"A good read for anyone wanting to reassess their goals in life, to reconnect with it, and to explore the notion that all that glitters is not gold."
It does not follow, over time, that as a society gets wealthier and more secure, it’s people become happier.
Do you find the goal posts are always moving; that no matter your degree of personal or professional achievement, you never quite reach satisfaction? Contentment, at least full contentment, is a myth?
And is the pursuit of personal happiness in fact self indulgent and selfish? If we do an unselfish act for another in order that it provides us with a good feeling, is that not, in fact, a selfish act?
The Happiness Problem is a book written to invite us to stand back and ask a question. What is happiness, and what is it we seek to achieve through its pursuit?
Wren-Lewis's book is thought provoking, disturbing and at the same time reassuring. A good read for anyone wanting to re-assess their goals in life, to reconnect with it, and to explore the notion that all that glitters is not gold.
| Primary Genre | Non-Fiction Books of the Month |
| Other Genres: |
We appear to have more control over our lives than ever before. If we could get things right - the perfect job, relationship, family, body and mind - then we'd be happy. With enough economic growth and technological innovation, we could cure all societal ills.
The Happiness Problem shows that this way of thinking is too simplistic and can even be harmful: no matter how much progress we make, we will still be vulnerable to disappointment, loss and suffering. The things we do to make us happy are merely the tip of the iceberg.
Sam Wren-Lewis offers an alternative process that acknowledges insecurity and embraces uncertainty. Drawing on our psychological capacities for curiosity and compassion, he proposes that we can connect with, and gain a deeper understanding of, the personal and social challenges that define our time.
The Happiness Problem features in the following genres: Non-Fiction Books of the Month, Business and Management, Recommendations, Economics, Finance, Business and Management
The Happiness Problem is available in Paperback
The Happiness Problem was written by Sam Wren-Lewis and published by Policy Press
The Happiness Problem has 304 pages
£11.69
