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Happiness Is a Serious Problem: A Human Nature Repair Manual Audiobook
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(3.99) - 448 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
When you ask people about their most cherished values in life, “happiness” is always at the top of the list. But surprisingly few people claim real happiness. We seem to be completely satisfied with nothing, and indeed, there is little correlation between the circumstances of people’s lives and how happy they are.
In this book, lecturer, theologian, philosopher, and Los Angeles radio personality Dennis Prager ruminates on what makes happiness such a serious problem to solve. He discusses the difference between happiness and success and between happiness and fun and how to adjust our expectations of life. Prager maintains that insatiable human nature makes lasting happiness profoundly difficult to achieve but that nevertheless, it can be a reality. When happiness is treated with the same level of seriousness that people bring to life’s other tasks, it becomes immediately more tangible and thus achievable.
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"Good book that brings up a lot of valid points. I was already familiar with the idea that having our desires and expectations met gauges our happiness. However, It was good to review my hearts deepest desires and if my expectations in life are realistic. My only qualm with this book is that the author doesn't use a lot of studies or scientific evidence to back up his ideas. Although I agree with most of what he says, I think it would add more umph to his arguments."
— Jill (4 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“Astonishing…Anyone who feels unhappy more than he would like will benefit from reading this book.”
— Wall Street Journal -
“Prager’s latest book challenges readers to realize that they—not any outside force—are the greatest obstacle to happiness.”
— Los Angeles Times -
“[A] unique blend of self-help and moral philosophy…if you’re willing to put some thought into achieving a happier outlook, you will find plenty to mull over in Happiness Is a Serious Problem.”
— Amazon.com Review -
“Prager has developed a surprising following in today’s soundbite media culture. Supporters praise his earnest tone, nonideological opinions, and insistence that his audience think deeply about serious issues…A fine choice for all public libraries where self-help books are popular.”
— Library Journal
Happiness Is a Serious Problem Listener Reviews
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" I love Dennis Prager, but whoever is reading this book is almost monotonal. I’m struggling to listen to points and understand the teachings. There is little inflection. It’s like listening to The How’d They Make That TV series. Im so disappointed. Please listen to a trailer before buying! "
— C Williams , 5/24/2022 -
" Mr. Prager’s Subject is an interesting one and his description of the dilemma is very good. His solution... is not so successful. Our insatiable desire for Happiness has really only one Complete and Fulfilling solution. A relationship with God, Our Creator, thru a real & personal connection with his Son, Jesus. With it, your life can deal, with.....anything. Anything. Through that relationship, the hole in our existence that we ALL experience, ceases to exist. With that, our short time here can be seen through the prism of Hope and Happiness, that was always meant for it. The solution, while simple, is not easy, but with sincere effort, achievable. The solution, has been there for the taking, all along. "
— Charles Wasserott IV, 3/28/2018 -
" Dennis Prager is one of my favorite talk radio guys. This is a very good, insightful and helpful book, showing how and why one can and should be happy. "
— Phyllis, 2/18/2014 -
" essential guide to life... that is, if you want to be happy. "
— Violet, 2/16/2014 -
" Easy read, and found that some stuff was right on "the serenity prayer." Some things I thought he was nuts. I also found that he left so things out, like when he was talking about how god allows unjust suffering. He fails to mention how the evil rules over us on earth. "
— •*•.suprasixxcinco.•*•, 2/15/2014 -
" I didn't actually finish this when I read it, but it had great perspectives on how to be happy. I love listening to Dennis Prager's "Happiness Hour" at 10am every Friday when I can catch it. Great topics on happiness. And I love when he sings the Happy Hour song hehe :P "
— Mindy, 2/9/2014 -
" This was an amazing book with such a helpful philosophy of life that is life changing. "
— Shemaiah, 1/31/2014 -
" Human nature is the greatest obstacle to happiness, and it is the obligation of each of us to battle ourselves in the effort to meet our obligation to all others that we be happy. "
— Steven, 1/21/2014 -
" This was fantastic. "
— Katina, 1/18/2014 -
" Prager very openly and easily lays out potential barriers to attaining the happiness we all desire in life. He does not pretend that these barriers can be overcome without any degree of sometimes very hard work, but show what an openminded and observant life has taught him on the subject. "
— Mike, 12/6/2013 -
" Teaches you how to be happy, and the traps humans set for themselves which result in feeling unhappy "
— Hensley, 11/15/2013 -
" This book changed my life. "
— Julie, 10/30/2013 -
" This is an enlightening book showing how happiness is not just an emotion, it is an obligation. Dennis Prager approaches the subject using common sense and the understanding that God wants what is best for all of us. "
— Noelle, 9/25/2013 -
" Ehhhh decent but not as good as I thought... "
— Caitlin, 9/11/2013 -
" If I read a self help type book and don't HAVE to own it, it's not worth it. "
— Jill, 8/25/2013 -
" Some worthwhile thoughts to think about I liked it "
— Sparkle, 5/8/2013 -
" A book everyone should read...go ahead give it a try! "
— Amie, 4/23/2013 -
" read it as part of my dad/sisters fascination with happiness books at the time. Similar thoughts as Stumbling Upon Happiness..oversimplifies but makes you think "
— Lara, 4/4/2013 -
" Everyone should read this book. "
— Roxy, 11/26/2012 -
" There were a few points I disagreed with, but overall, it was a really interesting, helpful read. I feel happier already. "
— Alina, 9/9/2012 -
" Insightful and practical. A better speaker than writer. "
— Griff, 6/25/2012 -
" I loved this, and would put some quotes here... The end of the book had some things I disagreed with, but the rest was great! A fun read and an interesting and thought-provoking one. "
— Jeanne, 3/17/2012 -
" I would actually give this books 4.5 stars because while most of it is amazing, there were a few chapters near the end that I found less meaningful. I really need to reread this short book every year to give myself perspective on what is important in life and how to strive to achieve happiness. "
— Jill, 3/6/2012 -
" A wonderful thought provoking analysis on what REALLY makes us happy. I like his observations and wry humor. I also like his assertion that to lead a religious life gives deeper meaning and purpose unlike the voices we often hear in the current public media. I heartily recommend this book!! "
— Stephanie, 2/26/2012 -
" Prager is both a genius AND wise. Good simple sense that leads to a happier, more fulfilled life. I'd love for everyone to read this. My only complaint is that the narrator of the audiobook isn't the author. "
— Tara, 1/17/2012 -
" This is a self-help book: attitudinal. It has some good points (19 that I listed out) "
— Tamhack, 11/3/2011 -
" Some people criticize this book because they feel like it says be happy with what you have and don't try to change it. But I got so much more out of it. Setting aside expectations can be a key to happiness. I thought it was a great message for a world full of people with entitlement issues. "
— Cinnamon, 6/24/2011 -
" I underlined so many places in this book! Excellent read!<br/> "
— Thebarrys10, 5/10/2011 -
" Easy read, and found that some stuff was right on "the serenity prayer." Some things I thought he was nuts. I also found that he left so things out, like when he was talking about how god allows unjust suffering. He fails to mention how the evil rules over us on earth. "
— •*•.suprasixxcinco.•*•, 2/28/2011 -
" Prager is both a genius AND wise. Good simple sense that leads to a happier, more fulfilled life. I'd love for everyone to read this. My only complaint is that the narrator of the audiobook isn't the author. "
— Tara, 1/6/2011 -
" Dennis Prager is one of my favorite talk radio guys. This is a very good, insightful and helpful book, showing how and why one can and should be happy. "
— Phyllis, 4/22/2010 -
" Ehhhh decent but not as good as I thought... "
— Caitlin, 4/17/2010 -
" Insightful and practical. A better speaker than writer. "
— Griff, 11/14/2009 -
" This is a self-help book: attitudinal. It has some good points (19 that I listed out) "
— Tamhack, 10/31/2009 -
" This is an enlightening book showing how happiness is not just an emotion, it is an obligation. Dennis Prager approaches the subject using common sense and the understanding that God wants what is best for all of us. "
— Noelle, 10/28/2009 -
" I loved this, and would put some quotes here... The end of the book had some things I disagreed with, but the rest was great! A fun read and an interesting and thought-provoking one. "
— Jeanne, 10/14/2009 -
" read it as part of my dad/sisters fascination with happiness books at the time. Similar thoughts as Stumbling Upon Happiness..oversimplifies but makes you think "
— Lara, 8/17/2009
About Dennis Prager
Dennis Prager is one of America’s most respected thinkers and radio talk-show hosts and the author of seven books. Called by the New York Jewish Week “one of the three most interesting minds in Jewish life today,” he is as respected by non-Jews, especially Christians, as by Jews. In addition to his nationally syndicated daily three-hour talk show, Prager has lectured around the world and in forty-five of the fifty states. He was a Fellow at Columbia University’s School of International Affairs, where he did graduate work at the Middle East and Russian Institutes. He has made three short films on values and produced the documentary Israel in a Time of Terror. He also conducts orchestras in California and has introduced many thousands of people to classical music.
About Jeff Riggenbach
Jeff Riggenbach (1947-2021) narrated numerous titles for Blackstone Audio and won an AudioFile Earphones Award. An author, contributing editor, and producer, he worked in radio in San Francisco for more than thirty years, earning a Golden Mike Award for journalistic excellence.