I read this book during a bout of depression. It is proverbial that Conspicuous Displays of Contentment push the depressed into even deeper despair more effectively than anything else. Yet I didn't find this book infuriating; it didn't drive me to suicide. No, I enjoyed it immensely and finished it rapidly.

The ramifications of the subject matter are endless. What ancient and modern Western philosophers thought about happiness; what they thought in Asia. The social conditions conducive to happiness, the brain-states that coincide with it. Then what the author's own Tibetan Buddhist tradition has to say about happiness and mental afflictions.

You only have to glance at the design of this book to know you're not going to get any great depth. But that's fine. Always room for compact and lucid accounts of Big Subjects. If you want reams of detail about neurochemistry or Buddhist meditation practices, you can find that elsewhere.

I have only two complaints. One is that, as somebody who has suffered from life-long severe depression, I didn't find anything here that would help me to be happy. Everything here I have seen before, and it doesn't work. It may work if you're already happy, but then, well, you don't need it, do you?

I suspect the reason for this lies in my second complaint. The author tells of his famous father, of his upbringing in elite French cultural and intellectual circles, hobnobbing with luminaries and jetsetters. When he finds all of this... somehow lacking, he toddles off to a sheltered enclave of Ancient Eastern Wisdom, where he hobnobs with the Dalai Lama and endless Rinpoches... (To be honest, I'm not exactly sure how you "hobnob".)

My point is: you Would be happy, wouldn't you? A book about Happiness would be so much more convincing if the author were the child of a Haitian beggar, born with a speech impediment, and... we don't want to get into sick humour territory, but you get my drift. If someone like That managed to be happy, Then I would be impressed.

This book by Mattieu Ricard really breaks down happiness. He differentiates between pleasure and happiness and how happiness is something that must be cultivated and practiced. Mattieu Ricard also gives a handful of in depth meditation exercises at the end of a few chapters. And he points out that you don't have to be a Buddhist monk to achieve enlightenment, but everyone can reach a better plateau of happiness.

I've got to admit that the writing is so deep that sometimes I have to only read a couple of pages and then take a break. But don't let that deter you. Within 1 or 2 chapters I was feeling happier than I think I ever have. And this from a mildly chronically depressed person.

It does rely heavily on Buddhism but it IS a Buddhist writing it )). For the ultra religious, don't worry. He does not shove his beliefs down your throat. It is just his examples are from his life so that are flavored that way.

I would recommend this book to anyone interested i attaining happiness.

Happiness: A Guide to Developing Life's Most Important Skill

This is the best book I have ever read on the subject of happiness. A real treasure.
Happiness is not a mystery but a possible goal for anyone who seriously wants to become a happier and better person. If you love science, literature and culture, Matthieu Ricard is the right guru for you.
A must read for everyone who loved his book "The Monk and the Philosopher".
A book you won't ever part with for you'll want to read in it again and again.

Inge Hohndorf

This book has been written by the world's happiest person. Neuroscientists have conducted various tests on thousands of people including the author and have come to the conclusion based on scientific proof. It is therefore necessary to keep that piece of information at the back of your mind when you read the book.

Every word in the book comes out loud and clear as having been created by a truly happy and contented person.

Simply by reading the book and following some of the exercises that the author suggests, you can transform yourself from a tense and neurotic being into a joyful, stress free person.

Though the author is a Buddhist monk, this book is not about Buddhism nor does it attempt to convert one to that religion. This is a practical, down to earth method to learn to be happy.

This is just a footnote to the other reviews, especially the one that wants more of the "how" to implement the author's suggestions.
Ricard is one of the finest students of one of the finest teachers of the Tibetan tradition as is, for example, the very popular author Pema Chödrön.
Chödrön's books and "Happiness" by Ricard share the same characteristic: they make great inspirational reading BUT in the absence of a regular meditative discipline they remain only that.
There is a great abundance of excellent books (which by the way are not enough on their own), and there are even quite a lot of excellent teachers, who can guide one with regard to that regular practice.
Of course what "practice" is is something that must be investigated by you yourself. The many exercises found throughout Ricard's book, if assiduously undertaken, are material enough for a thorough familiarization with practice as I understand it.
I wish you the very best in your quest,
Richard Wrigley.

I think a lot of the other reviews clearly explain why this is a wonderful book. It definitely has added a lot of perspective to my outlook on things. I believe as Ricard explains, that tweaks to the way we think and our attitude will definitely foster happier thoughts in our minds. There are some very memorable thoughts from this book - the one I liked most was the fact that happiness can never be based on external circumstances for they are fleeting. A loss of a loved one or a job can plunge a man from happiness to despair and darkness in an instant. If like Ricard, you believe that happiness can be a permanent state of mind, it has to be on the inside and all ephemeral, external circumstances will flutter the mind like lines written on water.

But there are limitations and not-so-great things about the book which could have been improved.

- Too much quoting philosophers and famous people
Almost every chapter is filled with various philosopher's take on things like happiness, emotions etc. I was more interested in Ricard's own experience and his Gurus' opinions (which were also there at places) rather than a big collection of differing thoughts of other philosophers.

- Lack of explanation on 'how to do'
There is a clear lack of explanation of how to deal practically with the issues Ricard brings up. His theory that negative thoughts like hatred need antidotes like patience is great, but there is not much detail on how to cultivate them. Ricard says the solution is meditation, but how and what to exactly meditate on is short in content.
A recurring theme is that when say, you are very angry, look at the anger itself without attaching it to the target of the anger and meditate, and it will melt away. Look at the emotion itself without the object it is related to and it will melt away like 'snow under the sun'.
It sounds good to read but I find it tough to implement. While one is meditating, how is it possible to 'look' at something without giving it an image or a mental picture? How to 'look' at an abstract entity is mentioned nowhere in the book. Maybe it comes naturally to advanced spiritual practitioners, but for a layman like me, I need more explanation on how to do these things than just a vague paragraph and impressive metaphors.

In spite of these limitations, I found it an enlightening book to read.

Simple to understand and get through. Changes ones outlook on life completely. I am rereading it again!

This book is great! I was skeptical about the Buddhist view of happiness, afraid it would be be scientifically unfounded and metaphoric. Boy, was I wrong! It turns out, for thousands of years, the East has known what Western science is just now beginning to discover. This book is well written and translated. It states Buddhist philosophy, but is researched in Western thought, including conversations with Martin Seligman and other well-known Western psychologists.
The difference between this book and other books is twofold. First of all, it focuses on an overall view of self, the world and the self's relationship to the world. It focuses on top level thought, as opposed to dissecting particular problems. Additionally, this book focuses on promoting a positive world view and accurate view of the ego. Other books focus on eliminating negatives, this book promotes positives.
Before you read 'Westernized' books, give this book a shot. Chances are, you have been exposed to Westernized thought and this is what is not working.

I can't remember how I came across this book, but I'm glad I did. Reading this book gave me some hope and put things in perspective, some things I never thought I would get from reading a book on buddhism. I gave a copy to my clinically depressed sister, who I assumed would chuck it aside, but who later told me that it was the single best book she had ever read, and like me, gave her hope and perspective, things that she lacked for the longest time.
The only shortcoming, I feel, is that it didn't delve too much into the HOW of doing it, but perhaps this is because I'm comparing this to other more detailed meditation or buddhist books.
Nonetheless its a gem of a book, and no doubt will be of value to someone interested in buddhism,meditation or a refresher for a practitioner.
Read and practise it! it will be well worth your time!

Matthieu Ricard's subtitle reveals his premise - that 'achieving durable happiness as a way of being is a skill' (page 7). Although some people are happier than others, he notes, such happiness is not durable and complete.

How then is the skill of durable happiness achieved? Ricard - a Buddhist monk and both monk and son in the popular book The Monk and the Philosopher: A Father and Son Discuss the Meaning of Life - advocates ongoing mind training and the development of qualities including inner peace, altruistic love and mindfulness.

But this is not a Buddhist book so much as 'Buddhist in spirit' (page 14). It's written for 'anyone who aspires to a little more joie de vivre and to let wisdom and compassion reign in his or her life' (page 15).

As such, the book synthesizes ancient Buddhist wisdom with current research findings to offer a happiness program built on spiritual awareness, scientific knowledge and simple exercises. It explores conditions that support happiness - like a deep sense of wellbeing, wisdom, and love for fellow beings - and those that undermine it - including ignorance, mental toxins and disturbing emotions like desire, hatred and envy. In this way, it leads readers away from a life built on grasping for pleasure and self-absorption toward one of contentment and altruism.

In short:

Ricard's approach to cultivating happiness is deep but wonderfully wide-ranging. It takes findings from neuroscience, psychology, positive psychology, sociology and economics and ideas from philosophy and ethics, and presents them through a prism of ancient Buddhist wisdom. The result is a gentle, wise and motivating guide to happiness that spans suffering, death, emotions, time and ego.

Please note that all of Ricard's share in the book's proceeds go to humanitarian and educational projects in Tibet, Nepal, India and Bhutan.

I am usually suspicious of religious people talking about happiness. However after reading this classic book on Happiness by Buddhist monk, I am convinced some religions principles are in line with scientific findings. Buddhism is definitely one such and highly scientific without few conflicts (like karma, rebirth).
The author did extensive study before writing this book meeting people from all levels of society. This makes book very authentic and one can validate aspects of the book by their own personal experiences. The books clearly separates conditional happiness which comes through sensory pleasure (sex), money, social status etc and unconditional happiness which is essentialy peace. What author seems to be tell both conditional happiness (materialistic happiness) and unconditional happiness (peace) are important but former is unstable and temporary. He gives various ways of achieving unconditional peace using various Buddhist practices.
Written in scientific sytle and very well focussed on the main topic of Happiness. Truly best of kind of books on Happiness.

A must to take your time and understand each and every sentence! Feel what is written. Best way I could describe this book is life changing for the better! I'm saving my money, and will make it to Tibet before I die!

This is a gem, a treasure, a nugget of gold. From a man steeped in Buddhist practice and scientific method we have a fascinating expose of the mechanics of happiness. Reading this book can make you happier. Pondering the lessons is even more likely to increase happiness. And putting into practice the wisdom contained here is a surefire path to peace.

The catch? It may take the rest of your life to do so...

Great book.

Although the book explores happiness from a Buddhist perspective, it is applicable to the findings of science and psychology in general and positive psychology in particular. It confirms that although fun and pleasurable experiences contribute to happiness, they are less important than altruistic acts, compassion, and practicing certain skills that are definitely related to being happier. Indeed, happiness can be learned. The book has many fascinating accounts of studies and stories that make it an interesting read while teaching you all you need to know to increase your happiness. Recommended!

I typically only read Zen material, but when several months ago I came across a news article featuring Matthieu Ricard as possibly the world's happiest man, I knew I had to pick this book up. I was not disappointed.

Always having been particularly interested in psychology and science in general, I was glad to see the inclusion of this material in the book, and for a non-psychologist to finally mention the works of Freud in his book without subscribing to his unscientific ideas! Ricard skillfully presents both Buddhist and scientific material in a very understandable manner. He left a promising career in cellular genetics to study Tibetan Buddhism in the Himalayas. Through all of his education and experience, he is definitely not lacking in credentials.

Ricard offers a road map to obtaining happiness for yourself and others, and shows how interrelated your and others' happiness really is. His ideas are practical and well-researched and thought out. I really can't give this book enough praise. It has to be one of the richest and most rewarding books I have ever read. He covers nearly every aspect on the subject. A couple chapters were a little uninteresting to me, and I would often dread the exercises in the middle of the chapters. I didn't feel like putting the book down and doing it right then and there, but by forcing myself to do this I have experienced another form of Buddhist meditation, and my mind has been opened to exploring other forms of Buddhism. Most of all, this book has left me with some additional tools to place in my toolbox in order to cultivate the peace this world truly needs.

This is an amazing book. The minute I finished, I started over again. This book is about the pathways to happiness as understood and explained by a Buddhist monk (Ricard). Ricard's explanations and insights are extremely valuable and practical. Even more, Ricard has consulted all the leading research associated with the "science of happiness."

This book is for anyone who believes that happiness is a learned behavior that requires daily practice. Its greatest strengths are its clearity, practical applications, and scientific base. It is a very rational approach to the subject of well-being. Plus, Ricard consults the leaders in the positive psychology movement-- a very good move.

Read this book if you truly want to be happier.

[...]

Here is an example of a message that I received from a friend who read Happiness...
"I'm flying. The two big things for me have been: While I know I'm a responsible person toward my friends and people I interact with, I hadn't recognized how much I had emotionally blocked out other people in general and the effect it was having on my mind. From a purely selfish perspective, I now see that the more I focus on empathizing with people who I have no connection with, the calmer and clearer my mind is and the happier I am. I didn't recognize the price I was paying for not wanting to empathize with people who don't have a direct bearing on my life.

Secondly, I hadn't really conceptualized the difference between pleasure and happiness. Upon reading it in Ricard's book, it was immediately apparent to me and I realize how much my emphasis on the former at the expense of the latter has been a mistake. I think I viewed emotionally being engaged with strangers and people "out there" in general as a distraction and waste of time, at best, but hadn't realized that all the time I was engaging with them, albeit in a negative way.

Guy, between 'The Joy of Living, Unlocking the Secrets and Science' and "Happiness" I'm now in a total blissed-out state. A couple of the things I've realized is that in terms of my own sustained happiness it's in my strong self-interest to try to be more compassionate toward people. Just starting to think that way has allowed me to exorcise a lot of petty conflicts and tensions that unnecessarily clutter my mind. I am so much calmer now. "

This book is VERY well worth reading. It is a must read for anyone who wants to reach beyond their material goals, and realizes that the underlying goal is happiness. It is written in a clear manner that seems to resonate with many readers.

It is rare that I would read a book more than once (except when studying for exams decades ago), this is one of them & I'm keen to do so. By beautifully integrating wisdom from scientific, philosophical, & religious perspectives, Ricard has not simply offered me enlightening insight about what happiness is about, he also illustrated how one could lead a fulfilling & compassionate life. I look forward to learn more from Ricard, practice his advice, & lead my mind to where serenity resides.

This is a beautifully written and very accessible book. It is written from a Buddhist perspective but without proselytizing and it can be appreciated by anyone with any or no religious beliefs. It was a pleasure to read and I am sure I will dip into it again and again. No one book can make you happy, but I am confident the simple exercises and mediations suggested here will help in finding happiness in the challenges we all face in life.

this has been a great book and this is one of the book which i could finally finish in my recent years [always start a book and stop mid-way].
it does not only tell me how to look at ourselves with more clarity, but it suggests lots of exercises which help me to further my skills in achieving a more calm life, which i believe could lead to a happier life.

i bought another 4 of this books to give to those whom i really care and hoping they can see something more out of their current life.

Happiness discussed and defined, complete with road maps and helpful hints humbly ascribed to Buddhism. Set some time aside to sit and see for yourself.

This is one of my favorite books(if not the one), and I join in the previous reviewer's plea that you would please read it. Then give it to those you care about. Gently though! People are scared of things they are not familiar with! (Buddhism and happiness alike) :)

Of course there's no need to "become a Buddhist", that's not what it is all about. Buddhism is after one thing and one thing only; the end of suffering for all beings.

No wonder this book would come to be!

If you like, see also, Science and Human Transformation: Subtle Energies, Intentionality and Consciousness
and The Yoga of Sound: Tapping the Hidden Power of Music and Chant

Take care!

Happiness discussed and defined, complete with road maps and helpful hints humbly ascribed to Buddhism. Set some time aside to sit and see for yourself.

This is one of my favorite books(if not the one), and I join in the previous reviewer's plea that you would please read it. Then give it to those you care about. Gently though! People are scared of things they are not familiar with! (Buddhism and happiness alike) :)

Of course there's no need to "become a Buddhist", that's not what it is all about. Buddhism is after one thing and one thing only; the end of suffering for all beings.

No wonder this book would come to be!

If you like, see also, Science and Human Transformation: Subtle Energies, Intentionality and Consciousness
and The Yoga of Sound: Tapping the Hidden Power of Music and Chant

Take care!

Matthieu Ricard's book is excellent for anyone who shares the belief that happiness comes through selflessness, not self centerdness. He has intersting research to go along with his belief that happiness is acquired - and that those who seek it through giving of oneself actually attain it.

Ricard carefully and accurately points the way to any person's true nature as the source of happiness. He provides clear and useful distinctions between authentic happiness found in (often difficult)intimacy with true nature and the transience of pleasures often and unconsciously thought to be the source of happiness. He is clear about "the basic goodness lying at our very core". One of several techniques he offers for observing the painfulness of much thinking is to be aware of the actual gap between each thought. This gap between thoughts has much more to offer as it is the boundless awareness that holds us while we are busy thinking, thinking, thinking..... He points out that the problems we experience actually contain the energy for transformation and so, then, the possibility of a direct experience of our true nature. According to Ricard (as well as many western thinkers and all Buddhist traditions) thoughts are like waves on the surface of the ocean - coming and going as the result of impersonal conditions and circumstances. They are all worth watching from the very beginnings so that they are not so compelling and have so much less power to prompt reactionary experience of them. He gives concrete exercises to do this in daily life as well as in contemplation. As this mindfulness and understanding of the nature of each and every thought becomes habit, happiness becomes the overarching experience of life. This is a very fine book from the heart of one who writes from the source of wisdom and comapssion.

this book is full of wonderful and practical insight on how to achieve happiness in daily life. he includes excellent excercises that help you to focus on what does and does not make you happy.

This book essentially distills buddhist philosophy into a format that will draw new readers who aren't willing to go directly to the source. Honestly, if you've read the discourses of the buddha, you'll notice a lot of repetition here. But they are classic, timeless thoughts that benefit from endless repetition. Also, this book mentions scientific studies that "prove" buddhist theories. As a bonus there are meditation and thought exercises that the reader can do to develope altruism and mind focus that stem from various eastern traditions.

Anyone familiar with Ricard knows his unique background and subsequent conversion to Tibetan Buddhism. Even though Ricard's lessons for us are certainly derived from Buddhist doctrine, this is not a book at all focused on Buddhism itself. As the title suggests, it's theme is about attitude and how one can be happy in virtually any circumstance. It is very well written and an enjoyable read. Highly recommended.