self development – Page 4 – Life Paraphernalia

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Overview & central idea

In “The H Factor of Personality,” psychologists Kibeom Lee and Michael C. Ashton present their scientifically based HEXACO personality model—an extension of the well-known Big Five model. The focus is particularly on the H factor (honesty-humility), i.e., the dimension of honesty-modesty. The core thesis: This personality trait influences our behavior, our morals, and our interactions with others more than is often assumed.

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Structure & content

The book provides a generally understandable introduction to the six dimensions of the HEXACO model:

Honesty-Humility – Fairness, sincerity, modesty versus manipulation, greed, selfishness.
Emotionality – Anxiety, dependence, empathy.
Extraversion – Sociability, self-confidence, activity.
Agreeableness – Patience, forbearance, willingness to cooperate.
Conscientiousness – Orderliness, sense of duty, diligence.
Openness to Experience – Curiosity, creativity, interest in new ideas.

Key messages:

The H factor is morally decisive: people with a high H value act fairly, modestly, and cooperatively; people with a low H value tend to display narcissistic, manipulative, or Machiavellian traits.
Practical relevance: The H factor affects relationships, professional success, political attitudes, and even social trust.
Research & everyday life: Lee and Ashton combine scientific studies with easy-to-understand examples from everyday life and pop culture.

Style & readability

The book is deliberately not purely academic, but written in a way that is easy to understand. It combines research findings with entertaining illustrations and everyday stories.

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Many people experience a discrepancy between their talents and interests. They are not really interested in the things they are good at. And they often lack talent in the areas they are really interested in.

Overview & central idea

In “Mach was Du kannst” (Do what you can), psychologist and intelligence researcher Aljoscha Neubauer addresses a crucial question in life: How can you recognize and develop your potential without being misled by unrealistic promises or the obsession with self-optimization?
The core message: Every person has talents and abilities—the trick is to realistically assess your own resources and use them in a targeted manner, instead of constantly measuring yourself against false role models or the expectations of others.

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Structure & content

Neubauer combines insights from psychology, intelligence, and talent research with practical tips. The book is divided into several topics:

Myths about talent: Neubauer dispels the idea that “anything is possible” if you just want it enough. Limits are part of human nature.
Recognizing talents: Tests, feedback, and self-observation help to reveal one’s own strengths.
Intelligence & creativity: Neubauer explains how different forms of intelligence, personality traits, and motivation interact.
The right environment: The development of potential also depends heavily on opportunities, working conditions, and social factors.
Realistic goals: Success does not mean being able to do “everything,” but rather using one’s abilities wisely.

Style & readability

Neubauer writes objectively but comprehensibly, with a mixture of scientific foundation and practical relevance. Case studies and anecdotes lighten up the text without losing its academic rigor.