I wouldn't say I agree with everything Seth MacFarlane has to say but this does encapsulate my theories on vacuous self help literature that doesn't really help
Yes these books, videos, quotes can initially help but there is no longevity in them.
This sketch is amusing but also informative about the current zeitgeist of easily digestible quotes that will have little meaning in the grand context of life. Mentoring in whatever guise can be hugely beneficial and all conquering in changing and shaping a persons direction, however there are too many easy fixes that seems to be validated by celebrities or individuals that aim to prosper from others unfortunate circumstances or to seek notoriety and fame for themselves.
In this particular episode, (If you're familiar with family guy) Brian writes a self help book called Wish it want it, do it. Bill Mahers, the host, points out that essentially wish it and want it are the same things. Dana Gould, a panelist comments that theses books are "the laziest self-help books within the narrowest, socioeconomic ridge. Yes, you can wish or want it but only if you have the educational and societal advantages." This could lead to some research into geographical segmentation, which is something I had not considered before. What I think Gould means by this, is that the mainstream can sometimes seek help in the most common place, they cannot discover any new territories in which to plant new seeds of knowledge, or further still the land they have been given lacks growth. They need to be informed that there are greener fields over yonder.
What I most like about this sketch is that the author is found out. There is a profound sense of steering vulnerable people away from these types of books. There is a no-nonsense approach which may conflict to current views on censorship and realism from the people with real value and worth in being able to make a difference to someones life.
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