Patrick Oconnell
Who Moved My Cheese? is a 1998 self-help book by Spencer Johnson that uses a fictional story about two mice and two little people to illustrate different attitudes towards change. The book has been a business bestseller, with over 30 million copies sold worldwide, and is often used by companies to help employees navigate change. While some readers have found it helpful and relatable, others have criticised its portrayal of power dynamics between employees and management and its message about accepting change.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Author | Spencer Johnson |
| Co-author | Kenneth Blanchard |
| Genre | Business fable, motivational, management-serving literature |
| Publication date | 1998 |
| Copies sold | 30 million |
| Languages | 37 |
| Number of characters | 4 |
| Names of mice | Sniff, Scurry |
| Names of "Littlepeople" | Hem, Haw |
| Names of cheese stations | Cheese Station C, Cheese Station N |
| Company founded to handle book orders | Who Moved My Cheese Inc. |
| Year company was founded | 1999 |
| Year company was reorganized | 2005 |
| Year company was purchased and renamed | 2009 |
| New company name | Red Tree Leadership |
| Book length | Half an hour |
| Book format | Paperback, Audiobook |
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What You'll Learn
The four characters and their attitudes to change
In the book "Who Moved My Cheese?", the author, Spencer Johnson, uses four characters to represent four different attitudes towards change. The story is a parable about two mice, Sniff and Scurry, and two "Littlepeople", Hem and Haw, who live in a maze and look for "Cheese" to nourish them and make them happy. "Cheese" is a metaphor for what people want in life, such as a good job, a loving relationship, money, or spiritual peace of mind. The "Maze" is where they look for what they want, such as the organization they work in or the community they live in.
Sniff and Scurry, the two mice, are simple-minded and instinctive. They run the same path every day, eating cheese when they find it, but are always ready to move on. They represent a proactive attitude towards change, quickly sensing changes in their environment and adapting to them.
Hem, one of the "Littlepeople", gets angry and overwhelmed by the change. He goes into shock and, due to fear, resists all external attempts to help him embrace and deal with the change. Instead, he continues doing the same thing every day, expecting things to get better. Hem represents a resistant attitude towards change, refusing to accept that things have changed and failing to adapt to the new circumstances.
Haw, the other "Littleperson", initially reacts like Hem but eventually overcomes his fear and learns to embrace change. He adapts to his new circumstances and even starts to anticipate possible future changes. Haw represents a proactive and positive attitude towards change, demonstrating that it is possible to overcome fear and resistance and successfully navigate a changing environment.
Through these four characters, Johnson illustrates the different ways people react to change and the importance of having the right attitude towards it. The story serves as a guide for readers to reflect on their own approach to change and to consider the benefits of embracing it rather than resisting it.
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The metaphor of 'Cheese'
The metaphor of Cheese is a powerful one, and it is at the heart of Spencer Johnson's 1998 book, "Who Moved My Cheese?". The book is a business fable, a parable, and a story of four characters who live in a maze and their search for cheese. The cheese is not literal, but a metaphor for something much deeper and more meaningful. It represents what we want in life, be it a good job, a loving relationship, money, health, or spiritual peace of mind. The maze, on the other hand, is where we look for what we want, whether it be in our work, family, or community.
The four characters in the story, two mice named Sniff and Scurry, and two "Littlepeople" named Hem and Haw, represent different attitudes and reactions to change. The mice are simple-minded and instinctive, running the same path every day, always ready to move on, while the Littlepeople search for a special kind of cheese that will fulfill them, keeping track of where they have found it. This is the first metaphorical layer of the story, where the mice represent a more instinctual, proactive approach, while the Littlepeople are more thoughtful and analytical.
The story's central conflict arises when the characters discover a spot where their favorite cheese is regularly available, called Cheese Station C. The mice continue to explore the entire maze, but the Littlepeople settle at Cheese Station C, believing their cheese supply is secure. However, one day, the cheese at Station C runs out, and the Littlepeople are left confused and upset. The mice, having continued their daily exploration, quickly find a new supply of cheese at Station N. This is where the metaphor of cheese takes on a deeper meaning. It represents the unexpected changes that can occur in life and how we react to them.
The Littlepeople, Hem and Haw, represent two different reactions to change. Hem is angry and overwhelmed, resisting all attempts to embrace the new situation, while Haw eventually overcomes his fear, learns from the change, and adapts. He starts to explore the maze, writing his observations on the walls, and eventually finds Station N, where he reflects on the lessons he has learned. Haw's journey represents the value of embracing change, being proactive, and learning from new experiences. The story's message is that change is inevitable, and to continue finding fulfillment (or "cheese"), we must be willing to navigate the maze of life with an open mind and a positive attitude.
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The 'Maze' and the search for 'Cheese'
In the book "Who Moved My Cheese?", the maze and the cheese represent the challenges and desires that we face in our lives. The story is an allegory about four characters: two mice, Sniff and Scurry, and two "little people", Hem and Haw, who live in a maze and look for cheese to nourish and fulfill them. The "little people" are beings the size of mice but who look and act like people.
The maze is a metaphor for the environment in which we seek what we want, whether it be in our work, family, or community. It represents the complex and ever-changing nature of our lives and the obstacles we must navigate to achieve our goals. The cheese, on the other hand, represents our desires and aspirations. It could be a good job, a loving relationship, money, health, or spiritual peace of mind.
In the story, the characters are faced with unexpected change when their regular source of cheese, Cheese Station C, runs out. The mice, Sniff and Scurry, quickly accept that the cheese is gone and continue on their way. However, the "little people", Hem and Haw, struggle to come to terms with the change. They remain at Cheese Station C for several days, growing frustrated and hungry. Eventually, Haw overcomes his fear of change and decides to explore the maze in search of new cheese. He leaves crumbs of cheese along the way to help Hem, who is still struggling to accept the change. Haw's journey represents the importance of adaptability and a positive attitude in the face of life's challenges.
As Haw explores the maze, he discovers new cheese stations and writes his observations and lessons on the walls. These lessons include the importance of embracing change and taking control of one's life. Haw's journey serves as a metaphor for personal growth and the development of a proactive mindset. By the end of the story, Haw has not only found new cheese but has also gained valuable insights that will help him navigate future challenges.
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Accepting and embracing change
In the book "Who Moved My Cheese?", Spencer Johnson uses a simple parable to reveal profound truths about dealing with change. The story revolves around four characters: two mice named Sniff and Scurry, and two "little people" named Hem and Haw. These characters represent different attitudes and reactions to change, which is symbolized by "Cheese" in the story.
Sniff and Scurry, the mice, are simple-minded and instinctive. They embrace change and quickly adapt to new situations. They are open to exploring new paths and accepting that change is inevitable. On the other hand, Hem and Haw, the "little people," represent more complex human-like reactions to change. They seek a special kind of "Cheese" that symbolizes their desire for happiness and fulfillment.
When their favorite "Cheese" supply is exhausted, the mice quickly accept the situation and move on, while Hem and Haw are left confused and upset. Haw eventually overcomes his fear of change and embarks on a journey of exploration, learning valuable lessons along the way. He realizes that change is inevitable and keeping up with it is essential to finding new opportunities.
The parable in "Who Moved My Cheese?" serves as a powerful tool for readers to reflect on their own approach to change. It encourages readers to embrace change rather than resist it. By accepting that change is a constant, individuals can develop a more positive and proactive mindset. This mindset can help them navigate personal and professional challenges, reducing stress and increasing success in various aspects of life.
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The impact of 'Who Moved My Cheese?''
"Who Moved My Cheese?", written by Spencer Johnson, has had a profound impact on readers, helping them to navigate change in their personal and professional lives. The book has sold almost 30 million copies worldwide and has been translated into 37 languages, becoming one of the best-selling business books of all time. Its popularity is due to its simple yet effective message, conveyed through an engaging parable about four characters and their hunt for "cheese" in a maze.
The story's impact stems from its ability to help readers reflect on their own attitudes towards change. The four characters—Sniff, Scurry (mice), and Hem, Haw (little people)—represent different reactions to change, from resistance to swift action. Readers can identify with these characters and gain insight into their own mindset and behaviours. This self-reflection encourages personal growth and a more positive approach to change, which is often unpredictable and uncontrollable.
The book has been particularly influential in the corporate world, with management distributing it to employees during times of transition or cost-cutting. It has sparked discussions about the power dynamics between employees and managers, with some critics viewing it as management-serving literature that encourages employees to unquestioningly accept change. However, many readers have found the book empowering, providing them with tools to manage their fears and anxieties about the future.
The impact of "Who Moved My Cheese?" has led to the creation of additional content, programs, and services by Spencer Johnson Partners (formerly Who Moved My Cheese Inc.). These offerings aim to further assist individuals and organisations in navigating change and include a workbook and an audio edition with bonus material. The book's influence has also inspired parodies and spin-offs, such as "Who Cut the Cheese?" and "I Moved Your Cheese", demonstrating the lasting impression it has left on popular culture.
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Frequently asked questions
The book was written by Spencer Johnson.
The book is a business fable that describes four reactions to change. The story follows two mice and two "little people" during their hunt for cheese.
"Cheese" is a metaphor for what you want to have in life, whether it is a good job, a loving relationship, money, a possession, health, or spiritual peace of mind.
Liberal journalist Thomas Frank positioned the book within a broader genre of management-serving literature that portrays the imbalance of power between employees and managers as an inevitable force of "change" that employees must not question. Dilbert cartoonist Scott Adams described the book as a "patronizing message for the proletariat to acquiesce".
