Authentic Happiness: Using the New Positive Psychology to Realize Your Potential for Lasting Fulfillment Paperback – January 5, 2004 by Martin E. P. Seligman (Author)
A national bestseller, Authentic Happiness launched the revolutionary new science of Positive Psychology—and sparked a coast-to-coast debate on the nature of real happiness.
According to esteemed psychologist and bestselling author Martin Seligman, happiness is not the result of good genes or luck. Real, lasting happiness comes from focusing on one’s personal strengths rather than weaknesses—and working with them to improve all aspects of one’s life. Using practical exercises, brief tests, and a dynamic website program, Seligman shows readers how to identify their highest virtues and use them in ways they haven’t yet considered. Accessible and proven, Authentic Happiness is the most powerful work of popular psychology in years.
From Publishers Weekly
In his latest user-friendly road map for human emotion, the author of the bestselling Learned Optimism proposes ratcheting the field of psychology to a new level. “Relieving the states that make life miserable… has made building the states that make life worth living less of a priority. The time has finally arrived for a science that seeks to understand positive emotion, build strength and virtue, and provide guideposts for finding what Aristotle called the `good life,’ ” writes Seligman. Thankfully, his lengthy homage to happiness may actually live up to the ambitious promise of its subtitle. Seligman doesn’t just preach the merits of happiness e.g., happy people are healthier, more productive and contentedly married than their unhappy counterparts but he also presents brief tests and even an interactive Web site (the launch date is set for mid-August) to help readers increase the happiness quotient in their own lives. Trying to fix weaknesses won’t help, he says; rather, incorporating strengths such as humor, originality and generosity into everyday interactions with people is a better way to achieve happiness. Skeptics will wonder whether it’s possible to learn happiness from a book. Their point may be valid, but Seligman certainly provides the attitude adjustment and practical tools (including self-tests and exercises) for charting the course.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc. –This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.
Review
Caroline Myss Author of Sacred Contracts Authentic Happiness is delightful and richly insightful. Martin Seligman has written a very practical book, guiding readers to make positive choices in life.
Steven Pinker Author of The Language Instinct A highly insightful scientific and personal reflection on the nature of happiness, from one of the most creative and influential psychologists of our time.
Elle A bold new plan for taking control of your life and finding lasting happiness.
Product details
- Paperback: 336 pages
- Publisher: Atria Books; Reprint edition (January 5, 2004)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0743222989
- ISBN-13: 978-0743222983
- Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.9 x 8.4 inches
- Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
- Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (239 customer reviews)
- Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #11,445 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
Helpful Book to Combat Depression and Negative Thinking
ByTracy L. Carboneon March 8, 2016
Format: Paperback|Verified Purchase
My daughter is taking a Positive Psychology Class in college and this is their textbook. She loved it so much she told me to buy and read it. It’s very helpful and has given her a great and different perspective on depression and how some of it can be fixed by changing your thoughts. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to see life in a better light and/or anyone with depression. It may not cure you but it’s certainly a hopeful and well thought out book that will make a difference.