The Other Side of Happiness
  • Published: 5 February 2019
  • ISBN: 9780141982106
  • Imprint: Penguin Press
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 208
  • RRP: $24.99

The Other Side of Happiness

Embracing a More Fearless Approach to Living

Formats & editions
Paperback
5 Feb 2019
EBook
25 Jan 2018
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An internationally acclaimed social psychologist offers a counter-intuitive approach to finding happiness

In Western culture, we have become addicted to positivity. We try to eradicate pain through medication and by insulating ourselves and our children from risk, even though we are the safest generation that ever lived. Yet in his research renowned social psychologist Brock Bastian has found that hardship and sadness are neither antithetical to pleasure nor incidental: they are a necessary ingredient for happiness.

Drawing on psychology, neuroscience and internationally acclaimed findings from Bastian's own lab, The Other Side of Happiness encourages us to take a more fearless approach to living that acknowledges the value of pain in our lives. As Bastian shows us, the most thrilling moments of our lives are usually balanced on a knife edge between pleasure and pain, whether it is finding your true love, holding your new-born for the first time, finishing a marathon or even taking a dip in an icy sea. This is because hardship quite literally increases our capacity for happiness, making us stronger, more resilient and more connected to those around us.
  • Published: 5 February 2019
  • ISBN: 9780141982106
  • Imprint: Penguin Press
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 208
  • RRP: $24.99
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Praise for The Other Side of Happiness

Pain is bad, right? In this fascinating book, Brock Bastian will convince you otherwise. Drawing on both vivid everyday examples and surprising laboratory findings, he shows how pain, suffering, and struggle give us pleasure, make us kinder, focus our thoughts, and give our life meaning. Bastian is a brilliant researcher and deep thinker and THE OTHER SIDE OF HAPPINESS is a delight to read

Paul Bloom, author of AGAINST EMPATHY

Brock Bastian skilfully shatters the zeitgeist of positive thinking, showing how struggle and suffering are vital elements of a life well lived

Adam Grant, author of ORIGINALS and OPTION B with Sheryl Sandberg

This is a marvellous, thought-provoking challenge to how we think about and go about the pursuit of happiness. If you're tired of all the simple minded books telling you to just cheer up and be happy, this is the book for you!

Roy F. Baumeister, author of WILLPOWER: REDISCOVERING THE GREATEST HUMAN STRENGTH

Explains why hardship sometimes yields richer lives that are laden with meaning, deep social connections, and unexpected bliss. A beautifully written and important book that should be required reading for anyone who's ever wondered why well-being so often flourishes in unexpected places

Adam Alter, author of DRUNK TANK PINK
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