Build the Life You Want: The Art and Science of Getting Happier Hardcover – September 12, 2023

Great book

I enjoyed the book’s in depth analysis of happiness and the methodologies to attain it.

Love it all. Huge fan of OW full 25yrs

Build the Life You Want: The Art and Science of Getting Happier by Arthur C. Brooks and Oprah Winfrey is an empowering guide to cultivating happiness and fulfillment in a world filled with challenges. Combining Oprah’s signature wisdom with Brooks’ expertise in behavioral science, this book offers a refreshing and practical approach to improving well-being.The authors present actionable strategies grounded in both science and real-life stories, exploring key aspects of happiness like emotional resilience, connection, and purpose. The writing seamlessly blends Oprah’s empathetic storytelling with Brooks’ research-driven insights, making complex ideas relatable and easy to implement.Each chapter invites readers to reflect on their lives, providing tools and exercises that foster personal growth and deeper self-awareness. Whether it’s strengthening relationships, redefining success, or finding joy in the everyday, the book delivers a comprehensive roadmap to building a life filled with meaning and contentment.Perfect for anyone seeking to thrive rather than just survive, Build the Life You Want is both motivational and practical, encouraging readers to take charge of their happiness journey. Highly recommended for readers of all ages and backgrounds who are ready to transform their lives for the better!

At a late stage, my life has suddenly become a little chaotic, causing me to question my choices and where the rest of my future is going. I read this in a day, breathing sighs of relief along the way. Had to send my niece one to help her through her own challenges during the holidays. She told me today that she still refers to some of the passages, and it has helped her a lot.

There were philosophical claims in this work that I agreed with, and many I did not. I constantly found myself saying, "Why did you jump to this conclusion? What makes this obvious? You can't be serious. That's not what Poe was about at all!"It's not that I found the book reprehensible or dangerous; more that I thought it was, for me, often incoherent, absurd, or downright wrong. Usually I thought it just didn't dig deep enough to satisfy the rigor I look for in a philosophical text. Perhaps that depth was not what this book was going for. Maybe it was seeking a fast-food fix for the layman who has never had the thought, "What is best in life? What is truly within my control? What should my desires be? Why?"Where I wish the book had started was from establishing that the desire for a person would be happiness to begin with. Why? For what reason is it beneficial or even desirable to be happy? To be a person of worth or virtue or value? We often operate under a tacit acceptance that happiness and virtue is something we all should desire. I suppose it is true, but why? I have my own assumptions, but I'd like the author to establish his own ideas at the outset. How do we know where we're going unless we have a destination to aim for? How do we know if we are getting there quickly, poorly, or well, if we can't have some end goal in mind, and a basis of measurement to measure our progress and effectiveness against.If you thought the same as me, then I'd invite you to read some works that really did connect for me:1. Plato - Dialogues (not the statutory rape of young men, or the being a sententious dick, the parts about being a virtuous person, and whether such a thing can be taught.)2. 7 habits of highly effective people3. Ayn Rand - Atlas Shrugged4. Speed of Trust5. Epictetus - Dialogues and Selected Writings6. A Farewell to Alms - Gregory ClarkThese to name a few were the most impactful works upon my current philosophies. I understand I am probably far out of my depth, as I have only read very little compared to what I assume this author has read. But if you think like me, and haven't read these, I'd highly encourage you to.If this book genuinely, truly helped you, then I am glad. But it did not do so for me. And if you're like me, you're not alone. Good luck to all out there seeking better in life!

A wonderful book integrating research with life experiences. I feel what I learned contributes to my continuous growth and development.

A great walkthrough different facets of what are the key factors for making a fulfilling life. Addresses commonly held beliefs as well as alternative approaches. Good stories and nice notes sprinkled in from Oprah to add to the experience. Not preachy. Just sharing what science and traditional tells us.