The term self-help, as defined in dictionary.com pertains “the act of providing for or helping or the ability to provide for or help oneself without assistance from others; and/or “the acquiring of information or the solving of one’s problems, especially those of a psychological nature, without the direct supervision of professionals or experts, as by independent reading or by joining or forming lay groups that are devoted to one’s interests or goals.” (www.dictionary.com)
However, the term itself of ‘self-help’ originated from: Self-Help; with Illustrations of Character and Conduct by Samuel Smile. The text was published in 1859. Oxford University Press reported that it sold 20,000 copies within one year of its publication, and as Smites passed away in 1904, the book sold over a quarter of a million copies. “Self-improvement” was the more classical term for the modern day pop-culture genre.
One of the most popular books under this category would be, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey. The nonfiction business book sold over 15 million copies all over the world in 28 languages. Aside from that, the audio book also sold 1.5 million copies. In 2011, Time Magazine listed the book under “The Top 25 Most Influential Business Management Books.