Happiness

"A huge bestseller in Europe, Frederic Lenoir{u2019}s Happiness is an exciting journey that examines how history{u2019}s... (more)

"A huge bestseller in Europe, Frederic Lenoir{u2019}s Happiness is an exciting journey that examines how history{u2019}s greatest philosophers and religious figures have answered life{u2019}s most fundamental question: What is happiness and how do I achieve it? From the ancient Greeks on--from Aristotle, Plato, and Chuang Tzu to the Buddha, Jesus, and Muhammad; from Voltaire, Spinoza, and Schopenhauer to Kant, Freud, and even modern neuroscientists--Lenoir considers the idea that true and lasting happiness is indeed possible. In clear language, Lenoir concisely surveys what the greatest thinkers of all time have had to say on the subject, and, with charming prose, raises provocative questions: -- Do we have a duty to be happy? -- Is there a connection between individual and collective happiness? -- Is happiness contagious? -- Is there a difference between pleasure and happiness? -- Can unhappiness and happiness coexist? -- Does our happiness depend on our luck? Understanding how civilization{u2019}s best minds have answered those questions, Lenoir suggests, not only makes for a fascinating reading experience, but also provides a way for us to see us how happiness, that most elusive of feelings, is attainable in our own lives."--Amazon.com. (less)

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A fox makes its way across London's Waterloo Bridge. The distraction causes two pedestrians to collide - Jean, an Americ... (more)

A fox makes its way across London's Waterloo Bridge. The distraction causes two pedestrians to collide - Jean, an American studying the habits of urban foxes, and Attila, a Ghanaian psychiatrist there to deliver a keynote speech. In this delicate tale of love and loss, of cruelty and kindness, Aminatta Forna asks us to consider the interconnectedness of lives, our co-existence with one another and all living creatures, and the true nature of happiness. (less)

"A short, reader-friendly treatment of happiness from a leading figure in positive psychology"-- (more)

"A short, reader-friendly treatment of happiness from a leading figure in positive psychology"-- (less)

In this groundbreaking book, Matthieu Ricard makes a passionate case for happiness as a goal that deserves at least as m... (more)

In this groundbreaking book, Matthieu Ricard makes a passionate case for happiness as a goal that deserves at least as much energy as any other in our lives. Wealth? Fitness? Career success? How can we possibly place these above true and lasting well-being? Drawing from works of fiction and poetry, Western philosophy, Buddhist beliefs, scientific research, and personal experience, Ricard weaves an inspirational and forward-looking account of how we can begin to rethink our realities in a fast-moving modern world. With its revelatory lessons and exercises, Happiness is an eloquent and stimulating guide to a happier life. Book jacket. (less)

Seeks to dispel common misconceptions that God is unhappy and wants people to be unhappy as well, citing Bible verses th... (more)

Seeks to dispel common misconceptions that God is unhappy and wants people to be unhappy as well, citing Bible verses that show Him to be a joy-filled creator who desperately wants His children to be happy. (less)

A fox makes its way across London's Waterloo Bridge. The distraction causes two pedestrians to collide - Jean, an Americ... (more)

A fox makes its way across London's Waterloo Bridge. The distraction causes two pedestrians to collide - Jean, an American studying the habits of urban foxes, and Attila, a Ghanaian psychiatrist there to deliver a keynote speech. In this delicate tale of love and loss, of cruelty and kindness, Aminatta Forna asks us to consider the interconnectedness of lives, our co-existence with one another and all living creatures, and the true nature of happiness. (less)

Happiness is one of life's greatest mysteries. But what even is happiness? Why does it mean so many different things t... (more)

Happiness is one of life's greatest mysteries. But what even is happiness? Why does it mean so many different things to different people? And how can we actually be happier? Drawing on decades of experience in crime writing, self-help and intensely? curious observation of other people, Sophie Hannah sets out to solve the mystery. She lines up her cast of suspects and expert witnesses from ancient philosophers to modern self-help gurus, scientists to ordinary people from all walks of life. Leaving no stone unturned, she scrutinises the clues, evidence, and even the red herrings that unexpectedly lead to happiness. And she uncovers answers - from the secrets of a fulfilling relationship to the joys of boredom, or of the bliss of a cancelled meeting. Weaving in much-loved poems and hilarious observations from Sophie's own life, this is the ultimate guide to happiness - and the clues that can lead us there. (less)

Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh's key teaching is that through mindfulness, we can learn to live in the present moment and de... (more)

Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh's key teaching is that through mindfulness, we can learn to live in the present moment and develop a sense of peace. Accessible to those new to Buddhist teachings as well as more experienced practitioners, Happiness is the only book that collects all practices adapted and developed by Thich Nhat Hanh in his more than sixty years as a Buddhist monk and teacher. With sections on Daily Practice, Relationships, Physical Practices, Mindful Eating, and Practicing with Children, Happiness is a comprehensive guide to living our daily lives with full awareness, whether we are working, eating, parenting, driving, walking, or simply sitting and breathing. Thich Nhat Hanh says, "Enjoy your practice with a relaxed and gentle attitude, with an open mind and receptive heart... Joy and happiness are available to you in the here and now." (less)