Authentic Happiness

Name: Authentic Happiness
ISBN: 9787547010792

马丁·塞利格曼 / 洪兰Volumes Publishing Company · ChinaDec 2021

4.2

Word count: 139K words
Chapters: 19
ISBN: 9787547010792

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Summary

For the past fifty years, psychology has cared about one thing only — mental illness — and it has done so rather well. Today we can measure and describe with considerable precision conditions once considered vague, such as depression, schizophrenia, and alcoholism. We already know how these problems develop, including their genetic, biochemical, and psychological causes, and, most importantly, how to treat them. Of several dozen mental disorders, fourteen can now be effectively treated with medication and psychotherapy (two can be cured completely). But this progress has come at a high price: in escaping states of disorder, we have become more miserable, sometimes worse off than before. People do not only want to correct their errors and shortcomings; they also want to find their strengths and the meaning of life. No one wishes to live in a daze. Like me, you may lie awake at midnight wondering how your life might grow happier day by day, rather than merely less painful. If so, you may feel somewhat disappointed in psychology. But now, at last, the time has come for it to understand positive emotions, build strengths and virtues, and offer guidance for what Aristotle called 'the good life'.

Editor's review

Authentic Happiness is positive psychology pioneer Martin Seligman's book for general readers. It shifts psychology from "fixing defects" to "discovering strengths," discussing the three paths to a happy life—pleasure, engagement, and meaning—and how gratitude, optimism, forgiveness, and character strengths can be identified and practiced. Most of its ideas come from empirical research, yet the writing is not dense; it reads more like a researcher patiently explaining that happiness is not constant euphoria but knowing your strengths and putting them to use in relationships, work, and everyday choices. It suits readers whose lives are stable yet vaguely unsatisfying, and serves as a good next step after an introduction to psychology; those willing to do the exercises as they read will gain more than from a straight read-through.

Who it's for

A good fit for

General readers hoping to boost well-being and improve their emotional state
Beginners interested in positive psychology and empirical research
Professionals who want to identify their strengths and apply them at work and in relationships
Readers willing to reflect on the meaning of life through exercises

Not a good fit for

Readers expecting quick fixes or universal solutions
People needing treatment for moderate to severe mental health conditions
Psychology students who prefer purely theoretical, textbook-style reading

Reading tips

Read the three paths to happiness first, then assess your own life against them.
Complete the exercises for each chapter and note how you feel over the following week.
Keep the character-strengths list handy and observe each one in work and relationship situations.
Don't feel you must finish it in one sitting; reading by theme in several sessions with notes works better.

About the publisher

Volumes Publishing Company China · Founded in 2003

Volumes Publishing Company is a comprehensive publisher known for its titles on Chinese classics and literature and the arts. Its publishing covers classical literature, essays and miscellaneous writings, folk literature, foreign literature, and exam preparation books. Judging from the 269 titles in the database, the company emphasizes making classic works accessible to a broad readership. Representative books include Letters from Fu Lei to His Son, The Four Great Classical Novels, Teahouse, The Classic of Mountains and Seas, Dawn Blossoms Plucked at Dusk, and Camel Xiangzi, with authors including Fu Lei, Cao Xueqin, Luo Guanzhong, Shi Nai'an, Wu Cheng'an, Lao She, Liu Xiang, and Liu Xin. The company has also developed series brands such as the Volumes Studio Chinese Classics and the Science Fiction Library, giving it a distinctive profile in organizing Chinese classics and promoting literary reading. Public information on its other publishing activities is limited.

版权信息
幸福可以学来，幸福可以到永远
前言
第一部分什么是幸福
第一章为什么要幸福
第二章幸福的心理学
第三章幸福的误区
第四章怎样才能永远幸福
第五章塞式幸福法则1：过去的就让它过去
第六章塞式幸福法则2：未来不全像你想象
第七章塞式幸福法则3：抓住现在的幸福
第二部分幸福在哪里
第八章拉近幸福的六种美德
第九章获得幸福的24个优势
第三部分用幸福斟满人生
第十章在职场中寻找幸福
第十一章结了婚的人最幸福
第十二章别让孩子输在幸福感上
后记

FAQ

How is this book different from ordinary self-help books?

It discusses happiness through psychological research, emphasizing testable concepts and exercises rather than slogans; but its conclusions are not universal formulas and still need to be judged against your own situation.

Can I read it without a psychology background?

Yes. The author writes for general readers and usually explains terminology; when you hit experiments or statistics, grasp the conclusion first and return to the argument later—don't get stuck on details.

Will I be happy right after finishing it?

Unlikely. The book offers a framework for understanding happiness and methods you can practice; results depend on sustained practice and real-life conditions, and it is no substitute for professional therapy.

Should I read it in order or skip around?

You can skip around by interest; to build a complete framework, read the overview and the paths to happiness first, then move on to strengths, emotions, and relationships, marking passages as you go.

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About the author

马丁·塞利格曼 Author

Martin Seligman is a leading figure in positive psychology, and his works have been published in the Chinese book market in various selected editions, with fifteen related titles held in the collection. From Authentic Happiness and Learned Optimism to Know Yourself, Accept Yourself, his writing revolves around happiness, optimism, self-awareness, and psychological adjustment, often translating psychological research into practical everyday advice in plain language with examples close to daily life. His books span categories such as psychological research, applied psychology, social psychology, and inspirational growth, including both self-help books for general readers and a memoir reviewing his academic life. Because public information is limited, details of his personal biography are not elaborated here; readers can understand the thread of his thought and writing style through the works mentioned above.

洪兰 Author

Hong Lan is a Chinese author of books on psychology and inspirational personal growth. Public information about her is limited, and details such as her biography, nationality, and dates of birth and death are not clearly documented. Six of her works are included in the collection, with representative titles such as Real Happiness, Living the Most Optimistic Version of Yourself, Joy, and Rewire Your Brain, Rewire Your Life. Judging from these titles and their common categories, her writing centers on applied psychology, cultivating a positive mindset, and popular brain science. She often translates psychological and brain-science knowledge into practical advice for general readers, exploring themes such as happiness, optimistic thinking, and self-growth. Her books are written in accessible language and closely connected to everyday life, making them suitable for readers who wish to learn about psychological adjustment and mental development through reading.