Happiness, a philosophical journey

Presentation

What do we mean by “happiness”? Does it depend on our genes, luck, our sensitivity? Is it a lasting state or a series of fleeting pleasures? Is it only subjective? Should we look for it? Can we cultivate it? Can suffering and happiness coexist?

To try to answer these questions, Frédéric Lenoir offers a philosophical, joyful and flavorful journey. A stimulating walk in the company of the great sages of the East and West. Where we will cross the garden of pleasures with Epicurus. Where we will hear the laughter of Montaigne and Tchouang-tseu resonate. Where we will come across the peaceful smile of Buddha and Epictetus. Where we will taste the joy of Spinoza and Etty Hillesum. A lively journey, punctuated with concrete examples and the latest discoveries from neuroscience, to help us live better.

• Fayard: EAN: 9782213661360
• Paperback: EAN / ISBN: 9782253194965

Translations

German : Taschenbuch
English : Melville House Publishing
Spanish : Ariel
Italian : Bompiani
Dutch : Ten Have
Romanian: Editura Philobia
Turkish: Bilge

Available in Audiolib

Table

PROLOGUE

1. Loving the life you lead
2. In the garden of pleasures, with Aristotle and Epicurus
3. Giving meaning to your life
4. Voltaire and the happy imbecile
5. Does every human being want to be happy?
6. Happiness is not of this world: Socrates, Jesus, Kant
7. On the art of being yourself
8. Schopenhauer: happiness is in our sensitivity
9. Does money bring happiness?
10. The brain of emotions
11. The art of being attentive… and of dreaming
12. We are what we think
13. The time of a lifetime
14. Can we be happy without others?
15. The contagion of happiness
16. Individual happiness and collective happiness
17. Can the quest for happiness make you unhappy?
18. From desire to boredom: impossible happiness
19. The smile of the Buddha and Epictetus
20. The laughter of Montaigne and Tchouang-tseu
21. The joy of Spinoza and Mâ Anandamayî

EPILOGUE
Notes
Selected bibliography