Radical Honesty

I was really excited to read this book. I had listened to an episode of the podcast Humans in Loveand the host, Zachary Stockhill, spoke with Brad Blanton, author of Radical Honesty. The host was very complimentary, even saying that Brad Blanton was the most interesting person he had ever met. I wasn't particularly impressed with the interview, but the concept of "radical honesty" intrigued me enough to buy the book.

Summary

As the author himself says: "This book is a mishmash of historical-sociological essays, adventure stories, personal stories, advice in the form of chronicles, how-to manuals, poetry, and psychological theory and practice". The author, a psychotherapist, explains why he believes that a lack of honesty is the cause of just about all our problems, and explains a method for starting to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, on a daily basis.

Impressions

I was excited at first. It didn't last long. The book had little structure, it was pretty raw, and despite the author's expertise, I was definitely not convinced by his opinions. But hey, it's hard to argue with that, since he admits all that himself, in all honesty (obviously).

I love the idea of being honest in life, but this book is not at all a how-to manual for doing so. It recommends first calling someone you are angry with and telling them everything that is on your mind today. He recommends telling your partner all the details of your sex and love life before your current relationship. He recommends telling your parents about all the crap you've done in the past, and expressing all your frustrations to your boss. And if you don't want to do that, then you are coward and ordinary.

Brad Blanton got a kick out of writing this. He thinks he's found the secret to life, that's okay. He wanted to write a book to show everyone he was hot, that's okay too. But I've read it, and I'm telling you that you're not going to miss much if you skip it.