The Happy Mind Book Summary - The Happy Mind Book explained in key points
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The Happy Mind summary

Kevin Horsley Louis Fourie

A Simple Guide to Living a Happier Life Starting Today

4.5 (275 ratings)
24 mins

Brief summary

The Happy Mind by Kevin Horsley and Louis Fourie explores the science of happiness and teaches readers practical ways to cultivate joy in their lives. It offers insights and tools to help readers shift their mindset towards positivity and develop healthy habits for a happy mind.

Table of Contents

    The Happy Mind
    Summary of 9 key ideas

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    Key idea 1 of 9

    Many people believe that happiness depends on external factors, but it doesn’t.

    If someone asked you to define happiness, what would you say? Most of us assume we know what happiness is, but, if we stop to think about it, the concept becomes fuzzy. Let’s take a closer look to see if we can pin down what it is, as well as what it isn’t. 

    One common misconception is that happiness depends on external factors, such as material goods or events. People tend to associate happiness with nouns, like cars, vacation destinations and sexual partners, or moments in time that mark a personal or professional triumph. 

    What all these things have in common is that they provide only temporary moments of pleasure. As a result, people develop the impression that their happiness is tied to other people, or to whether or not a future event will occur. 

    This isn’t ideal, because, when your happiness is inextricably linked to external factors, you have no control over your happiness in the here and now.

    You don’t have to look too hard to see that this arrangement doesn’t bode well for sustainable good cheer. In fact, the more you turn to external sources for happiness, the less happy you’ll be.

    For millennia, people have lived under the misguided assumption that they can buy happiness, if only they had enough money. Yet there are numerous studies that show that wealthy people are just as miserable as anyone else.

    When the average person sets out to gain money, they do so to buy all the luxury items they associate with the good life: big houses, fancy cars, massive TVs and stereos. But these things don’t just fail to bring lasting happiness, they also end up putting people into debt. The resulting financial pressure can easily send a person spiraling into more anxiety and depression than they had before they bought all their fancy toys.

    But money isn’t the only thing people mistake for being a source of happiness – as we’ll see in the next blink. 

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    What is The Happy Mind about?

    The Happy Mind (2017) explores the misconceptions and realities surrounding that elusive thing we all long for: happiness. Authors Kevin Horsley and Louis Fourie explain why, despite having centuries of practice, humans still look for happiness in the wrong places and find only unhappiness in the pursuit of material riches. They also provide a practical plan that can help anyone get on the right track for a happy and more fulfilling life.

    The Happy Mind Review

    The Happy Mind by Kevin Horsley and Louis Fourie (2021) is a book that explores practical strategies for cultivating happiness and well-being in our lives. Here's why this book is worth reading:

    • Full of concrete techniques and exercises, it offers actionable advice on improving our mental state and overall happiness.
    • By drawing on scientific research and real-life examples, the book provides a convincing case for adopting a positive mindset.
    • With its engaging tone and relatable stories, it avoids being dry or monotonous, ensuring an enjoyable reading experience.

    Best quote from The Happy Mind

    While trying to find yourself in things, you may end up losing yourself in things. – Eckhart Tolle

    —Kevin Horsley and Louis Fourie
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    Who should read The Happy Mind?

    • People struggling with depression
    • Students of human behavior
    • Anyone seeking more happiness

    About the Author

    Kevin Horsley is an in-demand coach, consultant and speaker who assists companies with boosting motivation and improving their creative thinking and learning processes. Thanks to his multiple victories in championship memory tournaments around the world, he also holds the title of International Grandmaster of Memory. 

    Louis Fourie is an award-winning economist who has spent years researching and exploring the topic of happiness together with his close friend Kevin Horsley. He spent much of his career in South Africa and had received the South Africa’s Economist of the Year award.

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    The Happy Mind FAQs 

    What is the main message of The Happy Mind?

    The main message of The Happy Mind is to cultivate happiness by training our minds and focusing on positive thoughts.

    How long does it take to read The Happy Mind?

    The reading time for The Happy Mind varies depending on reading speed. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is The Happy Mind a good book? Is it worth reading?

    The Happy Mind is a valuable read for anyone seeking happiness. The book provides practical techniques to improve your mental well-being.

    Who is the author of The Happy Mind?

    The authors of The Happy Mind are Kevin Horsley and Louis Fourie.

    What to read after The Happy Mind?

    If you're wondering what to read next after The Happy Mind, here are some recommendations we suggest:
    • Happy Ever After by Paul Dolan
    • Joyful by Ingrid Fetell Lee
    • Happy Accidents by David Ahearn
    • Words on the Move by John McWhorter
    • Rewire by Nicole Vignola
    • Focal Point by Brian Tracy
    • Love and Rage by Lama Rod Owens
    • Red Flags, Green Flags by Ali Fenwick
    • Who Will Cry When You Die? by Robin Sharma
    • The Art of Letting Go by Nick Trenton