Thick Face, Black Heart: The Asian Path to Thriving, Winning and Succeeding [Englisch] [Taschenbuch]

"Self-Help" has become a dreary mountain of garbage nowadays, as everyone from football coaches to annoying talk-show hosts are releasing more and more mindless drivel to an ever-growing, anxious audience, that is yearning for the one book that will, once and for all, change their lives forever. Well, I, much like the millions out there who represent the army of those crying out for help, have found my book that reigns at the top of the "crap" heap.

Chin-Ning Chu minces no words in this decisive, blunt, series of ideas and suggestions that aim to teach us the ways of the "Thick Face/Black Heart" doctrine. The title (as well as her ideas) comes from a series of disciplines taught by an ancient Chinese "master" who spoke about the best ways to conquer enemies, as well as gain the advantages necessary to succeed in a "kill or be killed" society.

As many self-help books try to accomplish, this book discusses the best ways to not be taken advantage of by others, as well as living a life that you can be proud of: a life where we are urged to be patient when trying to achieve our dreams by "giving life time". But, unlike most of the other "success"/garbage books out there, "Thick Face" espouses the unconventional idea that we can succeed THE WAY WE ARE, but by thinking about things, and perceiving things differently than we currently do. What a novel idea.

Another thing I like about the book is Nin Chu's awareness that life is a tiresome struggle, as she talks about her own battles, in business, and in life itself, but her discourse on being patient, working with what we have at our disposal right now, as well as the art of enduring, is very powerful, and refreshingly different. Another theme she tackles effectively is not judging ourselves harshly. For example, one little section talks about the idea of our Western society, and our obsession of being up and at 'em early, and getting all of our work done, etc., doing the "9-5" grind. But Nin-Chu says: if you're a person who stays up late every night, and sleeps in every day, make the most of this lifestyle choice. Find, or create a job, that will allow you to abide by these habits. She then talks about famous artists and inventors who never abided by the conventional "9 to 5" Western work ethic, but succeeded dramatically. Classic stuff, self acceptance "Thick Face-Black Heart" style.

When I read this book, as I have done several times (and I'm not one of those readers that re-reads books very often), I always feel as though I am sitting with a wise sage that has seen everything that life has to offer, and she, rather dispassionately, has taken this experience, and is ever so graciously showing me how to make use of everything: the good, the bad, the trivial, and the seemingly life-ending.

Remember: I am not a corny "self-help" goof that buys into any of the stuff out there today that gets on the Best Seller Lists. I am somewhat cynical at the ripe old age of 34, but have found THE BOOK that always seems to find me, and guide me, whenever I need it, which is quite often, as I get older.

I always seemed to get annoyed with the readers that brag about their "worn out, dog-eared" books, and all of the highlighting they do in them, as well as scribble notes on the borders of the pages, to make it seem like they're well-read, and somewhat artsy, or intelligent, and quirky. Alas, I have found the one book that I own (and I own many) that has earned this "worn out", "old pair of shoes" status. "Thick Face" is a masterpiece.

Ok, I've seen a number of reviews here and on Amazon.co.uk condemning this book for everything from shoddy English to a complete lack of morality.

Well, maybe my take on this will be a little different. I've been a Christian for 8 years and strongly pursue my life within that framework. However, I'm still interested in ideas that I can INTEGRATE into my perspective on the world to help me pursue those aims more effectively.

Truly, the ruthlessness with which people could use these given concepts makes me shudder. I know my worldview clashes significantly with some of what is espoused in this book.

However, the idea of ruthlessness wrapped in good conduct and right action is something I can appropriate. After all, my God, Yahweh, is ruthlessly and uncompromisingly loving, never changing in His desire for me to enjoy the best of Him. How much more powerful would I be in my Christian ministry if I decide that I will adopt an uncompromising (i.e. unconditional) love for those with whom I interact. Jesus was focused, direct, passionate - or from another angle, ruthless and uncompromising in his delivery of a message of love and salvation. No, don't just reject the concepts taken by themselves.

Additionally, as noted above, the idea that we can succeed as ourselves is one I have seen in so few books. In the West we are sold the idea that we cannot succeed unless we have x and Y. Using my negatives in my favour i.e. making them strengths in the right context is a phenomenal idea, and one which I have begun to employ. Thanks to the author for acknowleding we can succeed as we are!

Although, truthfully, I think this author is quite confused about what she believes spiritually, she has some things to say which you just don't see in many other books. Life can be really, really tough, and she espouses an idea which reminds me of a statement made by Jim Rohn (I think). Don't pray for life to get easier, pray to get tougher!

If you are looking for a complete 'change your life' book, this one will not neccesarily change you for the better. It's too easy to misunderstand and does not contain all the other traditional 'goal-setting' stuff of other self-help books.

However, if you are confident of what you believe and want to do, but perhaps lack some of the guts to do it, give it a go.

I ordered this book nearly 25 years ago (or there abouts) at a time I was looking for answers to why I was having such fits and starts in my work life and having such trouble getting ahead. Forward, backward, forward, backward, backward. This book is for the moral, sensitive person working amongst non-moral and insensitive people. This book cuts through the crap and admits life is a struggle and give you tools to work with. Teaches you how to stay focused and win in your endeavors; how to "play the pig to eat the Tiger". Finally an author of a self help book that acknowledgea that it takes patience and persistance, a focused strategy to accomplish what you have in your mind to accomplish. I took to heart the teachings by this author and went on to become a multi-millionaire. It didn't happen overnight but it did happen. The words in the book didn't make it happen by magic. Based on my own experiences I saw the truth of what the author was expressing and I took those words and integrated the teaching into my life. No magic bullet - what it did was validate me and for that I am grateful. It is like no other self help book out there. I cherish my copy and have reread it many times. If you are ready to take off the rose colored glasses and deal with the realities of life and the human condition this is the book for you. If you are a seriously ambition person but kind and good this book is for you.

May you find your way as I did. This book helped to reshape my once failing life. Thank you Chin-Ning Chu, your book is excellent.