From the bestselling author of Learned Optimism and Authentic
Happiness comes "a relentlessly optimistic guidebook on finding and
securing individual happiness" (Kirkus Reviews).
With this unprecedented promise, internationally esteemed psychologist
Martin Seligman begins Flourish, his first book in ten years--and the
first to present his dynamic new concept of what well-being really is.
Traditionally, the goal of psychology has been to relieve human
suffering, but the goal of the Positive Psychology movement, which Dr.
Seligman has led for fifteen years, is different--it's about actually
raising the bar for the human condition.
Flourish builds on Dr. Seligman's game-changing work on optimism,
motivation, and character to show how to get the most out of life,
unveiling an electrifying new theory of what makes a good life--for
individuals, for communities, and for nations. In a fascinating
evolution of thought and practice, Flourish refines what Positive
Psychology is all about.
While certainly a part of well-being, happiness alone doesn't give
life meaning. Seligman now asks, What is it that enables you to
cultivate your talents, to build deep, lasting relationships with
others, to feel pleasure, and to contribute meaningfully to the world?
In a word, what is it that allows you to flourish? "Well-being" takes
the stage front and center, and Happiness (or Positive Emotion)
becomes one of the five pillars of Positive Psychology, along with
Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and
Accomplishment--or PERMA, the permanent building blocks for a
life of profound fulfillment.
Thought-provoking in its implications for education, economics, therapy,
medicine, and public policy--the very fabric of society--Flourish
tells inspiring stories of Positive Psychology in action, including how
the entire U.S. Army is now trained in emotional resilience; how
innovative schools can educate for fulfillment in life and not just for
workplace success; and how corporations can improve performance at the
same time as they raise employee well-being.
With interactive exercises to help readers explore their own attitudes
and aims, Flourish is a watershed in the understanding of happiness as
well as a tool for getting the most out of life. On the cutting edge of
a science that has changed millions of lives, Dr. Seligman now creates
the ultimate extension and capstone of his bestselling classics,
Authentic Happiness and Learned Optimism.
