Why Smart People Do the Same Dumb Things (Watermark, 2012), by Hawai‘i author and psychologist Dr. Rosalie K. Tatsuguchi, blends Eastern and Western philosophies to help you identify how and why people often repeat their mistakes. From describing various people types or “personal paradigms” and how they are formed, to how to take practical steps in making measurable changes, Tatsuguchi enlightens readers with a unique approach that will especially resonate with a local audience.
I’ll be honest, I’ve not read a whole lot of self-help books, so I wouldn’t really know which parameters to critique this on. However, the book’s subtitle and self-description intrigued me: “Causes and Cures from Buddhism and Science” or a blend of “Eastern and Western thinking.” I was really looking for those elements to stand out and loved the short chapter on the Buddhist paradigm and the five life problems. I would say this book has a little more philosophy than science, but I appreciated Tatsuguchi’s emphasis on human aspects of acknowledging feelings, overcoming emotions and pursuing knowledge regardless of religious denomination.
It’s not a novel, so you won’t find fluid and beautiful prose. The language is utilitarian and slightly repetitive but easy to understand. I especially enjoyed the “case studies” or real life examples from people in situations we can all relate to. The best part is the way Tatsuguchi explains things and ideas from a local perspective making Why Smart People Do the Same Dumb Things unlike any other mainstream self-help book. For instance: the idea of “reverse batchi” or “earning good consequences by doing something positive,” (pg. 89) and taking each day one step a time, little-by-little (dan-dan in Japanese). Or if you want mangoes, don’t plant a kiawe tree!
Easy explanations, simple steps, a local perspective and some interesting Eastern philosophies make this book a quick and useful read even if you’re not actively looking for peace of mind or a solution to your self-imposed vicious cycles. I have a few drama-magnet friends who I could give this book to… and probably will.
Why Smart People Do the Same Dumb Things
by Rosalie K. Tatsuguchi
Watermark Publishing, 2012
112 pages, paperback
ISBN: 978-1935690191
*Disclaimer: We received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for our honest review.
