

Hero image 0 of The Secrets of Happiness: Three Thousand Years of Searching for the Good Life, (Paperback), 0 of 1
The Secrets of Happiness: Three Thousand Years of Searching for the Good Life, (Paperback)
(No ratings yet)
Key item features
Publishers Weekly,Adding to the burgeoning number of books about defining and seeking happiness, cultural historian Schoch looks to the work of philosophers and religious seekers of the past. The essence of happiness, Schoch believes, is not simply feeling good-a state some today consider an entitlement. Rather, it lies in one's quest to create a better world. First highlighting the Greek philosopher Epicurus, the Roman Stoic Seneca and medieval Islamic scholar Abu Hamid al-Ghazali, Schoch explains that although these three thinkers had very different experiences, they were united in their search for a more fulfilling life under sometimes adverse conditions. Schoch then explores the ideas found in eight sacred and secular traditions, including Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity and Epicureanism. Epicureans, for example, sought pleasure, but only after conquering their fear of death. Judaism, the author says, wrestles with the question of human suffering by emphasizing the importance of enduring it honorably. Buddhists struggle to free themselves from the ego to attain detachment, right actions and enlightenment. Schoch writes in an informed, lively style and his nonjudgmental stance will appeal to many who seek not easy self-help but to wrestle with issues of meaning and values. (Nov.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Specs
- Book formatPaperback
- Fiction/nonfictionNon-Fiction
- Publication dateApril, 2008
- Pages224
- SubgenrePersonal Growth
- Series titleNo Series
Current price is USDNow $13.31
You save $3.69
was $17.00$17.00
You save$3.69
Price when purchased online
Free 90-day returns
How do you want your item?
Try 30 days for just $1! Choose a plan at checkout.
Ships to
Arrives by Thu, May 21
Sold and shipped by Walmart.com
Free 90-day returns
This item is gift eligible
More seller options (4)
Starting from $17.49
Try 30 days of Walmart+ for just $1!
T&C apply. Claim offer now
About this item
Product details
The Secrets of Happiness is a philosophical inquiry into the nature of happiness. Combining wit, warmth, and intellectual authority, this book offers us ancient wisdom for modern living. Richard Schoch shows readers how they can enrich their lives by recovering the ancient philosophical and religious traditions of happiness--and then putting them to work in their own lives today. In a journey across cultures and centuries--from the trials of Job to the Meditations of Marcus Aurelius, and from Buddha's Four Noble Truths to the ecstasy of medieval Sufi mystics--Schoch answers questions that, although fundamental to our well-being, are rarely asked: what kind of effort does it take to be happy? do you have a right to be happy? can you be happy if others are unhappy? Although Schoch finds that there is no single answer to these questions, he argues that every strategy for happiness can be placed in one of four categories: Living for Pleasure, Conquering Desire, Transcending Reason, and Enduring Suffering. (The book is divided into these four parts.) The one thing that these disparate strategies do share is that each takes effort. Happiness, Schoch posits, is never an end-point; it is instead "a joyful struggle."
Publishers Weekly,Adding to the burgeoning number of books about defining and seeking happiness, cultural historian Schoch looks to the work of philosophers and religious seekers of the past. The essence of happiness, Schoch believes, is not simply feeling good-a state some today consider an entitlement. Rather, it lies in one's quest to create a better world. First highlighting the Greek philosopher Epicurus, the Roman Stoic Seneca and medieval Islamic scholar Abu Hamid al-Ghazali, Schoch explains that although these three thinkers had very different experiences, they were united in their search for a more fulfilling life under sometimes adverse conditions. Schoch then explores the ideas found in eight sacred and secular traditions, including Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity and Epicureanism. Epicureans, for example, sought pleasure, but only after conquering their fear of death. Judaism, the author says, wrestles with the question of human suffering by emphasizing the importance of enduring it honorably. Buddhists struggle to free themselves from the ego to attain detachment, right actions and enlightenment. Schoch writes in an informed, lively style and his nonjudgmental stance will appeal to many who seek not easy self-help but to wrestle with issues of meaning and values. (Nov.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
info:
We aim to show you accurate product information. Manufacturers, suppliers and others provide what you see here, and we have not verified it. Â
Specifications
Book format
Paperback
Fiction/nonfiction
Non-Fiction
Genre
Political & Social Sciences
Publication date
April, 2008
Warranty
Warranty information
Please be aware that the warranty terms on items offered for sale by third party Marketplace sellers may differ from those displayed in this section (if any). To confirm warranty terms on an item offered for sale by a third party Marketplace seller, please use the 'Contact seller' feature on the third party Marketplace seller's information page and request the item's warranty terms prior to purchase.
Similar items you might like
Based on what customers bought
On Becoming a F*cking Man, (Paperback) $17.62
$1762current price $17.62On Becoming a F*cking Man, (Paperback)
Heaven Is for Real: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back, (Paperback) $7.74
$774current price $7.74Heaven Is for Real: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back, (Paperback)
1384.9 out of 5 Stars. 138 reviewsA Prayerful Life, (Paperback) $14.99
$1499current price $14.99A Prayerful Life, (Paperback)
Pre-Owned A Year of Miracles: Daily Devotions and Reflections (Paperback) 006220551X 9780062205513 $6.54
2 optionsAvailable in additional 2 options$654current price $6.54Pre-Owned A Year of Miracles: Daily Devotions and Reflections (Paperback) 006220551X 9780062205513
24 out of 5 Stars. 2 reviewsFor the Kingdom of God, (Paperback) $10.99
$1099current price $10.99For the Kingdom of God, (Paperback)
365 Days of Affirmations for a Year of Bliss, (Paperback) $13.99
$1399current price $13.99365 Days of Affirmations for a Year of Bliss, (Paperback)
The Life of St. Macrina, (Paperback) $6.99
$699current price $6.99The Life of St. Macrina, (Paperback)
The Life of Jesus, (Paperback) $13.99
$1399current price $13.99The Life of Jesus, (Paperback)
How to Be Fabulous, (Paperback) $13.99
$1399current price $13.99How to Be Fabulous, (Paperback)
A Place of Quiet Rest: Finding Intimacy with God Through a Daily Devotional Life, (Paperback) $9.69
$969current price $9.69A Place of Quiet Rest: Finding Intimacy with God Through a Daily Devotional Life, (Paperback)
The Children of God, (Paperback) $13.95
$1395current price $13.95The Children of God, (Paperback)
Life to the Body, (Paperback) $16.99
$1699current price $16.99Life to the Body, (Paperback)
Library of Alexandria The Shepherd of Hermas: A Timeless Guide to Faith, Repentance, and Spiritual Growth, Book 119, (Paperback) $14.95
$1495current price $14.95Library of Alexandria The Shepherd of Hermas: A Timeless Guide to Faith, Repentance, and Spiritual Growth, Book 119, (Paperback)
The Joyful Heart (Paperback) $17.95
$1795current price $17.95The Joyful Heart (Paperback)
Love, Mike, (Paperback) $16.58
$1658current price $16.58Love, Mike, (Paperback)
1 John Outreach: Offering Life-Giving Fellowship with Truth and Love, (Paperback) $6.58
$658current price $6.581 John Outreach: Offering Life-Giving Fellowship with Truth and Love, (Paperback)
Peter Remembers, (Paperback) $12.99
$1299current price $12.99Peter Remembers, (Paperback)
Treasures Of Christ In The Life Of David, (Paperback) $16.88
$1688current price $16.88Treasures Of Christ In The Life Of David, (Paperback)
Customer ratings & reviews
0 ratings|0 reviews
This item does not have any reviews yet


