Happy cover art

Happy

Why More or Less Everything Is Absolutely Fine

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Happy

By: Derren Brown
Narrated by: Derren Brown
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

The audiobook edition of Happy, read by Derren Brown.

Everyone says they want to be happy. But that's much more easily said than done. What does being happy actually mean? And how do you even know when you feel it?

In Happy Derren Brown explores changing concepts of happiness - from the surprisingly modern wisdom of the Stoics and Epicureans in classical times right up until today, when the self-help industry has attempted to claim happiness as its own. He shows how many of self-help’s suggested routes to happiness and success – such as positive thinking, self-belief and setting goals – can be disastrous to follow and, indeed, actually cause anxiety.

Happy aims to reclaim happiness and to enable us to appreciate the good things in life, in all their transient glory. By taking control of the stories we tell ourselves, by remembering that ‘everything’s fine’ even when it might not feel that way, we can allow ourselves to flourish and to live more happily.

©2016 Derren Brown (P)2018 Penguin Audio Career Success Motivation & Self-Improvement Personal Development Personal Success Happiness Career Inspiring Thought-Provoking Funny Feel-Good Feel Better

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Critic reviews

"Deeply informative, moving, wise and full of love." (Alain de Botton)

"Crammed with wisdom and insight.... I'm going to recommend it to everyone I know." (Stephen Fry)

"Witty, useful and beautifully written." (The Sunday Times)
All stars
Most relevant
As shared by many others this is a witty & entertaining book.
Derren peels back the layer on parts of his “manipulation“ model in psychology and equally importantly he dives deeper and thoughtfully into how the mind builds reality.....moment-to-moment.
His reflective qualities also shine brightly throughout and some of the commentary is certainly uncomfortable & provoking, as it should be.
In my view, if you rate the tremendously talented Mr Brown - then this is a must listen/read.

Derren the intellect & sage....emerges!

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A great introduction to a few philosophical perspectives regarding Happiness. worth reading/Listening to. Derren at time quite humorous. but as stated a little drawn out at times, but we'll worth a listen/read.

interesting. bit long winded

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I bought the hard copy of this book and as much as I love Derren I REALLY struggled reading it. The 'brief' history of happiness just seemed to go on and on and on when I was reading it myself. I was very happy when I noticed Derren had recorded for Audible and it's much better listening to him narrate his work as he intended it to be heard.

Whilst not much concrete advice is given I did enjoy the book and his trashing of Rhonda Byrne of "The Secret" fame and "just think of what you want and it happens" mantra.

Better Derren reading it to me, than me reading it

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I haven't reviewed a book before but really enjoyed Derren's narration of his book, so thought I would. Thought provoking without being sickly or holier than thou and with practical advice, I'd recommend it to anyone.

Happy with this book!

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Whether you are a fan of Derren Brown or not, you will likely find this book worth the listen.

I am thoroughly enjoying this book. I haven't even finished it yet and have already decided I will be going back to the start by the time I do.

Helpful, applicable Philosophies, that I have been interested in for a number of years, are explained and compared in some detail.

As a successful performer, trained and practiced in the art of intrigue and engagement, Brown is of course extremely fasinating to listen to, as is the knowledge that he shares.

Engaging, Interesting and brilliantly helpful.

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