While I have to believe the contents of this book have helped many find their way through difficult self-image issues, one still wonders what the conversations about the title must’ve sounded like…
The Birth of Psycho-Babble?
Submitted by Markydoodle
October 3rd, 2009
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Allee Willis
From Wikipedia: The essential goal of cybernetics is to understand and define the functions and processes of systems that have goals and that participate in circular, causal chains that move from action to sensing to comparison with desired goal, and again to action. Studies in cybernetics provide a means for examining the design and function of any system, including social systems such as business management and organizational learning, including for the purpose of making them more efficient and effective.
I have such a headache from reading that that the circular, causal chains in my brain are screwed up for the day. It seems like so much work to use your subconscious power via psycho-cybernetics that I’ll stick with being slightly less evolved.
MeshuggaMel
I’m amazed that the publisher of a book by guys named Maxwell and Melvin wouldn’t have given them noms de plume more appropriate for the tome, perhaps Sigmund unt Franz. It’s meshuggeneh, and that’s coming from a guy named Mel.
Mark Milligan
First published in 1960, by Melvin Powers of North Hollywood, this book has a quirky title indeed. The “Cybernetics” part of it was taken from Dr. Norbert Weiner, a “brilliant mathematician” who published the book “Cybernetics” in 1949. “The original book, filled with abtruse mathematical equations, was fully understood only by a handful of scientists…when he developed an unerring method of keeping missiles on target.” The forward reads like a Woody Allen monologue: “One of the most important points made in “A guide to Rational Living” (a recommended companion read,) …occurs in the first chapter where the question is asked “How far can you go with self-analysis?””
Finally, the back cover lists Melvin Powers’ favorite books, “How to Get Rich in Mail Order,” and “A Practical Guide to Self-Hynposis.” The entire book is such a period piece, and I love it.