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Product Description
Review
"'A remarkable book. It is hard to imagine a more convincing guide to that elusive thing: happiness' Pankaj Mishra. 'If you want to be happier and better, this is the book you should read. It provides the best available philosophy of life and practice for the twenty-first century.' Richard Layard, Professor of Economics, London School of Economics 'The readers of this book will find themselves in the presence of an extraordinary human being... [It] beautifully illustrates that happiness is to be found in controlling the mind, not circumstances' Daniel Kahneman, winner Nobel Prize economics, 2002 'In his new book, Ricard combines the talents of a philosopher and scientist to produce a rigorous and compelling analysis of his subject. He reminds us that to change individuals is also, ultimately, to change the world.' George Soros"
Book Description
Although we are materially better off than ever before, surveys show that
we are depressed and listless. In his revolutionary book, Buddhist monk
Matthieu Ricard, shows that happiness is not just an emotion, but a skill
that can be developed. Free of mumbo jumbo, Happiness contains 20-minute
exercises to train the mind to recognise and pursue happiness by
concentrating on life's fundamentals.
we are depressed and listless. In his revolutionary book, Buddhist monk
Matthieu Ricard, shows that happiness is not just an emotion, but a skill
that can be developed. Free of mumbo jumbo, Happiness contains 20-minute
exercises to train the mind to recognise and pursue happiness by
concentrating on life's fundamentals.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
42 of 42 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I'm a sceptic by nature and what I ended up loving about this book is the rare sincerity of the writing and the honest suggestion that the ideas on offer must be tried out in order for their truth and effectiveness to be judged. It is a profound 'explore for yourself' approach, free of the pressure, dogma, guilt, or emotional manipulation which sometimes characterize books in this area.
To get a flavour of what Ricard is saying (as well as a flavour of the man himself), you can watch a Google Techtalk he gave, entitled 'Change your Mind Change your Brain: The Inner Conditions for Authentic Happiness' (available free online, just type the title into Google).
What Ricard is suggesting involves training the mind over time, and is reassuringly tough to put into practice. Perhaps he could have included a chapter on how lethargic people like me can persuade ourselves to give this the every-day attention it needs! Yet Ricard's arguments in favour of at least trying such an approach are so overwhelming that they are a powerful spur in their own right. Give it a go!
To get a flavour of what Ricard is saying (as well as a flavour of the man himself), you can watch a Google Techtalk he gave, entitled 'Change your Mind Change your Brain: The Inner Conditions for Authentic Happiness' (available free online, just type the title into Google).
What Ricard is suggesting involves training the mind over time, and is reassuringly tough to put into practice. Perhaps he could have included a chapter on how lethargic people like me can persuade ourselves to give this the every-day attention it needs! Yet Ricard's arguments in favour of at least trying such an approach are so overwhelming that they are a powerful spur in their own right. Give it a go!
25 of 25 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I have been interested in Buddhism for a while and did read few books on the subject. However as a lay, skeptical person I could never wholly embrace this religion/philosophy. I did reach a moment when I thought myself ridiculous reading this subject matter and handed over all my Buddhist books to the charity shop. However, quite recently I did have a small crisis in my life and, when visiting a local charity shop I found this book on the shelf and decided to give this philosophy "the last chance". And - oh my - I am infinitely grateful to the person that donated it! Ricard, who is a western scientist turned Buddhist monk, finally converted me! Not into a fully blown Buddhist, mind you, but into an active seeker of happiness... He has convinced me, without a shadow of a doubt, that happiness is possible. And it is right here, right now, within us. So if you feel unhappy, down and you feel you cannot cope anymore with what is called "reality" buy this book and read it with an open mind - I hope it will show you a path to happiness as it did for me. A true gem.
19 of 19 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
If you are wondering whether to buy this book, you should watch Matthieu Ricard's talk "Change Your Mind, Change Your Brain: The Inner Conditions for Authentic Happiness" (it's available on youtube). Here he gives the basic outlines of the book, and if you like his talk you will definitely not be disappointed with the book.
The main themes of the book are:
- An overview of western perceptions of happiness
- An analysis of what each of our basic emotions does to our well-being
- An overview of the scientific studies on happiness
- Exercises for furthering one's well-being
The chapters on negative emotions and their impact on our minds is the strongest part of the book. It really 'exposes' the nonsensical nature of the common feelings that hinder our happiness, and lets you see your own life in a new light without having to condemn your mistakes.
The main themes of the book are:
- An overview of western perceptions of happiness
- An analysis of what each of our basic emotions does to our well-being
- An overview of the scientific studies on happiness
- Exercises for furthering one's well-being
The chapters on negative emotions and their impact on our minds is the strongest part of the book. It really 'exposes' the nonsensical nature of the common feelings that hinder our happiness, and lets you see your own life in a new light without having to condemn your mistakes.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Happiness
Although for me there was little new here, one can never have too many positive and helpful words.
However, what I dislike is his reference to and seeming condoning of,... Read more
However, what I dislike is his reference to and seeming condoning of,... Read more
Published 6 months ago by Mabelline
A great book, and definately worth a read.
I bought this book to keep me company on a recent trip abroad, nd i'm so glad i bought it. Ricard's layout of the book is brilliant, and each chapter flows onto the next. Read more
Published 9 months ago by HSG93
Not for me
I was quite enjoying this book until I got to the point where the author tried to tell us that we can maintain inner happiness when a child or parent dies as it is accepted in the... Read more
Published 15 months ago by Nachosmum
Insightful, and a joy to read.. worth every penny!
I'm usually quite cynical about reading these types of book about spirituality. But this one is a true gem ... Read more
Published 15 months ago by Girlinlondon
This is a wounderful book.
This is a very helpful book. It is informative and gives you the opportunity to practice and develop some of the ideas. Read more
Published 19 months ago by David E
Happiness, Developing lifes most important skill
An excellent insight into developing your thought patterns. Includes helpful exercises to develope relaxation techniques
Published 19 months ago by murmur
Happiness.
I bought this book for someone else and they are still reading it. They seem to be enjoying it.
Published 21 months ago by Mrs. J. E. Game
9 copies later
This is a wonderful book. It is wise and practical. A great many of my friends have asked me to get them one. I have purchased 9 so far and am sure to buy more . Read more
Published 21 months ago by P Knitty
Very influential, a book that raises curiousity
Despite my deeply ingrained skeptical outlook, this book just made sense to me and was truly practical and resultful, if one were to practically take and manipulate its... Read more
Published 23 months ago by Mr. Hadrian Hugh
Deep but refreshing!
A great book to buy if you are interested in the Buddhist principles and general idea of positivity. Read more
Published on 11 April 2010 by Mark Chamberlain
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