Chapter 1 of Psycho-Cybernetics introduces the concept of the book and the theory behind it. The chapter explains how thinking of the human mind as a machine can help improve your self-image, which will dramatically increase your success and happiness [3].
The chapter starts by exploring why Maxwell Maltz, a plastic surgeon, began researching psychology and cybernetic theory to better understand why some people are prone to success, while others are prone to failure [1]. Maltz noticed that some of his patients would experience a dramatic change in their self-image after undergoing plastic surgery, while others would not. He realized that the change was not due to the physical changes but rather the change in their self-image [1].
Maltz's theory is that the human brain works to achieve goals according to cybernetic principles. One can program their mind to achieve success and happiness in the same way that they would program a machine to achieve certain goals [1]. Cybernetics is the study of machines and mechanics [1]. According to Maltz, the human body contains a success mechanism that’s driven by imagination. People have often theorized about the body as a machine, and while humans aren’t machines per se, we each have a machine that we can use when necessary. The author calls this phenomenon psycho-cybernetics, a conception of the human brain and nervous system as a servo-mechanism or automatic response that processes negative feedback to guide its course [1].
The chapter explains that the key to achieving success and happiness is to improve one's self-image. Maltz suggests that the self-image is the key to a better life [1]. The self-image is the mental picture that one has of oneself, and it determines how one thinks, feels, and behaves [1]. Maltz argues that one's self-image is not fixed and can be changed [1]. By changing one's self-image, one can change their behavior and ultimately achieve their goals [1].
In conclusion, Chapter 1 of Psycho-Cybernetics introduces the concept of the book and the theory behind it. The chapter explains how thinking of the human mind as a machine can help improve one's self-image, which will dramatically increase their success and happiness. The chapter also explores Maltz's theory about how the human brain works to achieve goals according to cybernetic principles and the importance of the self-image in achieving one's goals.