The Conquest of Happiness

by Bertrand Russell, Daniel C. Dennett (Introduction)

Overview

"My purpose is to suggest a cure for the ordinary day-to-day unhappiness from which most people in civilized countries suffer, and which is all the more unbearable because, having no obvious external cause, appears inescapable."

Russell held progressive, often controversial views on social issues, including sexuality. Vigorously opposed to conventional or religious morality, he sets forth here a rationalist approach to achieving a happy life.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780871406736
Publisher:	Liveright Publishing Corporation
Publication date:	08/05/2013
Pages:	224
Sales rank:	339,023
Product dimensions:	8.10(w) x 5.50(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Bertrand Russell (1872-1970) was born in England and educated at Trinity College, Cambridge. His long career established him as one of the most influential philosophers, mathematicians, and social reformers of the twentieth century.

Table of Contents

Introduction Daniel C. Dennett 9

Preface 17

I Causes of Unhappiness

1 What Makes People Unhappy? 21

2 Byronic Unhappiness 31

3 Competition 47

4 Boredom and Excitement 57

5 Fatigue 67

6 Envy 79

7 The Sense of Sin 90

8 Persecution Mania 103

9 Fear of Public Opinion 116

II Causes of Happiness

10 Is Happiness Still Possible? 131

11 Zest 144

12 Affection 159

13 The Family 169

14 Work 188

15 Impersonal Interests 198

16 Effort and Resignation 207

17 The Happy Man 217

Editorial Reviews

"Excellent. . . . Sane and forthright; should be read by every parent, teacher, minister, and Congressman in the land."

Atlantic Monthly

'He writes what he calls common sense, but is in fact uncommon wisdom.' - The Observer

From the Publisher