It is possible that a writer could write a book on how to live a certain way, but fail to live that way himself. For example, an author could have written about how to be more considerate of others, yet he could be a complete jerk to the people in his life. Hypocritical? Yes. But, also very odd. In the self-help genre, how is it possible that authors write about something that they fail to practice? It's either the author doesn't know what he's talking about and his practical techniques to live a certain way is completely bogus, or, he knows a lot only in theory. This question gives rise to a more interesting thought about the reason we write what we write about. The answer probably depends on the person, the situation, the book genre etc. (the same old "it depends on..." type of an answer, the answer to every question in life that can't be answered in a single sentence).
But, I have a little theory when it comes to self-help books, or at least a book that endorses a certain characteristic or quality to have in order to be an "improved" human being. The author writes about how great a certain quality of a person is, because he admires that quality. But, you usually admire a characteristic that you don't have yet wish to have, or one that you are currently working on to achieve for yourself. (Unless, you are rather conceited and admire only yourself.) This automatically creates that break between that author's "how-to-be-an-improved-person" book and what he practices in his real life. He unconsciously hopes to achieve in his own life what his book achieves as a text; he writes that book, because it is a form of his ideal. Now, this is just a theory without a single scientific or statistical basis (please don't talk to me about math or science. I might start weeping.) and it can't apply to everyone. And I am sure a lot of authors truly live out the messages of their books. But, I hope that it would be a worthwhile tool of introspection for the authors out there.
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