Scan barcode
pbobrit's review against another edition
4.0
In this book Seligman expands on the theory he wrote about in detail in Authentic Happiness, adding two more arms to his science of well being. A good chunk of the book is spent on bringing us up to date with the current positive psychology research and also how it is being applied practically. The book is a relatively easy read with copius notes. For anyone interested in this field it is a worthwhile read.
adambroud's review against another edition
3.0
A book filled with great lessons and a really weird writing style.
I enjoyed learning about the research of positive psychology. It was fascinating to learn more about positive leadership changes in the military, positive motivation training, and ways to build grit in life. The weird parts of the book came from the author tangentially discussing aspects of his life that he assumed the reader knew about, such as people accusing him of supporting torture, but either I'm out of the loop, or this guy isn't as famous as he thinks he is. It would've been nice to have the book mostly be about the research. Not only would it have hit harder, but the book would've been shorter too, and some of the chapters dragged on.
I enjoyed learning about the research of positive psychology. It was fascinating to learn more about positive leadership changes in the military, positive motivation training, and ways to build grit in life. The weird parts of the book came from the author tangentially discussing aspects of his life that he assumed the reader knew about, such as people accusing him of supporting torture, but either I'm out of the loop, or this guy isn't as famous as he thinks he is. It would've been nice to have the book mostly be about the research. Not only would it have hit harder, but the book would've been shorter too, and some of the chapters dragged on.
theintrovertsbooks's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
5.0
hasan27's review against another edition
this made me think a lot about positive psychology and why it is easier to some people and harder to others. The whole disposition vs decision debate sent me down a ride and the whole question of why some people manage and some don't and how the power of will or chronic illness play into psychosomatics has been something I am more awarely conscious about ever since. Although I wouldn't just take each word for it's face value and would always consider more, and more intersectional, perspectives, this was truly a valuable read.
cobainity's review against another edition
3.0
I did not like this book a lot, I expected to read about ways to get into the flow and become the best version of myself, yet that only made up like 10% of the book. The author mostly talked about his career and his success, which some may find inspiring but I personally did not see as helpful. There were some interesting points made though, so this book gets 3 stars.
dcox83's review against another edition
4.0
An academic look at Positive Psychology that includes a memoir portion on it's creation. Some reviews are kind of harsh, but if you're used to reading academic books or journals, then I think you'd enjoy it.
jenniebooknerd's review against another edition
5.0
I listened to this as an audio book. I do not make a note to remember who recommended this title to me. #findhappinessbook
Seligman got started in Positive Psychology before it was labeled Positive Psychology. He believes the true benefit to people is not fixing what is wrong but rather teaching people how to do more of what is health promoting. The portion of this book that had the greatest impact on me was learning about Sligman's involvement in Army Resiliency Training. I knew that DoD leader reached outside the DoD to design the Master Resiliency Trainer (MRT) Program. It was interesting to hear about how that worked from the point of view of a person outside the military. Everything I have learned about how MRT is supposed to be implemented makes it sound like an amazing program I want to learn from and be a part of. I have participated in the actual execution of some of the training. It has been disappointing and had almost no impact on me or others that I can see.
The book started out a little slow and dry but picked up as it went along. Seligman has an above average writing voice. The book is written for the average reader but seems to have enough detail that is should be interesting to psychology professionals.
Seligman got started in Positive Psychology before it was labeled Positive Psychology. He believes the true benefit to people is not fixing what is wrong but rather teaching people how to do more of what is health promoting. The portion of this book that had the greatest impact on me was learning about Sligman's involvement in Army Resiliency Training. I knew that DoD leader reached outside the DoD to design the Master Resiliency Trainer (MRT) Program. It was interesting to hear about how that worked from the point of view of a person outside the military. Everything I have learned about how MRT is supposed to be implemented makes it sound like an amazing program I want to learn from and be a part of. I have participated in the actual execution of some of the training. It has been disappointing and had almost no impact on me or others that I can see.
The book started out a little slow and dry but picked up as it went along. Seligman has an above average writing voice. The book is written for the average reader but seems to have enough detail that is should be interesting to psychology professionals.
jennyrpotter's review against another edition
4.0
Read this book for continuing education. Very interesting points, lots of good information and lends a perspective of 'wellness' beyond just the absence of 'illness.'