How to Change Your Mind and Your Life
Martin E.P. Seligman, Ph.D.

1990, 1998
http://www.authentichappiness.sas.upenn.edu/

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yes is a word
& in this world of
yes live
(skillfully curled)
all worlds

e.e. cummings, “love is a place,” No Thanks (1935)

This is a engaging exploration of Seligman’s research on helplessness and how to enlarge personal control, and what the practical results are of feeling in control. He finds that consistent attitudes of pessimism or optimism directly affect every essential area of life: depression/happiness, failure/achievement, and sickness/health. Moreover, he finds that learned helplessness can be unlearned, and negative attitudes can be changed to positive ones. These ideas have been around for a while—the usefulness of cognitive therapy is now well-recognized— but being aware of the ideas in a general way is worthless to you if you aren’t applying them in your life.

Also:

Authentic Happiness:
Using the New Positive Psychology to Realize Your Potential for Lasting Fulfillment
2004
http://www.authentichappiness.sas.upenn.edu/

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