If we all did this I'm not sure how much hacker news would get read. I especially value the point about inspirational books becoming means for vicarious success. The true litmus test of something intending to be motivational would be whether or not it can change behavior.
Great point, Josh. I wrote in my recent chapter about ditching my cell phone that there's different "tools for different fools."
All one can really do is try and help people with things that have helped them