Three Issues with Dr. Johnson Spencer’s “Who Moved My Cheese”

The book highlights that change is inevitable and those who can adapt to it will be successful in life. The book's author presents a compelling and relatable story that encourages readers to view change as an opportunity rather than a threat. He emphasizes the importance of being proactive and adaptable when faced with change, rather than resisting it and holding onto the past. Overall, the book serves as a valuable guide for anyone who is looking to navigate change in their personal or professional life.

The story is about the four characters who live in a maze and are in search of cheese, which represents happiness and success. The characters react differently when they discover that the cheese has been moved from its original location. Two of the characters adapt to change and go in search of new cheese, while the other two characters resist change and struggle to cope with the situation. The book encourages readers to embrace change and view it as an opportunity for growth and success. It also provides practical advice on how to deal with change and overcome fear and resistance.

Adapted from “WHO MOVED MY CHEESE — THE INSPIRING STORY ABOUT CHANGE AND CHEESE”

Through a relatable story of four characters searching for cheese in a maze, the book provides insights into adapting and thriving in the face of uncertainty. However, there are some parts of the story that oversimplify the circumstances.

1. Focus on personal adaptation and self-sufficiency. Hem is never comfortable and very resistant to change. The story does not provide any explicit information about Hem’s past experiences or psychological background. One can say that the story overlooks broader systemic problems that can hinder or prevent change in certain situations, such as an individual’s history of trauma and anxiety, their perspective on change, their reactions to the actions of other characters, and the presence of a crisis.
2. Promotes a clear and linear view of change. Haw used his imagination to paint the most believable picture he could — with the most realistic details — of him finding and enjoying the taste of New Cheese. While imagination is a powerful tool for envisioning possibilities and generating ideas, it is not always enough to bring those ideas to fruition. Planning is necessary to turn imagination into action, achieve desired outcomes and prepare for possible challenges such as trouble from individual differences, cultural and social influences, unexpected events, and external forces that can all affect the trajectory of change. Change usually is complex and unpredictable in nature.
3. Reinforces a culture of hyper-competitiveness and individualism. Haw searched for Sniff and Scurry, wondering if they might be involved in the disappearance of the cheese and possess knowledge he lacked. Meanwhile, Hem demeaned the mice, insisting that humans were superior in intelligence. This can be harmful to collective well-being and social cohesion.

Despite these challenges, the book still offers valuable insights on how to navigate change and adapt to new situations, as long as readers are aware of its limitations and potential biases.