Interesting book review- The Tyranny of Positive Thinking

[WanderingOak]

I just came across an interesting review of Barbara Ehrenreich’s most recent book “Bright-sided: How the Relentless Promotion of Positive Thinking Has Undermined America”.

The premise of the book is that the 'happiness ideology' as popularized in books such as 'The Secret' are actually detrimental to the long-term well-being of society. From the review:

This book points out the dark side of optimism. While Americans have crafted and embraced “happiness” ideology, arguing that a positive outlook can lengthen lives and improve health, Ehrenreich examines this “research” and finds its evidence flimsy and motivated more by financial success than scholarly rigor. What function does the evolution of “positive ideology” play in a nation that, even in prosperous times, ranks 23rd in self-reported worldwide happiness? Why do we embrace the ‘happy face’ while swallowing two-thirds of the global market’s supply of antidepressants, making them the most widely prescribed drug in the United States? Are we depressed because we aren’t happy or does the constant demand for happiness lead to depression?

[cacheborn]

Interesting review.

Reminded me of a tweet I read today, by Bob Proctor.

In the long run, the pessimist may be proved right, but the optimist has a better time on the trip.

[Mounds]

Well thanks for nothing WanderingOak! I went almost a whole MONTH without buying another book. After I finished salivating all over my keyboard, I had it downloaded directly to my Kindle.

[ProjectX]

There is a difference between optimism/hope and delusional thinking. I haven't read the book but I do agree what has been posted.

[moonrambler]

I read about this book at some point or heard the author speaking on the radio, I don't remember which. I could relate to the idea. When I was building up massive debt and my business was going down the toilet, I saw a lot of commentary here about how these events are caused by a sense of "lack," negative thoughts, and so on. It was just the opposite for me, and I suspect it has been for a lot of people who got themselves into a similar situation. Unbridled optimism combined with little practical knowledge about money can be very detrimental.

[Lady Minerva]

Originally Posted by WanderingOak

I just came across an interesting review of Barbara Ehrenreich’s most recent book “Bright-sided: How the Relentless Promotion of Positive Thinking Has Undermined America”.

The premise of the book is that the 'happiness ideology' as popularized in books such as 'The Secret' are actually detrimental to the long-term well-being of society. From the review:

Everyone has an opinion about something. Life is what you make it.

[Talkofthatown919]

pretty interesting i must say. W clement stone had said in success through a positive mental atittude that there is a time for positive thinking and a time for negative thinking if i'm correct