"The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.

This book has helped me through two of the toughest weeks of my life, and everyone interested in self-improvement should read it. On Becoming a Person will appeal to anyone inclined toward psychology or therapy, as Rogers does a fantastic job discussing his client-centered approach and how his model of therapy transcends the limitations of past psychotherapeutic frameworks. Even though the book was first published in 1961, Rogers includes a variety of still-relevant techniques, such as allowing the client to guide the session and ensuring unconditional positive regard through the therapist's own congruence. He incorporates a gamut of psychological principles from areas such as developmental and social psychology, and he relates them all back to his thesis on clinical, humanistic therapy.

Not only does Rogers reach out to different branches of psychology, but he also connects client-centered therapy to education, leadership in the work place, and family life. Even though the book might feel a little repetitive in certain parts, it addresses several pertinent questions, like how therapists can reconcile their work with the conducting of research. In around 400 pages, Rogers dives deep into every facet of psychotherapy and how it relates to humans in general.

Overall, highly recommended to anyone with even a remote interest in self-growth, psychology, therapy, or being a better person. As Rogers would say, reading On Becoming a Person will not transform you into a perfect version of yourself - rather, it will set you on the path of creating a more accepting and honest self."