Flourish: A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness and Well-being

I liked this book, but I was also disappointed by this book. I liked it because it reminded me of my ODKM program - the terminology, the ideas, the academic feeling of it. And I'd come across Marty Seligman's name in that program and have enjoyed his writing. I also liked it because it's an interesting concept - that positive emotions can affect our health and well-being, and even our success.

What disappointed me about the book is that it didn't tell me the specific steps I can take to ensure that I live a flourishing life. Seligman talks about setting up his program at Penn, and creating a training program for the Army, but he doesn't tell me what I need to do. Yes there's a web site and quizzes, and they're very interesting, but all they tell me is how I actually AM, not how to BECOME someone who is flourishing. For instance there is a quiz that tells you your top strengths, but it doesn't tell you how to leverage those strengths in order to flourish.

I was looking for a self-help book, and came away with a theoretical history and sort of diagnostic tool. Almost half the book is end notes and appendix! But on the positive side, the web site is very interesting: www.authentichappiness.org. Check it out.

Flourish: A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness and Well-being