Self Control - Its Kingship and Majesty by William George JordanMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Context & Why I read this book
"Self-Control" was on my reading list since I am currently doing wide reading about what is loosely termed willpower.
What is the book about as a whole?
Were it not for me actively seeking out books with titles that include "willpower", "self-control" etc this year, I never would've come across this treasure. This book is about much more than self-control. It's about Character, Happiness, Success, Power, Mindfulness, Simplicity and the Good Life. It's on of the classical and "true" Self-Help books that stood the test of time.
The book's structure
The short book is divided into 16 short essays (each only about 4 pages long):
I. The Kingship of Self-Control
II. The Crimes of the Tongue
III. The Red Tape of Duty
IV. The Supreme Charity of the World
V. Worry, the Grease American Disieas
VI. The Greatness of Simplicity
VII. Living Life Over Again
VIII. Syndicating Our Sorrows
IX. The Revelations of Reserve Power
X. The Majesty of Calmness
XI. Hurry, the Scourge of America
XII. The Power of personal Influence
XIII. The Dignity of Self-Reliance
XIV. Failure as a Success
XV. Doing Our Best at All Times
XVI. The Royal Road to Happiness
One lesson
The lesson I have taken from this first read-through relates to the definition of "regrets" in life. I've for a long time maintained a list of things to engage in, so that I "won't regret not having done them"; considering "having regrets" as something bad. But Jordan makes clear in his book, that a "life without regret" is a life in vain and without gain. Jordan defines regret as "the light of fuller wisdom, from our past, illumining our future" and he maintains that if "regret remains merely 'regret'" it is indeed useless. But if instead it is used as a means for new "revelation of new possibilities" and "inspiration" then it's a source of strength for new wisdom and power. Contemplating and acknowledging the regrets you already have as well as not fearing regrets in the future and using them to fuel your actions can make for truly great experiences.
Reading Recommendation / Who should read this?
I immediately added this to my to-read-again list. I definitely would recommend reading it. It is a very short and worthwhile read and I expect most people to get something out of this. Overall this is a 8 out of 10 (⭑⭑⭑⭑) on my personal scale.
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