Happy: Why More or Less Everything is Absolutely Fine by Derren Brown

Happy: Why More or Less Everything is Absolutely Fine is a non-fiction book by Derren Brown. It considers how ideas of happiness have been defined and pursued, from classical philosophy to the present day.

Key details

• Author: Derren Brown
• Full title: Happy: Why More or Less Everything is Absolutely Fine
• Non-fiction exploration of happiness
• Discusses perspectives from Stoics and Epicureans through to modern self-help

Synopsis

This book examines what it means to be happy and how we recognise it. It traces changing concepts of happiness, from the Stoics and Epicureans in classical times to contemporary culture, where the self-help industry has sought to define happiness on its own terms.

It also challenges commonly promoted routes to happiness and success, including positive thinking, self-belief and goal-setting, and describes how these approaches can be damaging and contribute to anxiety. The book sets out an alternative focus on appreciating life’s good moments and taking control of the stories we tell ourselves, even when things do not feel fine.