Book Review: The Way to Happiness

Never done a book review before. But I just couldn't resist! Before we get into everything, a bit of backstory.

It is one of my core beliefs that wisdom can be found everywhere. Though I have my own practice and beliefs, I try to learn the basics of many religions (even the weird, fringe ones). Recently, I've been doing a dive into Scientology. So far, I've found it's easier to get things out of it if you think of it as a metaphor for mental health rather than taking it literally (and, obviously, you are free to reject things you don't think make sense).

Pictured: My local church of Scientology, which is about 10 blocks from where I live.

However, I do not want to appear on the Church of Scientology's radar (if, for no other reason, I hear it is extremely hard to get off of their mailing list). The church has a bit of a reputation that I won't get into here out of respect, but it's not hard to find if you don't know already. But I have a distrust of pretty much any kind of centralized power structure, so it's not like I'm singling them out.

Up to this point, I have done all of my research online and second-hand. For example, when I obtained an E-Meter (which is an extraordinary device with a lot of utility; may be one of the best things they invented), I used a pseudonym and got it through a random seller on eBay. However, I am at the point where I wanted to get a copy of L. Ron Hubbard's first foray into what would become Scientology: Dianetics. Here, I wanted a new copy because it would look better on my shelf, but I didn't want to buy it online because I'd have to give card details and my legal name. So, I went to my local church and bought it in cash, specifically refusing to fill out the little information card they wanted me to (I don't even think I gave any name, much less a pseudonym).

As I was buying Dianetics, the person assisting me said they wanted to give me a gift. So, in addition to Dianetics, I also got two copies of The Way to Happiness by LRH.

Pictured: The book in question. I assume you can probably get your hands on one pretty easily if you want.

Now, I would feel uncomfortable "reviewing" a religious text for a variety of reasons. But, this is not a religious text. The back cover specifically notes that:

This may be the first nonreligous moral code based wholly on common sense. It was written by L. Ron Hubbard as an individal work and is not part of any religious doctrine. Any reprinting or individual distribution of it does not infer connection with or sponsorship of any religious organization.

So, by its own terms, this is a secular book. Which I think makes it fair game. Ironic.

Let's start with that first claim (which is typical for LRH's literature). The first nonreligious moral code? I can think of several. Like, what do you think law is? Specifically, what do you think the "common" in "common law" refers to?

But, right after that statement is the reason why the text is "nonreligious":

[This book] is therefore admissible for government departments and employees to distribute it as a nonreligious activity.

Pretty sneaky, right? Setting aside that you can't just "declare" legal conclusions with any real authority, they are probably right though. But let's turn to the actual text! I'll be skipping around and leaving some parts out as an FYI.

The book has a number of random footnoted definitions. The explination for this is hilarious.

Words sometimes have several different meanings. The footnote definitions given in this book only give the meanings of the word as it is used in the text. If you hind any words in this book you do not know, look them up in a good dictionary. If you do not, then misunderstandings and possible arguments can arise.

Defined terms include common words like "survival" (the act of remaining alive) and "deter" (to prevent or discourage). Thanks?

Turning to the meat of the text, the book is laid out with twenty-one different principles, some of which have sub-ideas. They're all pretty nonoffensive, but here are some of the funny things.

Rule 1-3: Preserve Your Teeth

Self care is important. Honestly, it's something I am working on. However, in discussing how to take care of yourself, LRH says one should specifically preserve one's teeth by brushing one's teeth after every meal. This is a touch excessive and it can be dangerous to brush immediately after a meal (experts recommend you give it at least thirty minutes to an hour after a meal to allow for your mouth to return to normalcy).

This is an oft overlooked point of self care. Indeed, life expectancy has been directly linked to how many teeth you have left.

Rule 3: Don't be Promiscuous

I didn't know LRH was a square. Nerd!

Pictured: I mean, keep it safe and consensual. But otherwise... do what you will (especially if coming from a nonreligious standpoint).

Rule 7-1: Do Not Tell Harmful Lies

Telling lies or falsifying data can lead to bad times. But, in this section, LRH conveniently does not define what exactly differentiates a "harmful" lie and one that isn't. So, lying is okay? But only sometimes? Feels like a very loose, subjective and exploitable standard.

Rule 7-2: Do Not Bear False Witness

Hey! You just took that from the Ten Commandments!

Rule 8: Do Not Murder

Wait. You took that one too!

Rule 13: Do Not Steal

I guess this is just what we are doing now.

Pictured: Pretty sure this predates you L. Ron.

Rule 9: Don't Do Anything Illegal

I have a complicated relationship with the law. Due to my profession, I think the most I can say is break the law at your own risk.

LRH makes a good point in noting that, by performing illegal acts, "one is laid open to an attack by the state." He goes on to note that "It does not matter whether one is caught or not, when one does an illegal act, one has weakened one's defenses." This is a very fair point.

Another point raised by LRH is something I have previously said: "Almost any worthwhile thing one is trying to accomplish often can be done in perfectly legal ways." All it takes is a bit of planning.

Remember, you can find wisdom everywhere if you look for it.

Rule 12-1: Be of Good Appearance

Since middle school, I've basically always worn professionalwear if I leave my house/apartment. It's just what I'm comfortable in. But a great side effect of this preference is that people take me seriously and that I leave a good first impression.

LRH takes this very seriously, calling unkempt people "a public eyesore" and that not being of good appearance "is a symptom of a lack of self-respect." Harsh.

Rule 16: Be Industrious

Here's where LRH and I have a fundamental disagreement. I say do what you want (and if that includes work, good for you). But it is not wrong to want to minimize or eliminate work. There will always be more work to do. But you can't get the time you spend working back.

LRH claims that sorrow can be eliminated "simply getting busy at something." That's called repression. You aren't actually solving the underlying problem; you're just numbing yourself with work.

Some of the advice in this section uncharacteristically feels like it came from a corporate shill. For example, LRH states (without citing anything):

• [I]t can be demonstrated that production is the basis of morale.

• People who are not industrious dump the workload on those around them.

• It is hard to get along with idle people. Aside from depressing one, they can also be a bit dangerous.

Pictured: I thought this was L. Ron Hubbard, not Andrew Ryan.

Rule 17: Be Competent

Easier said than done, my friend.

Rule 18: Respect the Religious Beliefs of Others

It's nice to know that this is built into the LRH moral code. If I ever do end up going back to the church for any reason, I am planning on explaining that a witch values their ability to blend into the shadows and that my anonymity is important to my practice. We will see if they practice what they preach based on their reaction.

Rule 19: Try Not to Do Things to Others that You Would Not Like Them to Do to You

At least LRH admits that this is just the golden rule.

Rule 20: Try to Treat Others as You Would Want Them to Treat You

That's just the golden rule said a different way!

***

I've left out a bit and I've also been pretty tongue in cheek. The route prescribed by LRH in The Way to Happiness is not a terrible system of guidelines. But remember: There are no rules. Take the route to happiness that makes the most sense to you. You'll know it when you find it.