By Stanley Chai
Book Title: Be Useful: Seven Tools for Life
ISBN: 9781529146530
Author: Arnold Schwarzenegger
Publisher: Ebury Publishing
Publication Year: 2023
Price: US$28
Don’t be afraid to fail. It’s not the end of the world, and in many ways, it’s the first step toward learning something and getting better at it.
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s “Be Useful: Seven Tools for Life” embarks on a self-help journey, attempting to distil the extraordinary life lessons of the Austrian-American icon. This narrative unfolds by framing seven principles, labelled as tools, as the keys to guiding individuals toward a happy and successful life. The book navigates through Schwarzenegger’s storied career in bodybuilding, acting, and politics, offering a mix of entertaining anecdotes, practical advice, and occasional contradictions.
The opening assumption that the reader is probably just like Arnold Schwarzenegger is somewhat dubious. Given the extraordinary nature of Schwarzenegger’s life, marked by unparalleled success and a unique set of circumstances, it’s challenging to envision a broad audience that mirrors his experiences. This singularity forms the very essence of Arnold Schwarzenegger, making the assumption of universal similarity a potential stumbling block for readers seeking relatability.
The seven tools presented in the book, such as having a clear vision, never thinking small, and working hard, serve more as hooks upon which Schwarzenegger hangs anecdotes from his illustrious career. However, making these principles universally applicable becomes challenging, as Schwarzenegger repeatedly acknowledges his innate advantages, both physical and emotional, which set him apart from the average person. The central theme revolves around the idea that ambition, coupled with hard work, is the key to success. Yet, the universality of this principle is contradicted by Schwarzenegger’s admission of his unique attributes.
The narrative is characterised by Schwarzenegger’s charismatic storytelling, which captures both intellectual curiosity and the thrill of physical fitness. His anecdotes, often tiptoeing the line of self-parody, contribute to the engaging and entertaining nature of the book. Schwarzenegger’s storytelling charm works, even when he makes comparisons like taking on “Kindergarten Cop” post-“The Terminator” to Michelangelo painting the Sistine Chapel after sculpting “David”. There’s a sincerity in his delivery that somehow makes these comparisons plausible.
The book’s charm lies in Schwarzenegger’s ability to draw the reader into his world, filled with stories of bodybuilding triumphs, Hollywood exploits, and political endeavours. His narrative voice, marked by a blend of wit and earnestness, creates a mosaic of experiences that mirror the multifaceted nature of his life. However, building a self-help book around such a sui generis existence presents complications. While the anecdotes are interesting, the inherent contradiction remains — the implied message being, “If I can do it, so can you,” while consistently reminding the reader of Schwarzenegger’s exceptional attributes.
The title itself, “Be Useful”, carries significance as it reflects advice from Schwarzenegger’s father, Gustav. Gustav’s vision of being useful was rooted in traditional notions — staying close to home and becoming a police officer. However, Arnold actively rejected this advice to pursue a path that defied convention, eventually leading him to a successful and unconventional life. This adds a layer of complexity to the implied question of “be useful to whom?” The book misses opportunities to delve deeper into personal setbacks, such as Schwarzenegger’s acknowledgment of blowing up his family, choosing to briskly move on rather than offering reflection on these humbling moments.
As the book progresses, it becomes evident that the charm of Schwarzenegger’s anecdotes and the scattershot advice are designed to engage the reader rather than present a systematic guide to success. While the central tenet is hardly groundbreaking, Schwarzenegger’s storytelling and the occasional nuggets of wisdom provide an entertaining read. The narrative moves fluidly between political endeavours, Hollywood exploits, and bodybuilding triumphs, creating a mosaic of experiences that mirror the multifaceted nature of Schwarzenegger’s life.
In the final chapters, the book takes a turn toward moral clarity. Schwarzenegger introduces the idea that self-help books can become permission slips for selfishness, advocating for the idea that helping others is a powerful means of self-improvement. While this advice is not novel, it provides a useful perspective, countering some of the earlier bluster and reinforcing the idea that a successful life is not solely about personal accomplishments but also about contributing to the wellbeing of others.
“Be Useful” offers a mix of entertaining anecdotes, practical advice, and occasional contradictions. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s unique life serves as both a source of inspiration and a potential stumbling block for the universality of the principles he presents. The book is an engaging read for those who appreciate Schwarzenegger’s charismatic storytelling, though readers seeking a systematic self-help guide may find it lacking in structure and depth. The inherent contradictions, while reflective of Schwarzenegger’s complex persona, raise questions about the applicability of his advice to a wider audience.
