for dummies...

Today on the subway home from work, I saw a man reading a book.

This in and of itself is no big shocker. Many people read many books on the subway to and from work - it helps them from having to stare around awkwardly at the other people, desperately trying to avoid eye contact. Even more so, during rush hour, it keeps those people smart enough to bury their nose in a book from burying their nose in someone's armpit or even worse (depending on whether they are sitting or standing.)

What struck me as particularly interesting was the book that the man I saw, was reading. It was one of those "...For Dummies" volumes, and I was caught off-guard at how millennial and specific said books are getting. He was reading: "Online Identity Theft Prevention For Dummies."

It made me wonder just how ridiculous these books are on their way to becoming. Not to say they aren't helpful for the Average Joe or Jody (whom I consider myself to be in a plethora of areas), or that preventing oneself from online identity theft isn't a valid precaution in today's wired world... but how far are we from trying to write books helping people do things that "dummies" really shouldn't be attempting?

"Space Exploration For Dummies"

"Building Your Own Rocket-Car For Dummies"

"The Dummy's Guide to Nuclear Physics"

I'm interested to know what kinds of crazy 'Dummy' books you've seen, or what other kinds of crazy titles you think we're headed towards....

Thoughts?


Cas