From Publishers Weekly
Though everyone wants to be happier, how many of us can actually define what that means? In his class, "Positive Psychology," one of the most popular courses at Harvard University, Ben-Shahar teaches that happiness isn't as elusive a concept as people think, and can actually be learned; he commits the fundamentals of his course to paper in this primer on getting happy, which he defines as a combination of pleasure (short-term happiness) and meaning (long-term). Divided into three parts, "What is Happiness?", "Happiness Applied" and "Meditations on Happiness," Ben-Shahar provides insight and exercises, prodding reflection in readers ("Do you accept negative emotions as natural?" "Do you see your work as a job, a career, or a calling?") while explicating the relationships among happiness, motivation and goals. Though it sounds simple, Ben-Shahar insists on keen self-awareness and purposeful action to overcome entrenched patterns of despondency and/or disbelief. For answer-seekers, this is definitely a good start.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --Ce texte fait référence à l'édition Relié .
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --Ce texte fait référence à l'édition Relié .
Audiofile
One of Harvards most popular lecturers turns his talents to an involving audio. He succeeds largely because he knows how to question. He asks listeners to reflect not if they are happy, but how they can become happier. Throughout the program concrete questions encourage self-examination on what gives ones life meaning, pleasure, and strength. These are suggested after chapters that merge research with personal and anecdotal stories to explain strategies for reviewing ones life. The book, based on the field of positive psychology, has found an upbeat reader. Jeff Woodmans reading has a narrative drive that captures the authors affirming ideas. S.W. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine
