How to Do It

Edward Everett HaleDec 2015

3.3

Word count: 59K words
Chapters: 17

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Summary

Edward Everett Hale (April 3, 1822 – June 10, 1909) was an American author and Unitarian clergyman.

Editor's review

This book comes from the hand of Edward Everett Hale, an American author and Unitarian minister active in the nineteenth century, known for his essays, fiction, and writings on social reform. Works of this kind, centered on action and ways of living, typically win not through rigorous theoretical systems but through the experience and exhortation of one who has been there: the tone is genial, the examples concrete, and the book suits slow reading in spare moments. Half the pleasure of reading it lies in its practicable advice on getting along in the world; the other half in sensing, through the prose, the moral concern and optimism of nineteenth-century American intellectuals. For today's readers, some of the social backdrop and habits of expression have grown distant, yet the discussions of how to set about doing things, how to deal with others, and how to put goodwill into practice remain instructive. Read it as an essay collection to open at random; there is no need to press straight through. Stopping to think where something strikes you will prove more rewarding.

Who it's for

A good fit for

Readers who enjoy nineteenth-century American essays and exhortatory writing
General readers hoping to draw lessons on conduct and action from an old book
Enthusiasts interested in Hale's life and his religious and social thought
Those who need short essays to fill fragmented reading time

Not a good fit for

Practical readers expecting a systematic methodology or modern self-help tools
Readers who prefer strong plotting and lack patience for discursive essays
Researchers requiring strict academic citation and detailed annotation

Reading tips

Read by essay, starting with the pieces whose titles are closest to your own situation.
After each piece, write down one small action you can try right away.
Read alongside biographical material on Hale to understand his religious and social context.
Do not feel obliged to read it through; keep it as a bedside or commute book to dip into.

Copyright information
Chapter I.
Chapter II.
Chapter III.
Chapter IV.
Chapter V.
Chapter VI.
Chapter VII.
Chapter VIII.
Chapter IX.
Chapter X.
Chapter XI.
Chapter XII.
Chapter XIII.
Chapter XIV.
Chapter XV.
Chapter XVI.

FAQ

Is this book suited to being read in one sitting?

Not really. It consists largely of exhortatory essays and reflections with loose connections between pieces, and reading straight through quickly grows tiring. Better to read selectively by interest, one or two pieces at a time, leaving room for digestion and comparing the advice with your own daily life; the effect is better.

Can I understand it without knowing the author's background?

You can follow the gist, but you will lose part of the context. Hale was a Unitarian minister, and his moral concern and exhortatory tone are bound up with that. Some prior knowledge of nineteenth-century American social and religious atmosphere will help you understand where certain arguments come from and view those expressions that now seem dated with more tolerance.

Does the advice in the book still apply today?

Partly. The principles about setting about tasks, dealing with people, and putting goodwill into practice have value across eras; but examples involving specific social institutions, gender roles, and technological conditions need to be rejudged in light of present circumstances and should not be copied wholesale.

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About the author

Edward Everett Hale Author

Edward Everett Hale is an author whose work has not yet been widely introduced to Chinese readers, and publicly available information is limited; details such as his nationality and dates of birth and death cannot presently be confirmed. The library currently holds one work by him, How to Do It, which falls under the category of inspirational and personal growth. Judging from this work, Hale's writing focuses on practical methods and self-improvement, addressing ordinary readers who wish to improve their ability to act and their daily habits. His approach is primarily direct and actionable guidance rather than abstract argument. This kind of subject matter is representative of inspirational and personal growth books, emphasizing the translation of ideas into concrete steps. Because translations and critical commentary are scarce, Hale's recognition among Chinese readers remains limited, and the value of his work still awaits fuller introduction and study.