37 pages • 1 hour read
Arnold SchwarzeneggerBe Useful: Seven Tools for Life
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2023A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Essay Topics
Arnold Schwarzenegger opens the book by talking about the lowest point in his professional and personal lives. What effect does this have? How does this set the tone for the rest of the book?
Schwarzenegger has embraced his role as a “self-help” guy at this stage of his life and discusses throughout the book how he dedicates his efforts to helping others reach their goals. How does he establish credibility in the self-help space?
In the author’s view, to what extent are people responsible for the negative and/or unhappy circumstances in their lives? What are some arguments supporting or countering his stance?
Part of executing a vision, Schwarzenegger states, is the ability to self-reflect and objectively assess one’s progress. How does the author encourage the reader to do this? What happens when people avoid “looking in the mirror”?
Why does the author believe it is harmful to have a backup plan? Can it be useful to have a Plan B? Why or why not?
In Chapter 3, Schwarzenegger quotes Japanese author Haruki Murakami: “I can bear any pain as long as it has meaning” (90). Explore this idea as it relates to Schwarzenegger’s advice about hard work. What is “meaningful” pain, and how do the examples presented throughout this chapter illustrate it?
Recall Schwarzenegger’s “24-Hour Breakdown” in Chapter 3 and his advice regarding time management. Is this advice feasible for everyone? Why or why not?
Arnold Schwarzenegger is considered one of the most important figures in the history of bodybuilding. Using his personal anecdotes, explore how bodybuilding’s rise to mainstream status demonstrates the importance of effectively “selling” one’s ideas.
In Chapter 7, the author acknowledges that self-help books such as his own can become “permission slips for selfishness” (232). How does Arnold Schwarzenegger distinguish his self-help advice from other writers?
Arnold rejects the notion that he is a “self-made man,” citing the many mentors and guides who have helped him throughout his life. Explore this idea of being “self-made” and whether it is truly attainable or even aspirational.
