Happiness Is a Serious Problem

In this unique personal growth guide, a blend of self-help and moral philosophy perfect for fans of Gretchen Rubin’s The Happiness Project or Dan Harris’s 10% Happier, talk-radio host Dennis Prager shows us that happiness isn’t just a value—it’s a moral obligation.

When you ask people about their most cherished values, “happiness” is always at the top of the list. In this enduring happiness manifesto, Prager examines how happiness not only makes us better people, but has an effect on the lives of everyone around us—providing them with a positive environment in which to thrive and be happy themselves.

Achieving happiness won't be easy, though: to Prager, it requires a continuing process of counting your blessings—the foundation of gratitude—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 other 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, cultivate self-discipline, and stop blaming others.

If you're willing to put some thought into building a durable philosophy of life, you will find plenty to mull over in Happiness Is a Serious Problem.

This human nature repair manual offers a new framework for living:
A Moral Obligation: Prager argues that your happiness isn’t just for you—it has a profound effect on your spouse, children, and everyone you meet.The Missing Tile Syndrome: Learn why human nature fixates on what’s missing in life, and how to shift your focus to the beauty of the tiles that are already there.Finding Meaning: Discover why a sense of purpose is more critical to lasting contentment than success or fun, and how to cultivate it.Overcoming Victimhood: A direct challenge to the modern tendency to blame others, showing how taking responsibility is the only path to achieving your desires.