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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Happiness summary
Darrin M. McMahon
A History
13 mins
Brief summary
Happiness by Darrin McMahon is a historical exploration of the concept of happiness. McMahon reveals how different philosophers, cultures, and periods in history have defined and pursued happiness and argues that it is ultimately a subjective and elusive ideal.
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Happiness
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Key idea 1 of 6
Socrates, Plato and Aristotle didn’t fully agree on a definition of happiness.
We all have a say in our happiness, right? If you’re not feeling happy, go out and change that. Having a bad day? Eat some chocolate!
But people didn’t always think like this.
Let’s take a quick look at Athens. It wasn’t until after the city was democratized in the fifth century BCE that people began dreaming of a happy life that they could influence.
Prior to the downfall of the Persian Empire, people thought happiness was simply out of their power. Due to all the variables that brought utter misery at the time – poverty, inferior medical technology, political suppression and so on – happiness seemed better left to the gods.
After the Empire’s defeat, though, Athens began to blossom. As democracy progressed, people began experiencing a new freedom, and this inspired some to believe that they may have some influence over their happiness.
This is what Socrates and his student Plato believed – that, by using their ability to reason, people could have more control over their own lives, and thus their happiness. Socrates and Plato argued that it wasn’t just up to fate, luck or the gods. It was up to people themselves. To them, happiness was the ultimate goal, something far greater than mere earthly satisfaction. Longing for such transcendent happiness was a natural human tendency.
Aristotle, on the other hand, saw things a little differently. Like Socrates and Plato, he believed that humans were part of a higher order. But, unlike them, Aristotle held that we must look to the world; only there could we unearth our role as humans and the true role of human happiness.
This is represented beautifully in the famous fresco The School of Athens, by Raphael. Here we see Plato pointing toward the skies while Aristotle holds out his right hand, palm facing toward the earth.
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What is Happiness about?
In Happiness: A History (2006), we’re taken on a journey through history. From Ancient Greece, through the Dark Ages and up into the modern era, this journey uncovers how our conception of happiness has changed and evolved over time.
Happiness Review
Happiness (2006) by Darrin M. McMahon explores the concept of happiness throughout history, shedding light on what truly makes us happy. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- Offers a comprehensive examination of happiness from various cultures and time periods, providing a rich and enlightening perspective.
- Challenges conventional wisdom and offers fascinating insights that provoke contemplation and self-reflection.
- Effectively combines academic research, historical anecdotes, and personal narratives, creating a compelling and thought-provoking read.
Best quote from Happiness
The great goal of the century, it was expressed time and again. Does not everyone have the right to happiness?
—Darrin M. McMahon
Who should read Happiness?
- History students
- Philosophy students
- Anyone interested in the cultural history of happiness
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Happiness FAQs
What is the main message of Happiness?
Happiness explores the history and myths surrounding the pursuit of happiness, offering insights into its complexities and the ways it shapes our lives.
How long does it take to read Happiness?
The reading time of Happiness varies, but it typically takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Happiness a good book? Is it worth reading?
Happiness is worth reading. It provides a thought-provoking examination of happiness throughout history, shedding light on its elusive nature.
Who is the author of Happiness?
Darrin M. McMahon is the author of Happiness.
What to read after Happiness?
If you're wondering what to read next after Happiness, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- How to Be a Leader by Plutarch
- What They Don’t Teach You at Harvard Business School by Mark H. McCormack
- 7 Business Habits That Drive High Performance by Nicholas S. Barnett
- The Paleo Manifesto by John Durant
- Happiness by Matthieu Ricard
- The Power of Ritual by Casper ter Kuile
- The Republic by Plato
- Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari
- On the Shortness of Life by Seneca
- What They Teach You at Harvard Business School by Philip Delves Broughton