in other people. His later work focused on peak experiences and self realized individuals, persons of extraordinary achievement and compassion. Read a biography of this self help author in the personal development article called Abraham Maslow.

John Maxwell:
Leadership Expert Tells You How to Be Successful

John Maxwell is the author of several self help books on leadership and business success. His most popular books include The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership an  How Successful People Think. His motivational books have sold millions of copies and he has lectured to Fortune 500 companies and government leaders. Read a biography of this self help author in the personal development article called John Maxwell.

Drunvalo Melchizedek:

Drunvalo Melchizedek is the author of four popular New Age self help books. He is also a speaker and teacher. He teaches subjects such as sacred geometry, activating the light body, and living from the heart. He also teaches others to carry forth his message through his Flower of Life School and School of Remembering.
Read a biography of this self help author in the personal development article called Drunvalo Melchizedek .

Anthony de Mello:
Prolific Self Improvement Author

Anthony de Mello was a psychotherapist and Jesuit priest who penned self help books and other works. His books include (among many others) Contact with God and One Minute Wisdom. His later work displays indications that he had reached a spiritually enlightened state. Read a biography of this self improvement author in the personal development article called Anthony de Mello.

Anthony De Mello Quotes

Dan Millman:

Dan Millman is the author of best selling personal development books that help readers find purpose in life. He stresses the importance of becoming a peaceful warrior that brings about change in the self and the world in a firm but peaceful manner. He teaches readers spiritual principles that help to create improved relationships, life purpose, business success, and spiritual development. Read the article about his self improvement books and his bio Dan Millman.

Bruce Moen:

Bruce Moen takes readers on exciting journeys into the afterlife. His self help books are for those interested in the spirit world or for people who have a fear of death. Moen perfected a method for traveling to the spirit world, and teaches it to his readers, so everyone can obtain first hand experience of the afterlife while still alive. He explains that doing so helps eliminate fear of death and gives life more meaning.
Read his biograhpy and about his works in the article Bruce Moen.

 

Robert Monroe:
Exploring States of Consciousness via OBEs and Hemi-Sync

Robert Allen Monroe was a modern day leader in the field of altered consciousness. He has published several books and a number of audio programs using devoted to training the mind and achieving altered states of consciousness. He was particularly interested in out of body experiences (OBEs), communication with the afterlife and the use of brainwave entrainment (a.k.a. brainwave synchronization a.k.a. isochronic tones a.k.a. binaural beats, sometimes misspelled binural beats). He invented the Hemi Sync method for brainwave synchronization and used it for many purposes, a work which is continued today by his daughter. His first and most well known book is Journeys Out of the Body- the book that is accredited with first popularizing the concept of out of body experiences, though perhaps his later works Far Journeys and Ultimate Journey are in fact more rewarding. However, since they're all largely biographical one may benefit from reading them all in sequence. Read a biography of this self help author in the personal development article called Robert Monroe.

Michael Newton:

Michael Newton is the author of best selling books on the topic of the spirit world and the life between lives. He is a therapist who developed a method of hypnotic regression that takes clients back to previous lives and the time spent in the spirit world between lives. He teaches that visiting this space between lives helps readers lose their fear of death and helps them find purpose in life once they understand the reasons they chose to enter the present life circumstances. Newton explains this knowledge makes it easier to endure hardships in life, because they have a purpose. Read his bio and see a list of his works in the self improvement article Michael Newton

Daniel Pink:

Daniel Pink is a popular speaker and author of personal development books that advocate a new style of workplace. He teaches that leadership and workplace norms are evolving. Freelance work is getting to be more common and workers are being valued for their creativity and contribution to the company. Pink's books help leaders form more productive groups and they also help individuals seeking a free agent lifestyle. Read more about this self help book author in the article Daniel Pink.

Dave Ramsey:

Dave Ramsey is a well-known talk radio personality and author of financial self help books. His lectures, classes, and books have helped thousands of people get out of debt and build solid financial futures. He teaches the importance of paying cash, building an emergency fund, and avoiding all debt except for a mortgage. He explains it is also very important to learn how to live within your means so you can live a life of financial peace. He advocates teaching his principles to children so they can have lives of financial security.

Ayn Rand Books

Ayn Rand Books:  Rand was a celebrated Russian-American writer. She wrote several nonfiction books on the subject of political philosophy, and she wrote four fiction novels. The most well known Ayn Rand books are "The Fountainhead" and "Atlas Shrugged." 

James Redfield:
Celestine Prophecies

James Redfield is a counselor who was drawn to the human potential movement for answers for his clients who were struggling with life issues. His work combines psychology, philosophy, mysticism, and science. He is the author of The Celestine Prophecy which became one of the best selling self help books of the 1990s, and more books have since been published in what has become a series. Read a biography of this self help author in the personal development article called James Redfield.

Cheryl Richardson

Anthony Robbins:

Anthony Robbins is probably one of the most well-known authors of self help books thanks to his frequent appearances on television promoting his personal development books and programs.

Much of his work is based on NLP, and he offers specific step-by-step instructions for achieving goals whether they are to lose weight or increase income. Read his bio and see a list of his works in the article Anthony Robbins.

 

Anthony Robbins Books

 

Carl Rogers:
Pioneer Psychologist with a Focus on Being(ness)

Carl Rogers was a researcher in psychology and helped develop the humanistic approach. He received many important recognitions and awards for his groundbreaking work. He wrote 16 books including On Becoming a Person: A Therapist's View of Psychotherapy and A Way of Being. Read a biography of this self help author in the personal development article called Carl Rogers.

Jim Rohn:
Motivational Speaker Who Helps You Live an Inspired Life

Jim Rohn is a popular motivational speaker and writer that helps people create winning strategies for overcoming life problems. He has written many self help books. Some of them are My Philosophy for Successful Living, The Art of Exceptional Living, Lessons on Life, and Leading an Inspired Life. Read a biography of this self help author in the personal development article called Jim Rohn.

Marshall Rosenberg:
Non-Violent Communication

Marshall Rosenberg is the inventor of the concept of non-violent communication as well as non-violent parenting, and his work (including the book titled Non Violent Communication) has spawned countless courses, study groups and the like all over the world. Read a Marshall Rosenberg bio and see a list of his works in the self improvement article Marshall Rosenberg.

Geneen Roth :

Geneen Roth is well-known because of her frequent media appearances discussing the topic of emotional eating. Her self help books help readers understand their problems with compulsive eating or perpetual dieting. She has helped many thousands of people through her process of inquiry, meditation, and steps to healthy eating.
Read a biography of this self help author in the personal development article called Geneen Roth.

Don Miguel Ruiz:
The Four - or Even Five - Agreements

Don Miguel Ruiz is a shaman and spiritual teacher who draws inspiration from the Toltec traditions - the same spiritual traditions as Carlos Castaneda's (another self help author) teacher of Don Juan. Don Miguel Ruiz' most popular work The Four Agreements has sold millions of copies. The book teaches readers how to achieve freedom and inner peace by breaking beliefs or assumptions we have collectively agreed to believe. Read a biography of this self help author in the personal development article called Don Miguel Ruiz.

Robin Sharma:

Robin Sharma is the author of several popular personal development books that help readers live their best lives. He combines ancient teachings with positive thinking. In addition, he studied successful people to learn how they lived so he could teach others how to model their behaviors and become successful too. Read a Robin Sharma bio and see a list of his works in the article Robin Sharma.

Barbara Sher

George Soros Biography

George Soros Quotes

Eckhart Tolle:
Being Present in the Now

Eckhart Tolle is undoubtedly one of the most well known authors of personal development books thanks to his association with Oprah Winfrey and the huge exposure he received. His message is very much able to stand on its own however, and in The Power of Now he offers readers self improvement tips that help them achieve a state of bliss by learning to live in the present moment. Read an Eckhart Tolle bio and see a list of his works in the self improvement article Eckhart Tolle.

Brian Tracy Books

Neale Donald Walsch:
Spiritual Self Help Advice on the Highest Level

Neale Donald Walsch is the author of the popular Conversations with God series of self help books as well as some other personal development books. Reading his books is sort of like 'talking with God' although Walsch says his books are not channeled, but inspired, works. Whatever it is, it is intense and very powerful stuff. Read the personal development article on Neale Donald Walsch.

Joe Vitale:
Super-prolific Self Help Author

Joe Vitale is a very prolific writer of self help books. He appeared in The Secret movie and based much of his work on the Law of Attraction. Some of his more popular personal development books include The Key, The Attractor  Factor, and Zero Limits. Read a biography of this self help author in the personal development article called Joe Vitale.

Lyall Watson:

Lyall Watson was an avid promoter of nature and the mystery of life. He was an accomplished researcher with several degrees and a cult hero in the New Age movement because of his many books that awakened readers to the supernatural mysteries of the universe. He was an advocate of all animal life and helped readers see how animals such as pigs are a lot like humans and that elephants are highly emotional. By understanding that animals, plant life, and even inanimate objects have life force in them and some are capable of highly complex thought and emotion, readers can view life on earth in a more compassionate and awe-filled manner. Read more about this great writer in the article Lyall Watson.

Alan Watts:

Alan Watts was a British philosopher and was noted for translating Eastern philosophy so it could be understood by the Western world. He wrote over 20 self help books based on the ancient religions such as Buddhism and Hinduism. His work was also influence by leaders of the Human Potential Movement he became involved in. He sought many paths to enlightenment and shared what he learned with his readers.

Read more about this author of personal development books in the article Alan Watts.

Stuart Wilde:
A Spiritual Hand Grenade

Stuart Wilde has written many personal development books based on metaphysical principals. His books are usually short, easy to read, and to the point. Oh, and provocative. He can be very provocative and has been called 'a spiritual hand grenade'. Some of his books are The Trick to Money is Having Some and Miracles. Read a biography of this self help author in the personal development article called Stuart Wilde.

Marianne Williamson:
Return to Love

Marianne Williamson has written many personal development books based upon her beliefs as a Unity minister and the principles in "A Course in Miracles" (a famous self improvement book co-authored by Helen Schucman). One of her top selling books is A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of A Course In Miracles. Read a biography of this self help author in the personal development article called Marianne Williamson.

Larry Winget:

Larry Winget is a best selling author of financial self help books. He takes a tough love approach with readers and tells them they have to work hard, be persistent, and have self control in order to build a strong financial future. He urges readers to take responsibility for their own lives and stop blaming the employer, the recession, their spouse, or anyone else for their financial struggles and unhappiness. REad his bio and see a list of his works in the self improvement article Larry Winget.

Gary Zukav:
Soul Expert

Gary Zukav has written many popular self help books that have enjoyed best seller status and sold millions of copies. He appeared several times on Oprah to discuss human consciousness. His books include The Seat of the Soul and The Dancing Wu Li Masters, both of which won him acclaim. Read a biography of this self help author in the personal development article called Gary Zukav.






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The Best Self Help Books For Creating Your Best Life

A brief mention of a few selected self help books (specific titles) that can help and empower you.

Great Self H elp Books For Women

A small selection of self help books that might be particularly useful to women.




This list of self help authors and the self help books they have written shows the wide range of work available to help people change their lives. Yours, too, if you want.

Many of these personal development methods and self improvement techniques were born of necessity when the authors were down and out and needed to turn their own lives around, other were painstakingly constructed, tested and retested because the author in question wanted to achieve some goal or other.

In fact, I myself (the Personal Development Guy) fall in that category.

Soren Lauritzen (Little Old Me):
The Personal Development Coach Who's Focused on Wholeness

As you can se from my about me page here on ThePersonalDevelopmentGuy.com  I went through almost all the personal development methods I could find and only got what I wanted when I let it all go!

The very intense psychological experience of and being my own core identity or soul (for lack of a better word) - something I call coming Home (with a capital H) - and the later ultra intense experience of unity, of being one with everything in existence left me wanting more. And so I set out to find a workable method that would reproduce the experience of a person's core identity (coming Home) on demand.

It took several years of experiments, but the final result was my the Let Go Method on which I have written an introductory self help ebook called Finding Inner Peace by Letting Go - 10 Steps to Happiness, Freedom, Love & More Using the Let Go Method.

Final Words on the Best Self Help Books and Authors

The best self help books teach, inspire and motivate people to lead better lives and are an ideal way to help you realize your dreams. You, too, hopefully. The info is out there. All you have to do is pick it up, integrate what you read and then - last but not least - take action on what you have learned.

This page is a work in progress, so you might consider coming back sometime later to see which new fascinating and influential self help authors and self help books I have highlighted.

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This is where you might go for a quick 'fix' of wisdom and humor. A special treat is that this site has forums for you to present your own wisdom and humor in the form of inspirational short funny quotes, jokes, notes, letters, stories, SMS text messages and poems. Share your wisdom and witticisms with the world!

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- Parenting advice for the conscious, open-minded parent!

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List of articles about self help books listed alphabetically: Alfred Adler, Barbara De Angelis, Maya Angelou Biography,  Arjuna Ardagh,  Richard Bandler, Brandon Bays, Alain de Botton, Gregg Braden,  Brene Brown, Les Brown, Leo Buscaglia, Tony Buzan,  Andrew Carnegie Biography, Carlos Castaneda, Pema Chodron, Deepak Chopra, Deepak Chopra Books Paulo Coelho,  Stephen Covey, Peter Drucker,  T. Harv Eker, Masary Emoto, Timothy Ferriss, Debbie Ford,  Viktor Frankl,  Mahatma Gandhi, Gangaji, Shakti Gawain, Kahlil Gibran, Daniel Goleman,  Amit Goswami, Alex Grey, Stanislav Grof, David Hawkins, Louise Hay, Hermann Hesse, Esther Hicks and Jerry Hicks, Napoleon Hill, Susan Jeffers, C G Jung, Jon Kabat-Zinn, Byron Katie, Robert Kiyosaki, Bruce Lipton, Ramana Maharshi, J W Marriott, Abraham Maslow, John Maxwell, Drunvalo Melchizedek, Anthony de Mello, Anthony De Mello Quotes, Dan Millman, Bruce Moen, Robert Monroe, Michael Newton, Daniel Pink, Dave Ramsey, Ayn Rand Books,  James Redfield,  Cheryl Richardson, Anthony Robbins,  Anthony Robbins Books Carl Rogers, Jim Rohn, Marshall Rosenberg, Geneen Roth,  Don Miguel Ruiz, Robin Sharma, Barbara Sher,  George Soros Biography, George Soros Quotes,   Eckhart Tolle, Brian Tracy Books, Neale Donald Walsch, , Joe Vitale, Lyall Watson, Alan Watts, Stuart Wilde, Marianne Williamson, Larry Winget,  Gary Zukav, Best Self Help Books, Self Help Books for Women,