Maxwell Maltz was an American cosmetic surgeon who became known for his work in self-help and personal development. He developed Psycho-Cybernetics, a system of ideas published in 1960 that proposed methods for improving one's self-image, which he believed could lead to a more successful and fulfilling life. Psycho-Cybernetics became a long-time bestseller and had significant influence on the self-help field. The book's approach and ideas shaped many subsequent self-help teachers and authors. Maltz's work is considered a forerunner of the modern self-help book genre that became popular in later decades. Beyond Psycho-Cybernetics, Maltz wrote several other books throughout his career, though Psycho-Cybernetics remained his most recognized and influential work.