The Antidote: Happiness for People Who Can't Stand Positive Thinking
256
Book • Nonfiction
2010s
2012
Adult
18+ years
In The Antidote: Happiness for People Who Can't Stand Positive Thinking, Oliver Burkeman explores the pursuit of happiness through unconventional means, emphasizing person-first approaches. The text critiques traditional positive thinking, drawing on philosophy, psychology, and history to examine how embracing uncertainty and accepting negative experiences can lead to a more fulfilling life.
Informative
Contemplative
Challenging
Bittersweet
Humorous
18,311 ratings
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The Antidote: Happiness for People Who Can't Stand Positive Thinking by Oliver Burkeman offers a refreshing take on happiness, challenging conventional positivity. Readers appreciate its wit and philosophical depth but note its approach may not suit everyone seeking straightforward self-help solutions. The book successfully engages those open to exploring alternative perspectives on contentment.
Readers who enjoy The Antidote: Happiness for People Who Can't Stand Positive Thinking by Oliver Burkeman likely appreciate works like The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fck by Mark Manson, preferring pragmatic, counterintuitive approaches to self-help, and questioning conventional positivity in pursuit of genuine contentment.
18,311 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Oliver Burkeman, before writing The Antidote, was a columnist for The Guardian, known for his column "This Column Will Change Your Life," where he explored ideas about self-help, happiness, and productivity.
The book offers a counterintuitive approach to happiness, drawing inspiration from a variety of sources, including Stoic philosophy, which Burkeman explores during his visit to the birthplace of the ancient Stoic philosopher, Epictetus.
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The Antidote includes insights from diverse fields such as Buddhism and modern psychological research, emphasizing a balanced perspective on the pursuit of happiness beyond relentless positive thinking.
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256
Book • Nonfiction
2010s
2012
Adult
18+ years
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