Happiness

January 15, 2015
A philosopher's exploration of all the angles of happiness. "Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." Those are the unalienable rights of all Americans, but we don't have a monopoly on the elusive hunt for happiness. Thinkers have long found the subject to be a difficult one to consider, French philosopher Lenoir (The Oracle of the Moon, 2014, etc.) notes in the prologue, and while many modern books proclaim to bequeath the recipe for happiness, it's rarely that simple. Cynics may raise their eyebrows at the author's slim entry into the canon, but as a guide to various approaches taken by philosophical and religious figures, it serves ably. Lenoir considers Voltaire, Socrates, Schopenhauer and others alongside their (often contradictory) views on happiness, which leads into further questioning and reflection: Do all people wish to be happy? Is there truth for anybody except the wealthy that money cannot buy happiness? As social creatures, is it possible to attain happiness without other people in our lives or despite those other people? What can be done, Lenoir asserts, to increase our capacity for happiness is to sharpen our attention toward the happiness we experience in day-to-day life. One can also keep various sociological studies in mind, with research indicating that our aptitude for happiness is 50 percent genetics, 40 percent from our personal efforts toward increasing our happiness, and a mere 10 percent from our surroundings and other external factors. Lenoir also explores disciplines beyond philosophy and religion, taking into account the benefits of cognitive behavioral therapy, the essays of Michel de Montaigne and the fiction of Michel Houellebecq. Throughout the book, Lenoir writes economically, devoting only enough words to particular thoughts and approaches as are necessary to stir questions in the minds of readers. A brief though well-considered guide to a wide range of the many schools of thought regarding contentment, joy and happiness.

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Starred review from March 15, 2015

A best seller in Europe, Lenoir's book is an eminently readable and fantastic treatise on happiness. Drawing from subjects as diverse as psychology, sociology, history, biology, and neuroscience, Lenoir, a professor at France's L'Ecole des Hautes Etudes en Sciences Sociales, constructs an intriguing philosophical dialog about what happiness is and whether it is possible to be happy. Rather than covering ideas about happiness in chronological order, the author weaves in and out among sources from both Western philosophical and religious traditions and Eastern religions, in order to focus on the subject and not on the philosopher or scientist. He doesn't present a definitive conclusion; rather, like most philosophers the questions he raises are answered to a degree that can be applied generally, leaving readers to discover their own solutions. Yet the author does provide an overview of six philosophies (Stoicism, Buddhism, Taoism, Michel de Montaigne's philosophy, Hinduism, and Spinozism) to exemplify ways to counteract the pessimistic modernist take on the possibility of the attainment of happiness (and therefore, wisdom) in contemporary society. VERDICT An exemplary read that is applicable to everyone. A background in philosophy is not needed to understand the concepts and analyses that Lenoir presents, since his clear explanations and precise writing make the material accessible.--Laura Hiatt-Smith, Douglas Cty. Libs., CO

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