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A Review of “People Are Idiots” by Larry Winget (and GIVEAWAY)
By JLP | January 5, 2009
*I love the title and cover of this book! That said, DON’T LET THE TITLE FOOL YOU…this is a VERY positive book!
For those of you not familiar with Larry Winget’s work, he’s known as The Pitbull of Personal Development. That should tell you something about his style. Larry tells it like he sees it. He has no tolerance for stupidity and refuses to sugarcoat his medicine. Personally, I think this is EXACTLY what people need! I almost always find myself nodding in agreement as I read Larry’s books—”People Are Idiots” is no exception!
Larry opens the book with examples showing why he thinks people are idiots. He breaks down his examples in categories such as health, parenting, finance, etc. Some of my favorites:
“Americans spend $33 billion annually on weight-loss products and services. Wouldn’t it be a lot chaper to just eat less and go for a walk? People complain that they have no money—I could save society $33 billion a year in this area alone.”
“People say they want good public schools for their kids. Yet only a small percentage of parents belong to or attend PTA meetings or go to parent-teacher conferences.”
…and my ultimate favorite:
People sign contracts with credit companies, agreeing to pay their bill on a certain date. While the print is small, the rules and regulations are clearly laid out in black and white—all you have to do is read them. Then people don’t make their payments on time and don’t pay the minimum amount as they agreed (probably because they spent their money at the mall or eating out). Why are these people surprised when their interest rate goes up and the company reports their late payment to the credit bureaus and their credit score goes down?”
In the second chapter, he lists ten reasons why people are idiots and tells the reader to confess how they qualify for each one (yes, I did the exercise!):
People are ignorant.
People are stupid.
People are lazy.
People don’t give a damn.
People lack vision.
People have low expectations.
People don’t recognize the consequences of their actions.
People have bad habits.
People have poor role models.
People have no plan.
Chapter 3 begins the “idiot healing process” through recognition, education, and application.
The Second Section of the book contains what Larry calls “Idiot Fixes,” which are lists…lots and lots of lists. I like lists. Larry has a list for everything! There’s a list on how to take responsibility, how to set and achieve goals, how to be smarter, how to make great conversation, how to manage time better, how to solve problems, how to be a better communicator, and lots of other lists.
There’s even a list for how to dress better. His fashion tips for men cracked me up—especially his thoughts on shoes:
“Shoes should always be shined. Loafers never go with a suit. Penny loafers don’t really go with anything, Fonzie. And in my personal opinion, tassel loafers work only when you want everyone to consider you a pretentious goober named Biff.”
Dang! I have a pair of penny loafers on at this very moment (and I own and wear tassel loafers too)! I think they look nice. To each his own, I guess.
Anyway, despite his fashion advice, this is his best book yet. Everyone—both idiots and non-idiots—will benefit from reading (and APPLYING) this book.
Larry was also kind enough to send me an extra signed copy of his book to give away. So, if you’re interested, please leave a comment below and I’ll randomly-select a winner on Wednesday, January 7. Just remember my two rules:
1. You must be a resident of the U.S. or Canada (I won’t ship internationally).
2. You can only enter once.
Related
LarryWinget.com – Larry’s website
10 Questions for Larry Winget – An interview with Larry
Larry Winget on the Housing Crisis – An interesting interview I did with Larry last spring
A Reveiw of “Shut up, Stop Whining, and Get a Life”
* Affiliate Link
Topics: Books, How to..., Personal Growth | 138 Comments »
January 5th, 2009 at 1:22 pm
Awesome!! this should be interesting.
January 5th, 2009 at 1:23 pm
Consider this my entry. Great blog. Keep up the good work. This book should be a great read.
January 5th, 2009 at 1:27 pm
Count me in
January 5th, 2009 at 1:42 pm
Wow, great review. This book sounds like something that people (including me) need. Hope I win! PS- Yours is an invaluable site; thanks!
January 5th, 2009 at 1:50 pm
Count me in! Thanks.
January 5th, 2009 at 2:09 pm
Sounds like a great book. Count me in.
January 5th, 2009 at 2:16 pm
I’m in!
January 5th, 2009 at 2:18 pm
i’m an idiot
January 5th, 2009 at 2:19 pm
I love Larry Winget – first heard of him through the finance blogisphere. This is a great review and I can’t wait to read the book. Good job! Thanks!
January 5th, 2009 at 2:29 pm
This one I can’t pass up! Please enter my name in the drawing.
January 5th, 2009 at 2:29 pm
Larry rocks
January 5th, 2009 at 2:32 pm
Here’s to starting the new year off on the right foot.
January 5th, 2009 at 2:34 pm
I could use some frank advice to keep me on track.
Count me in, thanks!
January 5th, 2009 at 2:39 pm
I love Larry and used to watch his show all the time. I hope I win!
January 5th, 2009 at 2:41 pm
Count me in!
January 5th, 2009 at 2:45 pm
I love my husband dearly, but he needs this book. Better to have Larry nag him than to have me continue to do it.
January 5th, 2009 at 2:51 pm
I think I need this book.
January 5th, 2009 at 2:52 pm
Love it! Hope to win
January 5th, 2009 at 2:57 pm
Don’t be an idiot changed my life…
“Whenever I am about to do something I think, ‘would an idiot do that?’
If they would, I do NOT do that thing.”
-Dwight Shcrute
January 5th, 2009 at 2:58 pm
Great review. Please enter me in the drawing.
January 5th, 2009 at 2:58 pm
I’m curious to see what it’s all about.
January 5th, 2009 at 2:59 pm
Looks like a good read. Thanks!
January 5th, 2009 at 3:06 pm
Love Larry. Can’t wait to read this one.
January 5th, 2009 at 3:08 pm
Sign me up! Many thanks.
January 5th, 2009 at 3:09 pm
I want this book!!!!
January 5th, 2009 at 3:12 pm
Oooh, I’m feeling lucky
January 5th, 2009 at 3:18 pm
Great review, I’m getting this book whether I win it or not!!
January 5th, 2009 at 3:20 pm
Cool, Count me in
January 5th, 2009 at 3:21 pm
I really want the book so I couldn’t resist. Count me in…
January 5th, 2009 at 3:23 pm
Well, that explains the elections.
January 5th, 2009 at 3:24 pm
Count me in.
January 5th, 2009 at 3:27 pm
Whether I win or not, this is a book I will read. In fact, I will probably make everyone in my office read it as well. I wanted to make them read “It’s Called Work for a Reason”.
Larry is the one who got me hooked on this site. I love how things intertwine.
January 5th, 2009 at 3:31 pm
I would love to read this book.
Thanks
January 5th, 2009 at 3:45 pm
I’d love a copy of this book, Count me in
.
January 5th, 2009 at 3:51 pm
Lovely title lol.
I’m in. Thanks!
January 5th, 2009 at 3:52 pm
My husband loves this guy, and I’d love to give him a signed copy of his book!
January 5th, 2009 at 3:54 pm
I love your website and I’d love to win the book. Happy New Year!
January 5th, 2009 at 3:54 pm
Loved the fashion advice for men. It sounds like a great read.
January 5th, 2009 at 3:57 pm
Count me too.
January 5th, 2009 at 4:09 pm
If I don’t win I’ll have to watch for this one in the libraries database.
January 5th, 2009 at 4:10 pm
I’m in.
January 5th, 2009 at 4:11 pm
I’m in!
January 5th, 2009 at 4:19 pm
I’m in too!
January 5th, 2009 at 4:23 pm
I would love to read his book.
January 5th, 2009 at 4:30 pm
I’m no idiot, but I’m sure I could learn something!
January 5th, 2009 at 4:33 pm
Thanks for the entry. Happy New Year!
January 5th, 2009 at 4:39 pm
Definitely a fan of Larry’s style. Enjoyed his TV show Big Spender when it was on as well. Count me in.
January 5th, 2009 at 4:42 pm
Great review and it sounds like a great book.
January 5th, 2009 at 4:46 pm
Count me in. I must be a perfect fit for this book because I’m wearing penny loafers right now!!
January 5th, 2009 at 4:47 pm
Randomly select me!
January 5th, 2009 at 4:56 pm
Please enter me for this book. No witty comments this time since they didn’t help me on prior giveways. Thanks
January 5th, 2009 at 4:57 pm
Thank you for the review. I would love to win a copy of the book. Thank you!
January 5th, 2009 at 4:58 pm
Count me in! I’d like to see in more detail what Larry has to say in his new book.
January 5th, 2009 at 4:59 pm
I don’t think I’d take fashion advice from a guy that dressed like he does. I’m not a big fan of penny loafers, but if they work for you and are comfortable keep wearing them – just be sure and wear socks with them – dark socks, not white or no socks.
January 5th, 2009 at 5:05 pm
I think tassles look silly and serve no purpose. Count me in for a book!
January 5th, 2009 at 5:18 pm
I think the fact that people are idiots with money (and especially credit) is evident in all of the lobbying for new laws preventing credit card companies from making money off deadbeat consumers.
If a law needs to be made to protect you from yourself, you’re officially an idiot.
January 5th, 2009 at 5:39 pm
Free book!
January 5th, 2009 at 5:59 pm
Oh heavens, it’s terrible but after I just had a conversation with my brother wherein he asked me to teach him How To Pay Bills…. he needs this book.
January 5th, 2009 at 6:01 pm
Please include me. BTW, I used to have a pair of tassel loafers too.
January 5th, 2009 at 6:46 pm
I liked his tv show. Will gift this to my 20-something son.
January 5th, 2009 at 6:52 pm
Count me in.
Great blog.
January 5th, 2009 at 7:08 pm
Anybody want to run the odds of winning?
January 5th, 2009 at 7:31 pm
Wow, what a great giveaway! I think I’d enjoy that book
January 5th, 2009 at 7:31 pm
If we weren’t all idiots this would be a perfect world. Count me in for the prize.
January 5th, 2009 at 7:59 pm
Larry is one cool dude…
January 5th, 2009 at 8:01 pm
Judging from the shirt he’s wearing on the cover, he shouldn’t be handing out fashion advice …
Still, would love to read the book!
January 5th, 2009 at 8:05 pm
This sounds like it will be a riot to read!! What a good one!
January 5th, 2009 at 8:12 pm
I will throw my hat in the ring. While I have not read anything by Larry, I am interested in what he has to say. Practical, no-punches-pulled advice has its place in our current mess.
January 5th, 2009 at 8:19 pm
I was just thinking about buying this book. Free is better though!
January 5th, 2009 at 8:23 pm
It sounds like a very interesting book. Even if he doesn’t like loafers.
And don’t let anyone bully you into wearing socks with your loafers if you don’t want to.
January 5th, 2009 at 8:31 pm
please
January 5th, 2009 at 8:33 pm
Sounds interesting. Count me in.
January 5th, 2009 at 8:41 pm
I love Larry’s books. He’s so honest and actually an entertaining way to focus on finances.
January 5th, 2009 at 9:05 pm
I hope everyone doesn’t read this book. It might cure all the idiots and then we will not have anybody to laugh at.
January 5th, 2009 at 9:14 pm
Love Larry. In today’s world, it’s hard to find someone who’s not afraid to walk the “political- correctness” line and tell it like it is. Can’t wait to read and recommend this book.
January 5th, 2009 at 9:39 pm
As always, great review!
I’ve become a big fan of Larry, because like myself, I’m a straight shooter, no sugar coating.
Looks like a good read.
January 5th, 2009 at 9:57 pm
Sounds interesting-sign me up!
January 5th, 2009 at 10:07 pm
Perfect timing. My local library has a waiting list 20 or so deep for this book…..
January 5th, 2009 at 10:22 pm
Sounds like my kind of guy, straight to the point, no sugar coating. Wish I could read this book!! I wonder if this Larry Winget is the same guy who owns Wyndgate…if so it’s a small small world…. Please count me in for the random drawing
January 5th, 2009 at 11:22 pm
I’m always a fan of a straight shooter! Count me in!
Also, hey! I’m Cathy & I just started blogging. I thought I should introduce myself and say hi, so there you go!
Your blog is a lot of fun to read 
January 6th, 2009 at 12:03 am
I’d love to win.
January 6th, 2009 at 12:10 am
yes please.
January 6th, 2009 at 12:16 am
19 never the idiot
January 6th, 2009 at 12:36 am
I probably need to read this book more than anyone.
January 6th, 2009 at 1:19 am
I would be an idiot for not entering this
January 6th, 2009 at 2:20 am
i want this book.
January 6th, 2009 at 2:34 am
Sign me up man!
January 6th, 2009 at 5:05 am
This book sounds GREAT! Would love to win!
January 6th, 2009 at 5:45 am
OK
January 6th, 2009 at 5:46 am
Count me in!
January 6th, 2009 at 6:03 am
hi
January 6th, 2009 at 6:08 am
I miss Larry’s show “Big Spender.” Would love to win the book!
January 6th, 2009 at 6:27 am
I’d love a copy of this book. I’ve heart a lot about Wingett in the last couple of weeks and my interest in piqued. Pick me! Pick me!
January 6th, 2009 at 6:53 am
OK
January 6th, 2009 at 7:12 am
I’ve enjoyed Larry in the past, and expect to continue to enjoy him in the future. He’s entertaining and almost always correct!
January 6th, 2009 at 7:17 am
I’ve enjoyed Larry in the past, and expect to continue to enjoy him in the future. He’s entertaining and almost always correct!
Here’s hoping this is the lucky entry!
January 6th, 2009 at 7:19 am
I have been meaning to check his stuff out for a while… Thanks!
January 6th, 2009 at 8:05 am
put me in the drawing…thanks.
January 6th, 2009 at 8:09 am
Posted a link to this post on my site. Sounds like a great giveaway!
January 6th, 2009 at 8:14 am
How I wish you had posted this prior to Christmas. I would have put all of his books on my wish list!
Based on your review, it sounds like the kick in the pants that we all need right now!
Thank you!
January 6th, 2009 at 8:44 am
I look forward to winning!!
January 6th, 2009 at 8:51 am
I would love to read the book!
January 6th, 2009 at 8:52 am
I might as well throw my hat into this one as well
January 6th, 2009 at 9:00 am
Winget cracks me up! I’m entering as well!
January 6th, 2009 at 9:09 am
great blog
January 6th, 2009 at 9:28 am
Here’s my entry! Here’s hoping!
January 6th, 2009 at 9:55 am
This sounds very interesting, thanks.
January 6th, 2009 at 9:58 am
Here’s wishing for the book. BTW, I don’t think I have ever worn penny loafers or tassel loafers in my 54 years. On the other hand, I went through four years of college wearing hiking boots, so go figure.
January 6th, 2009 at 10:02 am
Sounds like a great book. I’d love to read it!
January 6th, 2009 at 10:03 am
Sounds like a great read thanks for offering it to us.
January 6th, 2009 at 10:14 am
Another good book for 2009. Sign me up.
January 6th, 2009 at 10:41 am
Worth a try I guess!
January 6th, 2009 at 10:53 am
I’ve been meaning to read one of his books. My site started getting hits from Google for a term “Don’t be Broke” and I found Larry’s site while looking to see what the hubub was about. Sounds like my kinda guy!
January 6th, 2009 at 10:56 am
Put me in the drawing…thanks.
January 6th, 2009 at 11:03 am
Thanks JLP!
January 6th, 2009 at 11:56 am
I’m a Winget fan – I’m in!
January 6th, 2009 at 12:32 pm
I need this book, I’m wearing loafers with tassles right now. Where did I put my scissors………
January 6th, 2009 at 12:39 pm
Never read any of his stuff. Looks like a good place to start!
January 6th, 2009 at 12:56 pm
Looks like a good read thanks for the offering.
January 6th, 2009 at 1:10 pm
Daily reader of your blog. This book has potential. I may go try to find a copy at the library if I don’t win.
January 6th, 2009 at 1:33 pm
I have been a regular reader of your website. This book seems to be extremely interesting.
I have not read any of Larry’s books but this looks like a wonderful book to start 2009 with
To all the viewers of this website Wish you a happy 2009
January 6th, 2009 at 1:41 pm
would love to read the book.
January 6th, 2009 at 1:44 pm
Entered.
January 6th, 2009 at 1:45 pm
Sure, I need to pull my head out of my . . .
January 6th, 2009 at 2:08 pm
Thanks for the opportunity.
January 6th, 2009 at 2:11 pm
I have not read any of Larry’s book’s or articles. This book looks to be a nice place to begin the new year with.
Thank you for offering it to us.
Here is wishing all the readers a happy new year 2009
January 6th, 2009 at 2:30 pm
This sounds like a fun book to read!
January 6th, 2009 at 2:45 pm
Perfect, I was looking for more good books to read as part of my whole new year’s thing.
January 6th, 2009 at 3:06 pm
I’m in!
January 6th, 2009 at 3:21 pm
Please enter me in the contest. The book looks very interesting!
January 6th, 2009 at 4:54 pm
Wow, not exactly a warm and fuzzy guy, is he? By the way, your feed is working again – yeah!
January 6th, 2009 at 5:31 pm
dont wanna be the village idiot!
January 6th, 2009 at 6:58 pm
Just started reading your blog, and looking forward to many more good posts from you. I’ve read a good amount of finance books, but none by Larry Winget… This sounds like a good one to add to my reading list.
January 6th, 2009 at 7:45 pm
Count me in please
January 6th, 2009 at 10:12 pm
I want to read the book.
January 6th, 2009 at 11:59 pm
Heh, looks like AFM giveaways are getting more popular. Please add my name to the hat
January 7th, 2009 at 5:28 am
Looks like an interesting book. I would like to read it.
January 7th, 2009 at 7:57 am
Look like a good read, hope the comments are working again.