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timpurches's review against another edition
3.0
I’m a big fan of the Stoic philosophers, and of Darren Brown too, so I was very much looking forward to this book. There is some powerful and effective advice within it, advice of us us would do well to heed in order to help us weather the tribulations life throws at us. But it’s unnecessarily long and self indulgent. The focus only picks up about a third of the way in, after an exploration of the history of happiness. Many who could benefit from the wisdom within the core of the book could easily have given up by that point. Then, towards the end, there’s another self indulgent diversion into the philosophy around death. Interesting perhaps, but it again takes the reader away from the meat of what Stoicism can offer. The final criticism is one I’d level at many books on the subject, that not enough care is taken to avoid a Stoic approach to life becoming a council of passivity. We sometimes is need to recognise that we should not serenely accept injustice, but fight back to change the world for the better, even if that may reduce our level of happiness. Admittedly, that is not what book is aimed at - instead its thrust is to offer advice on living a more accepting and happier, or at least less frustrated, life. But nevertheless if we all were to take that advice on board too broadly, we would risk living in a worse world. To be fair to Brown, he does touch on this, but mentions it only in passing, whereas I feel it should be a key feature for anyone wanting a broader philosophy of life, rather than just a coping mechanism.
tholden97's review against another edition
3.0
Audiobooked. This acts as a brief history of the philosophy of happiness, taking inspiration from the Stoicism and Epicureanism, providing a fascinating and useful guide for people struggling with life (and death). Effectively develops the case that too much positivity is toxic and the key comes from managing your expectations and rationalising outcomes. Personally, most concepts here are familiar, and there's a bit too much filler. Also misses a few core arguments / rebuttals but overall good.
simbadilit's review
5.0
Une des meilleures réflexions existentielles de notre époque!
L’essentiel de ce qui importe dans la vie est présenté clairement. Ce livre a la capacité de changer la vie d’une lectrice ou d’un lecteur. Brillant ! à lire, à recommander à tous et toutes!
L’essentiel de ce qui importe dans la vie est présenté clairement. Ce livre a la capacité de changer la vie d’une lectrice ou d’un lecteur. Brillant ! à lire, à recommander à tous et toutes!
books_lovekat's review against another edition
4.0
Such a completely wonderful perspective on things. A great addition to the philosophical web being woven by the various books on stoicism and “in the moment” living I’ve read.
romysh's review against another edition
2.0
It was really painful to go through all those pages.
I started reading it with quite high expectations, I must admit, thinking Derren will give us a different perspective on what actually hapiness is. However after couple of pages I found myself reading quotes and quotes and words made into sentences in which I couldn't find even a tiny bit of sense. First half of the book is going on about Stoicism and old Greek and Roman philosophers, what I believe should be part of the book, but not majority. I bought the book to read Derren's thoughts. I did not expect Derren to give us what he found in some books.
After all I was very dissapointed with the style of writing, but I kept on reading, hoping for things to get rather more interesting turn. Luckily I found few interesting ideas and thoughts when I got to the chapter about fame and mainly death. Didn't think I will say that when I bought the book.
Having said that I don't want to slag off this book. Some people might find it extraordinary, fascinating and motivational. I only know I'm not one of those people.
I started reading it with quite high expectations, I must admit, thinking Derren will give us a different perspective on what actually hapiness is. However after couple of pages I found myself reading quotes and quotes and words made into sentences in which I couldn't find even a tiny bit of sense. First half of the book is going on about Stoicism and old Greek and Roman philosophers, what I believe should be part of the book, but not majority. I bought the book to read Derren's thoughts. I did not expect Derren to give us what he found in some books.
After all I was very dissapointed with the style of writing, but I kept on reading, hoping for things to get rather more interesting turn. Luckily I found few interesting ideas and thoughts when I got to the chapter about fame and mainly death. Didn't think I will say that when I bought the book.
Having said that I don't want to slag off this book. Some people might find it extraordinary, fascinating and motivational. I only know I'm not one of those people.
janbabs's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
3.0