In this important, entertaining book, one of the world's most celebrated psychologists, Martin Seligman, asserts that happiness can be learned and cultivated, and that everyone has the power to inject real joy into their lives. In "Authentic Happiness", he describes the 24 strengths and virtues unique to the human psyche. Each of us, it seems, has at least five of these attributes, and can build on them to identify and develop to our maximum potential. By incorporating these strengths - which include kindness, originality, humour, optimism, curiosity, enthusiasm and generosity - into our everyday lives, he tells us, we can reach new levels of optimism, happiness and productivity. "Authentic Happiness" provides a variety of tests and unique assessment tools to enable readers to discover and deploy those strengths at work, in love and in raising children. By accessing the very best in ourselves, we can improve the world around us and achieve new and lasting levels of authentic contentment and joy.
Advance Praise for Authentic Happiness
"Authentic Happiness is an excellent book about emotions that are vital, positive, and lend great strength to our lives. Martin Seligman, a pioneer in the field of positive emotions, has written a book that will make a real difference to many people."
—Kay Redfield Jamison, author of An Unquiet Mind
"A revolutionary perspective on psychology, Seligman’s Authentic Happiness is a beacon for human behavior in the new century. Laypersons and professionals alike will find this book enormously enriching. It summarizes a huge literature, it provides concrete self-assessment tools, and it speaks with a joyful voice about what it means to be fully alive."
—Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, author of Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience
"Martin Seligman is one of the most original thinkers the social sciences have produced in our century. Authentic Happiness is a fascinating, compelling look at a body of ground-breaking research. An important book."
—Jonathan Kellerman
"A highly insightful scientific and personal reflection on the nature of happiness, from one of the most creative and influential psychologists of our time."
—Steven Pinker, Peter de Florez Professor of Psychology, MIT, and author of The Language Instinct.
"To read this book is to walk with your head floating in clouds of possibility while your feet tread firmly on the ground of scientific research. Dr. Seligman gives us the tools to tap into our greatest strengths, so that we can live more joyously while making a greater contribution to loved ones, work and community."
—Joan Oliver Goldsmith , author of How Can We Keep from Singing: Music and the Passionate Life
"At last, psychology gets serious about glee, fun and happiness. Martin Seligman has given us a gift—a practical map for the perennial quest for a flourishing life."
—Daniel Goleman, author of Emotional Intelligence
"Seligman takes the best, most recent science in psychology and applies it to our oldest, most basic human questions—how can we be happy? And how can we be good? His book is ground-breaking, heart-lifting and, most importantly, deeply useful. With pun intended, I’m optimistic about its success."
—Mary Pipher, author of Reviving Ophelia
"An amazing book! Absolutely full of practical wisdom and its authentic sources. What depth of understanding! Seligman affirms our power of choice with a perspective on old and new psychology I found compelling and fascinating. This book will help restore the Character Ethic."
—Dr. Stephen R. Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
"The Constitution may guarantee the right to pursue happiness, but it doesn’t offer clear paths to follow through the wilderness. Seligman does. By turns smart, funny, irreverent, and insightful, he is the perfect guide, someone who can make such a difference in life, and lives. A world hungry for happiness will love his new book."
—Diane Ackerman, author of A Natural History of the Senses
