Using modern psychological science, a great deal of research, historical anecdotes and an eloquent turn of phrase, the author contends that the 'seven deadly sins' not only feel good, but are also good for you. From gluttony to greed, to envy and lust, even the deadliest of sins can make you smart, successful and happy. For example, anger can breed perseverance, sloth: hopefulness, greed: happiness and envy can actually bolster one's self-esteem. Based on many studies, the author tells us why the greedy are happy, the slothful are smart, gluttons are social butterflies and how anger can make you a fearsome negotiator. The simplistic labelling of the seven deadly sins as 'sins' or as uniformly wrong does nothing but breed contempt for 'sinners' and stifle sophisticated discussion. Sin rails against this simplicity. Each chapter will cover an array of fascinating psychological research that demonstrates just how interesting and complex the seven deadly sins are. So the basic message of Sin: relax, spend, eat, drink and generally covet - you'll be better off for it.
The Joy of Sin: The Psychology of the Seven Deadly Sins
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Laham...has a knack for describing complex social science with great lucidity. His writing is witty, edgy, itself almost sinfully provocative at times, promoting the occasional wince and, more frequently, an approving chuckle...enviably good writing
--New Scientist
--New Scientist
Book Description
A fascinating scientific look at why the seven deadly sins are actually good for us.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
16 of 16 people found the following review helpful
By Pete
Format:Paperback
First things first, this is not a book about hedonism or sex. Although the title talks of joy, this is more a attempt to present some interesting behavioural psychology using a quirky framework. So if you're looking for smut or slut, this is not the book for you!
What the book does do is attempt to take the famous "7 deadly sins", and examine them from a psychological point of view rather than a moral one. Many of the sins in question (anger, for example) are not inherently wicked, but simply are emotions that have positive and negative aspects. The author looks to explore some of those more positive aspects, especially those which are interesting.
This is a fairly light read, and I finished the book quickly. The research is presented in a simplistic fashion, but that is good as it helps to avoid getting too bogged down in detail. This is a coffee table book rather than an in-depth study aid, although there are still references and bibliography for further reading if you should wish. After a while you notice that there is a constant phrasing along the lines of: "So they thought it might happen. Did it happen? That's exactly what happened". It can get a little irritating after a while to have these constant affirmative set ups, and I've never come across a writing style that uses it before (for good reason I would now argue!)
My only worry with this book is that it's not especially profound or revelatory. Granted it is intended more as a light read, but I do wonder if I will forget everything in it after a couple of weeks.
What the book does do is attempt to take the famous "7 deadly sins", and examine them from a psychological point of view rather than a moral one. Many of the sins in question (anger, for example) are not inherently wicked, but simply are emotions that have positive and negative aspects. The author looks to explore some of those more positive aspects, especially those which are interesting.
This is a fairly light read, and I finished the book quickly. The research is presented in a simplistic fashion, but that is good as it helps to avoid getting too bogged down in detail. This is a coffee table book rather than an in-depth study aid, although there are still references and bibliography for further reading if you should wish. After a while you notice that there is a constant phrasing along the lines of: "So they thought it might happen. Did it happen? That's exactly what happened". It can get a little irritating after a while to have these constant affirmative set ups, and I've never come across a writing style that uses it before (for good reason I would now argue!)
My only worry with this book is that it's not especially profound or revelatory. Granted it is intended more as a light read, but I do wonder if I will forget everything in it after a couple of weeks.
7 of 9 people found the following review helpful
By BelgianPete
Format:Paperback
If you've ever wondered what modern scientific psychology can do for you, this book provides a range of fascinating and often surprising answers to questions you may (or may not) have asked yourself over the years. What are the benefits of being lustful, lazy, greedy or gluttonous? In a witty and highly readable style, Simon Laham surveys the scientific literature covering these and many other interesting questions. Not only is the Joy of Sin (titled 'the Science of Sin' in the US) a pleasurable read, but you'll learn about some ingenious psychology experiments and gain insights into what makes us the way we are: sinners. From an avid reader of popular science books, this one comes highly recommended.
By Hamish
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
Hoping that the book is as good as it has been promoted. Always interested in increasing my knowledge and passing on any information.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
So that's why...
An interesting explanation behind the Seven Deadly Sins - particularly liked the test environments and the parable of the Good Samaritan was well explained in that the other... Read more
Published 5 months ago by Michael Hutton
2.0 out of 5 stars
Joyful Sinning
Sin has always been joyful - that is why it is such a general practice. But it is also sinful to be boring.
Published 5 months ago by Peter
2.0 out of 5 stars
joy of sins
i did not choose this book-it was put on by someone else-not my cup of tea---but sure it is brilliantly written
Published 5 months ago by linda
4.0 out of 5 stars
FAR more Informative than anticipated
Gosh.
I'm not sure quite what I expected ... perhaps to be mildly entertained, perhaps to have a few sweetly contentious ideas to offer at the next dinner party. Read more
I'm not sure quite what I expected ... perhaps to be mildly entertained, perhaps to have a few sweetly contentious ideas to offer at the next dinner party. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Cat
4.0 out of 5 stars
Interesting and thought provoking
This is a clever idea for a book, well written and clearly divided into 7 chapters (unsurprisingly). Read more
Published 6 months ago by Dr Beat
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful Book!
I'm a psych student who loves reading psychology books and this is one of the best. It's brilliantly written in that there's a lot for someone who studies psychology to learn but... Read more
Published 13 months ago by Psych Student
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