Book Review: Secrets of Longevity, Hundreds of Ways to Live to be 100 by Dr. Maoshing Ni

According to the book jacket, Dr. Maoshing Ni is “a 38th generation doctor specializing in longevity." Dr. Ni’s book, Secrets of Longevity, Hundreds of Ways to Live to be 100 offers up a list of habits and tactics that he claims will keep us here on the mortal plane for as long as possible, and keep us here in good health.

As the book jacket reads, “Marrying wisdom from the East with the latest scientific advances from the West, Secrets of Longevity puts at your fingertips a whole host of ways to make your stay on earth longer, healthier and much much happier.”

As is my wont, I’ll give those of you with a short attention span my upfront, short and sweet summation so you can read and run along, if you so please.

Secrets of Longevity is nothing more than a 300-page list of health-related bromides clothed in a suit of Eastern zeitgeist.

There isn’t really anything new here as the usual health tips are paraded before us; organic is best, don’t take drugs, herbs can cure all, meditate to cope with stress, get exercise, eat your veggies, get enough rest, etc. Secrets is long on offering up the phrase, “recent studies show” and short on giving us specifics like exactly what these recent studies show or who performed the studies.

For instance, if I’m being told that “studies show” the yellow spice turmeric has benefits in “prevention of blood clots, reducing inflammation, increasing bile secretion, lowering cholesterol, and possibly preventing certain cancers,” I want to see the details of these studies. This info about turmeric is presented on page 84 of the book without footnotes, references or any other mention of these “studies.” This is a pattern that is present throughout the book, and it is unacceptable.

This book is supposed to provide info about how the latest Western scientific advances give support to Eastern traditions, and yet nowhere in this book are specifics about Western science provided.

Secrets is a very poorly sourced book.

Furthermore, while Ni uses the title “Dr.” we aren’t told exactly what Dr. Ni’s educational credentials are.

This book is just recycled info, the majority of which can be obtained for free.

For all of these reasons, I do not recommend this book.

For those of you who feel like sticking around for a few more minutes, here is some more info that is presented in my copyright-protected style.

Article Author: Sal Marinello

Sal Marinello is a National Strength and Conditioning Association Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and Certified Personal Trainer, a U.S.A. Weightlifting Certified Coach, a full-time, private Professional Strength and Conditioning …

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