Simple Tale of Mice and Men

Andrea Sachs (TIME Magazine) explores the subject of why Who Moved My Cheese by Spencer Johnson, M.D. has become the best selling business book ever, with more than 22 million copies sold worldwide in 37 languages.  But according to Ms Sachs, “All is not quiet in Cheddar City. Critics have dissed it as an overly broad parable that could be understood by a bright sixth-grader.” 

The message of the parable summarized by Ms Sachs -  “Embrace change; it is inevitable.  Go with the flow.”  But Eric Abrahamson, a business school professor at Columbia University, says the theory is full of holes.  “It’s one-size-fits-all approach.  There’s not much here from the point of view of the recipients of the changes.”

Perhaps, the author, Spencer Johnson, gives the best reason for the popularity of his book.  He says he knows that some people find his book simpleminded.  “Well, I think they’re right.  The irony is that I concur with what they’re saying.  Those who are looking for answers find the simple, memorable approach the most valuable.”

readings by darolyn quayle