A review by lia_12
The Conquest of Happiness by Bertrand Russell
3.0
This book was recommended to me by a friend who really loves self-help books. Personally, I've never really read self-help books and don't have much of an interest in them. I was also skeptical when I saw when the book was published. I mean, what could this old guy from 1930 know about modern troubles and causes of unhappiness?
But, I have to say, after reading this book, I've been pleasantly surprised. If you can get past the sexism and racism (which was a bit difficult sometimes, and I felt like just closing the book and never opening it again), the book is actually pretty insightful and helpful. His analogies and examples of the problems that cause unhappiness really provide a clear outlook and convey his message nicely. I found myself guilty of some of the causes of unhappiness, especially jealousy, which I struggle with, anyway.
The points he noted for reaching happiness actually spoke to me, especially since I worked on some of these problems in myself a few years ago, and have notably become happier. I can definitely vouch for this book, but my only complaint was the sexism and racism. But, of course, this does come with reading a book from 1930, since times were different then, and the generally accepted beliefs were wildly different from the currently accepted beliefs.
But, I have to say, after reading this book, I've been pleasantly surprised. If you can get past the sexism and racism (which was a bit difficult sometimes, and I felt like just closing the book and never opening it again), the book is actually pretty insightful and helpful. His analogies and examples of the problems that cause unhappiness really provide a clear outlook and convey his message nicely. I found myself guilty of some of the causes of unhappiness, especially jealousy, which I struggle with, anyway.
The points he noted for reaching happiness actually spoke to me, especially since I worked on some of these problems in myself a few years ago, and have notably become happier. I can definitely vouch for this book, but my only complaint was the sexism and racism. But, of course, this does come with reading a book from 1930, since times were different then, and the generally accepted beliefs were wildly different from the currently accepted beliefs.