In this national bestseller -- Martin Seligman's most stimulating, persuasive book to date -- the acclaimed
author of Learned Optimism introduces yet another revolutionary idea. Drawing on groundbreaking scientific research,
Seligman shows how Positive Psychology is shifting the profession's paradigm away from its narrow-minded focus
on pathology, victimology, and mental illness to positive emotion and mental health. Happiness, studies show, is
not the result of good genes or luck. It can be cultivated by identifying and nurturing traits that we already
possess -- including kindness, originality, humor, optimism, and generosity.
Seligman provides the tools you need in order to ascertain your most positive traits or strengths. Then he explains
how, by frequently calling upon these "signature strengths" in all the crucial realms of life -- health,
relationships, career -- you will not only develop natural buffers against misfortune and negative emotion, but
also achieve new and sustainable levels of authentic contentment, gratification, and meaning.