The Master Key System

One month ago, I asked for book recommendations of the self-help genre. To my great benefit, many people offered a suggestion. I plan to read each suggestion, provided that my judgement approves. Currently, I am reading The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and have begun The Master Key System (along with other books of my own choosing.)

The latter, published in 1912, and rumored to be what inspired Bill Gates to start Microsoft, prescribes that it be read over a 24 week period, a week given to each chapter. Initially, having read the Foreword and Introduction, the book seemed to be comprised of self-absorbed metaphysical musings, which, when done systematically, resemble all too many philosophical works. To my delight, however, I discovered that each chapter ends with an exercise that is essentially meditation-- and the author calls this the application of the principles.

A search for the keywords "Zen, Buddhism" on Amazon.com yields 2,422 paperback book results. Read a 5 page description of meditation exercises, then meditate every day, and you will never have to read a single word from any of those 2,422 books to expertly know what Zen is.

A common criticisms of self-help books is that they invoke only a transient inspiration, and none of the principles are habitualized. I agree. Through meditation, however, one can truly implement wise suggestions. By promoting meditation, long before it was popularized in the United States, the author and the potential utility of his book's "teachings", have gained credibility in my eyes.

To help ensure that I stick with the 24 week course, I have decided to post my journey through The Master Key System on this blog. Should be fun.