Self-growth
Business & Career
Success
Communication
Healing
Relationships
Psychology
HappinessYou’ll learn
- The difference between happy and unhappy people
- How to nurture intimacy
- About the importance of compassion
- Why we should accept suffering
- Tricks to fight anxiety
Table of contents
first KEY POINT
Happiness is a natural and mutual goal for all people regardless of their beliefs; it is a product of our core instincts of gentleness and compassion and can be achieved by meditation
Happiness is a mutual goal for humans, regardless of religion. It can be achieved through training the mind; this includes identifying the habits or things that cause sadness and reducing them whilst cultivating those that bring happiness. Happiness is not a self-centered goal; in fact, happy people are more sociable, effectively spreading the happiness around, unlike unhappy people who brood and sulk. Happy people are also more forgiving and loving.
Happiness seeks to be shared with others; happy people are more willing to share their happiness.
They are more likely to lend a helping hand to a stranger and they are better at relating with people. A motorist is more likely to let another get in front of him if the traffic jam finally eases up and is no longer stuck. A good mood equals a good person. But where does happiness come from? And how do we get it?The path to happiness is one that involves learning to identify negative and positive emotions and their respective effects on our minds. After which, you must commit to a willful cultivation of a kind and compassionate mindset, this way, you are psychologically healthy which translates to a state of happiness. It is often thought that at our core, we are selfish and aggressive but in truth, we are innately compassionate and kind.
Happiness comes firstly from attaining emotional intelligence and showing compassion to others.
If ever you feel unsure about how to interact with people due to their mean or violent demeanor, remember that as humans, we have at our core, the need to be gentle, compassionate, and kind. Once you remember that, you’ll find it much easier to see past their actions. The author claims that although violence and aggression are real emotions, they do not stem from our innate instincts. Instead, they are a product of intelligence, a need to survive as we evolved. Anger and aggression are a response to danger or threat; you must approach people armed with the knowledge that their outbursts aren’t their fault but the result of frustration or sensed danger. A better understanding of people and why they feel these dark emotions will make it easier to interact with them without stirring up further frustration.
second KEY POINT
A happy soul is one who is ready to open up to loved ones and friends and shows utmost compassion in his/her dealings with them
As humans, we tend to feel lonely because we expect a certain level of openness and warmth before we show it to them. Loneliness, according to The Dalai Lama, is a product of our negligence of the importance of the many people we come across. The Dalai Lama believes that to fight loneliness is to approach people from the standpoint of openness and warmth, even if they turn down your offer of a gentle exchange, you leave the scene feeling no regret because you acted in your good nature. We are all interdependent; each one of us is part of a large wheel that runs perpetually; if you can recognize this system and yours and everyone else’s place in it, you will move a step closer to feeling less lonely.
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first KEY POINT
Suffering is an inevitable part of our existence, and until we come to terms with its inevitable nature, we will continue to be tossed to and fro by whatever bout of suffering we experience
second KEY POINT
To truly change your state of mind into one of real compassion, peace, and happiness, you must be determined to take the right action to effect a lasting change
third KEY POINT
Anxiety is an enemy to us reaching our true potential and can be a hindrance to a truly happy existence and only with intentional positive action and thought can we rid ourselves of its harmful effects
fourth KEY POINT
Finding lasting solutions to the plague of anxiety
fifth KEY POINT
Conclusion
Related summaries
Frequently asked questions
What is The Art of Happiness about?
The Art of Happiness, authored by the Dalai Lama and Howard Cutler, explores the nature of happiness through Buddhist philosophy. It combines emotional insights and practical advice, emphasizing that true happiness is achieved through compassion, mental peace, and sharing joy with others.
What are the key takeaways from The Art of Happiness?
Key takeaways from The Art of Happiness include the idea that happiness is a skill that can be developed, the importance of compassion towards oneself and others, and the necessity of finding inner peace. The book encourages readers to shift their perspective on happiness as something achievable through mindset and actions.
Is The Art of Happiness worth reading?
Yes, The Art of Happiness is worth reading if you're seeking practical wisdom on achieving happiness and emotional well-being. Its blend of spiritual guidance and psychological insights makes it a valuable resource for anyone interested in personal growth and fulfillment.
How many pages is The Art of Happiness and when was it published?
The Art of Happiness is approximately 368 pages long and was first published in 1998. This timeless book continues to resonate with readers seeking a deeper understanding of happiness.
How does The Art of Happiness approach emotional health?
The Art of Happiness approaches emotional health by teaching that mental habits and attitudes significantly influence one's state of happiness. It emphasizes mindfulness and the development of positive mental states as essential steps toward achieving lasting emotional well-being.