When you ask people about their most cherished values in life, "happiness" is always at the top of the list. However, unhappiness does not seem to be the exceptional order to be happy, we first have to battle ourselves.

Happiness is an obligation--to yourself and to others

Not only do we have a right to be happy, we have an obligation to be happy. Our happiness has an effect on the lives of everyone around us--it provides them with a positive environment in which to thrive and to be happy themselves.

Amazon.com Review
In this unique blend of self-help and moral philosophy, talk-radio host Dennis Prager asserts that we're actually obligated to be happy, because it makes us better people. Achieving that happiness won't be easy, though: to Prager, it requires a continuing process of counting your blessings and giving up any expectations that life is supposed to be wonderful. "Can we decide to be satisfied with what we have?" he asks. "A poor man who can make himself satisfied with his portion will be happier than a wealthy man who does not allow himself to be satisfied." Prager echoes many conservative political commentators in complaining that too many people today see themselves as victims; he submits that the only way to achieve your desires is to take responsibility for your life rather than blaming others. Whether or not you agree with that view, if you're willing to put some thought into achieving a happier outlook, you will find plenty to mull over in Happiness Is a Serious Problem.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS (Average Customer Rating: 4.0 based on 56 reviews)

Happiness - What a great problem!

Dennis Prager has synthesized the true essence of happiness. Myself, going through a lot of soul searching as a real estate broker and the tremendous difficulty of that found this book to be just what Dr. Prager ordered. In short, our happiness is not based on our surroundings, happiness is a choice, a decision, and a blessing. Be happier - read this book!
November 20, 2008

Changing your life by changing your mindset

Current events make that happy mindset a bit harder to find. Dennis Prager agrees that happy is not easy nor even necessarily fun to achieve. His bestseller "Happiness is a Serious Problem" contains timeless wisdom; it is no less relevant today than when it was published 10 years ago.

This "Human Nature Repair Manual" can be used in an aphorism-a-day sort of way but has none of the saccharine qualities found in that sort of self-help book. Prager himself notes "...the chapters of the book can be read in any order. Each...is largely a self-contained unit." The advice within is practical, spiritual but non-denominational, and written in the same, sane, soothing voice that Prager brings to his radio show.

No sense paraphrasing that which works so well, so consider these bits of wisdom as you contemplate whether or not to order this book:

"[T]he Buddhist teaching is of universal importance. If we understand expectations to mean certitude that something will happen, that we can take the good we have for granted...then expectations lead to unhappiness....and undermine the most important source of happiness-- gratitude."

"...[I]deally, we should awaken every day and be as happy about our good health as if we had just received the wonderful news that a [suspicious] lump was diagnosed as benign."

Need a guidebook for gratitude? Seeking sufficiency in life? This is your book.
October 25, 2008

Take what is useful and disregard the rest

There are some thought-provoking areas which could be helpful. However, the book contained more intellectualization rather than insight, and at times, served as a platform for the author to showcase his achievements and knowledge. Prager makes several bold statements and generalizations regarding religion, relationships, and life in general, which I did not agree with. Especially with his opinion that ALL men are constantly battling their insatiable lust to be with other women. But like I mentioned, some of the concepts and perspectives are helpful. I just take what is useful and disregard the rest.

August 17, 2008

A must for unhappy people

This is a great book! I have purchased several copies and have passed them to some unhappy people (ie: Mother-in-law). Explains how to understand how to be happy.
July 24, 2008

Let's get real

The book seems to focus on excepting things that you have the ability to change to improve your life. If you really want ot improve your life, make the changes that are neccessary.

Missing tile syndrome... Please.
February 26, 2008

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