Become Who You Are

Winner of the Nautilus Book Award for Psychology and Mental & Emotional Well-Being

From the author of the international bestseller Designing the Mind: The Principles of Psychitecture comes "a paradigm-challenging new look at real happiness.” —Kirkus Reviews

A philosophical map for the labyrinth of modern life, Become Who You Are reveals a radically new theory of mental health and “the opposite of depression.” Drawing from the insights of Friedrich Nietzsche, Marcus Aurelius, and Abraham Maslow, along with hundreds of scientific findings, each page will challenge your intuitions and catalyze personal evolution.

“A masterful blend of mental wellness advice and practical philosophy… This book has the potential to change countless lives” —Nir Eyal, Bestselling author of Indistractable

This philosophy-infused self-development guide takes readers on a kaleidoscopic journey through Stoic philosophy and neuropsychology—Nietzschean virtue ethics and evolutionary psychology—spiritual wisdom and psychotherapy. It offers a moving account of Ryan’s own descent into depression, his climb back to flourishing, and the ambitious new framework this journey led him to that we can use to decode and direct our lives.

“An impressive blend of research and imagination that resonated with me and left me thinking well after I finished reading.” —Jonathan Rottenberg, PhD, Professor of Psychology at Cornell University and author of The Depths

In Become Who You Are, you'll discover:

• Why conventional beliefs about well-being are fundamentally misguided, and how to see in the “third dimension” of happiness
• A bold new perspective on the nature of depression, why conventional treatments often fail, and how to overcome the vicious cycle
• How ancient virtue ethics can inform our lives, and how to advance your personal pursuit of excellence
• Startling insights from evolutionary psychology on the origins of our values, moods, and self-critical monologue
• An explanation for the deep discontent many of us feel in our lives, and how to use tools like behavioral activation to reverse it

“Ryan Bush tackles that age-old question—How can I lead a good life?—in a fresh and imaginative way.” —Eric Weiner, New York Times bestselling author of The Socrates Express

This book offers a desperately needed vision of optimism and direction for the 21st century. Provocative, insightful, and deeply profound, Become Who You Are is a must-read for anyone who is struggling, stagnant, or striving. If you're ready to embark on a transformative journey of personal growth and self-actualization, this book will be your guide.