About the Book

INTRODUCTION

'You cannot teach a man anything. You can only help him to discover it within himself.’

Galileo (1564 - 1642)

In 1996 I wrote a booklet aimed at students of all ages. The content was a distillation of personal experience and over 16 years research, since the premature death of my father in 1980.

‘Everyone needs encouragement, especially young people

just starting out in life - in fact, they need all the help they

can get. The booklet contains some very valid advice and

should be compulsory reading for teachers and parents

as well as students.’

 

Dame Judi Dench, DBE

 

                                                        My current experiences have taught me that the biggest

                                                        obstacle to overcome in undertaking any endeavour is the

                                                        actual one of the belief that it is within one’s grasp. It is a

                                                        matter of self belief and self esteem and Graham Pepper’s

                                                        booklet is an excellent aid in this direction.’

Sir John Harvey-Jones, MBE      

Dame Judi’s and Sir John’s comments show that the booklet contains messages not just for students. They are equally valid for adults, particularly parents.

People still talk positively about the booklet. The title ‘Improving Self-Image & Developing Positive Attitudes’ was never going to be the most memorable and those requesting further copies simply referred to it as “that attitude book”. Now it is a book and what better title?

The book is now in two parts. Part One explores why negativity is prevalent in western society and the effects it has. Part Two explores what is needed to remain positive in the face of life’s negative challenges.

Like the original, it contains many quotations drawing on the ‘wisdom’ of centuries. Almost every page is self-contained, so once you’ve read it all, you’ll be able to dip back in on any page. The heading, quotation and picture give an indication of content; and aid memory.

In keeping with Galileo’s message, the aim is not to ‘teach’, but to ask questions

in the hope that you will want to 'discover’ much, much more. That Attitude Book

is a pocket guide, the same size as a phrase book you might take on foreign

travels. Keep it with you on your journey through life. Enjoy both.

Graham Pepper

October 2003

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