How do you solve the problem of human happiness? It's a subject that has occupied some of the greatest philosophers of all time, from Aristotle to Paul McKenna - but how do we sort the good ideas from the terrible ones? Over the past five years, Oliver Burkeman has travelled to some of the strangest outposts of the 'happiness industry' in an attempt to find out. In Help!, Oliver presents his findings. It's a witty and thought-provoking exploration that punctures many of self-help's most popular myths, while also offering clear-headed, practical and often counterintuitive advice on a range of subjects, from stress, procrastination and insomnia to wealth, laughter, time management and creativity. It doesn't claim to have solved the problem of human happiness. But it might just bring us one step closer.
How do you solve the problem of human happiness? It's a subject that has occupied some of the greatest philosophers of all time, from Aristotle to Paul McKenna - but how do we sort the good ideas from the terrible ones? Over the past five years, Oliver Burkeman has travelled to some of the strangest outposts of the 'happiness industry' in an attempt to find out. In Help!, Oliver presents his findings. It's a witty and thought-provoking exploration that punctures many of self-help's most popular myths, while also offering clear-headed, practical and often counterintuitive advice on a range of subjects, from stress, procrastination and insomnia to wealth, laughter, time management and creativity. It doesn't claim to have solved the problem of human happiness. But it might just bring us one step closer.
Become slightly happier, and get a bit more done, with help from one of the Guardian's most popular writers
Oliver Burkeman is a feature writer for the Guardian. He is a winner of the Foreign Press Association's Young Journalist of the Year award, and has been shortlisted for the Orwell Prize. He writes a popular weekly column on psychology, 'This Column Will Change Your Life' and has reported from London, Washington and New York.
* Burkeman isn't pushy or preachy. He makes no promises of massive personality makeovers or psychological transformations...Burkeman doesn't claim to have cracked the code to perpetual joy, but he does deliver a logical and entertaining set of musings on managing life. Scotsman * This is a genuinely useful book... Help! is win-win. If you do find yourself with those problems which, though potentially tractable, are disproportionately aggravating, then you will find solace and good advice here. If you do no, then you will be amused anyway - and you still might learn something helpful. Either way, you won't need to read another self-help book again. -- Nicholas Lezard Guardian * Burkeman proves an excellent guide, separating all the schmaltzy hokum on achieving inner bliss on your lunch break from the modest, but genuinely enlightening research on human happiness. Big Issue * A wry self-help book that actually delivers. Harper's Bazaar * A happness how-to-do without the cringey bits. Help! Is quite possibly invaluable -- Stephanie Cross Daily Mail
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