The Vertical Self by Mark Sayers

I don't usually read "self-help" type books, but I found this book to be very insightful. It opened my eyes to just how much we, as a culture, choose who we are by how the rest of the world sees us and not by what the true inner person is. Thanks to our "media" culture, we now can pick and change who we are on a whim, where our identity isn't based on our own sense of self, but in the imagery we choose at any given moment.

The "vertical self" is one in which one strives to cultivate spirituality so that one moves upward on the path of becoming the person God meant us to be, for man was created in the image of God. This includes growth, character, humility,contribution to society, faith, goals, etc.The "horizontal self" on the other hand is one in which the person's sense of self is derived from media images, outer appearance, peers, and so are confused about who we really are...because we only know what the media tells us we should be or can be. Our identities are subject to change in an instant thanks to passing fads and the opinions of those around us.

There is a study guide in the back that helps you take what you learn from the book and apply it to your own life....to learn to be who you are meant to be, not what the world tells you you should be.