This is one of the best books I've ever read.
I am an intellectual type, and a romantic type, and have long been searching - intuitively and instinctively - for what brings me the most happiness. What path? What attitude? Is there a specific religion that will resonate with me? I have followed Joseph Campbell, mythology, several religious teachings, the makers of great art, fine literature, comedy, adventure, and money. I have really and honestly tried for four decades to sooth myself and find happiness. By the way, I am a reasonably happy person.
I have found certain strong clues on the way to my quest for happiness. For example, Grandfather Vanderhoff in the movie classic "You Can't Take It With You" is an excellent example of a happy man. Watching that movie connects me to the spirit of happiness. Also, Joseph Campbell tells us to 'follow our bliss' as advice for life to lead us to happiness.
Both of these leaders: Grandfather Vanderhoff (fictional) and Joseph Campbell (real) have helped shine a light on how to be brave and value happiness above money. However, they have not really answered the difficult nitty-gritty questions about how to do that.
This book, "If You're So Smart, Why Aren't You Happy?" answers the nitty-gritty questions about how to value happiness above money, above superiority, above control, and above all the other temptations in our culture and in our own pre-wiring that subtly pull us away from happiness.
Raj has pointed out what the problem is. I'm not saying he has answered all questions for all mankind regarding happiness. But I can honestly say he has, in my opinion, pointed more accurately and more clearly and specifically to what makes us happy than any other writer I have read, ancient or modern.
Raj's book is a true treasure.
When determining a book's worthiness, I often ask myself, "If I were stranded on a deserted island and could only have ten books to read for the rest of my life, would this be one of them?" I guess you can imagine what the answer is regarding Raj's book.
Yes.
In fact, I actually continue to read the book again after reading it once. Raj urges us to do the exercises in the book that bring happiness, not just to read the book. And I think this is key to the book's value. It doesn't just point out what causes happiness by saying it (even though that alone is astounding!), but he gives us exercises we can do regularly to train ourselves to value happiness and kind of get in the habit of making happiness-producing choices. So the first time I read the book, I simply absorbed the information and made notes and was astounded. The second time I'm reading the book, I'm taking the time to learn the exercises and to practice them.
I can honestly say, even from reading the book once, and even moreso from my second time through with doing some exercises, I am a happier person. I have learned, with relative accuracy, what it is that makes me happy and what it is that doesn't. And I am CONSCIOUSLY AWARE of that, not just kind of intuitively familiar. In other words, I can accurately state, in sensible words, what things make me happy and unhappy. And that is thanks to Raj.
Here are some of the things that make me happy:
*Moving towards something that excites me, taking steps towards some exciting goal, big or small.
*Remembering to value something for how much I like it and enjoy it, irregardless of its monetary price set by others
*Avoiding materialistic signs/billboards, and places where materialism is glamourized
*Remembering to control myself internally, and avoiding attempts to control what is around me too much in others
*Having a positive attitude about humanity, and having some faith in people, and avoiding thoughts that people are wretches and life sucks
*Doing giving and kind acts: like buying ice cream for my coworkers, or buying a gift spontaneously for someone I love
*Placing trust in others which they can easily prove they are worthy of, and avoiding thoughts that people can't be trusted
*Placing boundaries on my habits of giving to others and on helping others so that I am helpful, but smart in how I do it, so it is not straining to me.
All of these things I learned from Raj's book. And by the way, the summary of how to live an 'abundance-minded life' rather than a scarcity-minded life towards the last part of the book is wonderful. He tackles the tough issue of how to actually live a trust-filled, positivity-filled life in a world which doesn't always support that notion. So Raj is no dreamer. He has his feet on the ground and actually gives us real answers of how to apply happiness principles to an imperfect world.
And one more thing, I love that he uses scientific experiments to back his theories. This is truly special. Otherwise this would just be another philosophical book that sounds good, but which may or may not be true. Raj can show you, through siting actual scientific studies, that his thoughts about happiness are true.
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Must read. One of my all time favorites.
This book reminded me of the power of now, but with more relatable and applicable information/examples. I love how it has a “satisfaction with life scale” on which one of the descriptions says “this book can help, but you may also wish to get some professional help (eg by seeing a therapist)” an ethical thing to do who many “coaches” and authors fail to tell their audiences time and again with the intent of selling more programs/services.
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- Reviewed in the United States on October 19, 2016
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Top reviews from other countries
- Sachchida NandReviewed in India on September 24, 2016
which can show the path to happy and engaged living
- Management ReviewsReviewed in Germany on December 16, 2016
Fantastic starter on living a fulfilled and engaging life
- NirbhayReviewed in India on July 22, 2017
... must read for a person who wants to be happy in today's hectic and stressful worlds
- Amazon CustomerReviewed in the United Kingdom on December 28, 2016
Excellent book. Very interesting and looks to be based ...
