Happiness Is a Serious Problem: A Human Nature Repair Manual

Dennis Prager

Oct 2009 · Sold by Harper Collins

About this ebook

In this unique blend of self-help and moral philosophy, perfect for fans of Gretchen Rubin’s The Happiness Project or Dan Harris’s 10% Happier, talk-radio host Dennis Prager shows us that happiness isn’t just a value—it’s a moral obligation.

When you ask people about their most cherished values, “happiness” is always at the top of the list. In this enduring happiness manifesto, Prager examines how happiness not only makes us better people, but has an effect on the lives of everyone around us—providing them with a positive environment in which to thrive and be happy themselves.

Achieving happiness won't be easy, though: to Prager, it requires a continuing process of counting your blessings and giving up any expectations that life is supposed to be wonderful. "Can we decide to be satisfied with what we have?" he asks. "A poor man who can make himself satisfied with his portion will be happier than a wealthy man who does not allow himself to be satisfied." Prager echoes other political commentators in complaining that too many people today see themselves as victims; he submits that the only way to achieve your desires is to take responsibility for your life rather than blaming others.

If you're willing to put some thought into achieving a happier outlook, you will find plenty to mull over in Happiness Is a Serious Problem.

 

Ratings and reviews

I read this years ago and just now remembered it. Prager makes a good case that making yourself happy isn't just helpful for you, but also benefits those around you. Or as I've heard it put elsewhere, "Happy people are good people."

Unhappy people make those around them uncomfortable

good book to read

About the author

Dennis Prager is one of the most respected and influential thinkers, writers, and speakers in America. He is a nationally syndicated talk show host heard across the country on nearly 400 affiliates. He is the founder of Prager University (PragerU) and is a New York Times bestselling author of nine books. He has travelled to more than 130 countries and has lectured on all the world’s continents. An expert on communism, the Middle East, and the left, he did his graduate work at the Russian and Middle East Institutes of the Columbia University School of International Affairs. He taught Russian and Jewish history at Brooklyn College.