Martin Sefcgman – Flourish: A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness and Well-being

“A persistently optimistic manual on discovering and securing individual happiness” from the bestselling author of Learned Optimism and Authentic Happiness (Kirkus Reviews).

With this unique promise, globally renowned psychologist Martin Seligman launches Flourish, his first book in 10 years and the first to explain his revolutionary new understanding of what true well-being is. Traditionally, the purpose of psychology has been to alleviate human suffering; however, the goal of Dr. Martin Seligman’s Positive Psychology movement, which he has led for fifteen years, is different—it is about really lifting the bar for the human condition.

Flourish expands on Dr. Seligman’s ground-breaking work on optimism, motivation, and character to illustrate how to make the most of life, revealing an explosive new theory of what constitutes a happy life—for people, communities, and nations. Flourish refines what Positive Psychology is all about in a fascinating progression of thinking and practice.

While happiness is an important component of well-being, it does not provide purpose to one’s existence. Seligman now wonders, “What is it that allows you to grow your abilities, create deep, enduring connections with people, feel joy, and make a significant contribution to the world?” In a nutshell, what permits you to thrive? Happiness (or Positive Emotion) becomes one of the five pillars of Positive Psychology, with Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment (or PERMA), the permanent building blocks for a life of profound fulfillment.

Thought-provoking in its implications for education, economics, therapy, medicine, and public policy—the very fabric of society—Flourish tells inspiring stories of Positive Psychology in action, such as how the entire United States Army is now trained in emotional resilience; how innovative schools can educate for life fulfillment rather than just workplace success; and how corporations can improve performance while also increasing employee well-being.

Flourish is a watershed moment in the knowledge of happiness as well as a tool for getting the most out of life, with interactive exercises to help readers analyze their own attitudes and goals. Dr. Martin Seligman has created the ultimate extension and capstone to his popular masterpieces, Authentic Happiness and Learned Optimism. He is on the bleeding edge of a science that has altered millions of lives.