Happy

Why More or Less Everything Is Absolutely Fine

By: Derren Brown

Narrated by: Derren Brown

Brought to you by Penguin.

The audiobook edition of Happy, read by Derren Brown.

Everyone says they want to be happy. But that's much more easily said than done. What does being happy actually mean? And how do you even know when you feel it?

In Happy Derren Brown explores changing concepts of happiness - from the surprisingly modern wisdom of the Stoics and Epicureans in classical times right up until today, when the self-help industry has attempted to claim happiness as its own. He shows how many of self-help’s suggested routes to happiness and success – such as positive thinking, self-belief and setting goals – can be disastrous to follow and, indeed, actually cause anxiety.

Happy aims to reclaim happiness and to enable us to appreciate the good things in life, in all their transient glory. By taking control of the stories we tell ourselves, by remembering that ‘everything’s fine’ even when it might not feel that way, we can allow ourselves to flourish and to live more happily.

©2016 Derren Brown (P)2018 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"Deeply informative, moving, wise and full of love." (Alain de Botton)

"Crammed with wisdom and insight.... I'm going to recommend it to everyone I know." (Stephen Fry)

"Witty, useful and beautifully written." (The Sunday Times)

Enjoyable and honest.

A frank and honest walk through Derrins past and learned ideas of stoicism, a real pleasure to listen to his musings of life, death and learning to just let things go.

Such an amazing author…

This book,like Mr. Brown’s other work with mentalism and magic, creates an experiences that took me to inner reflection and awareness. He threads in a valuable history lesson of relevant philosophy and literature amidst his stories. Thank you, Darren Brown. I hope to share this book with those I care about.

A masterwork excellently read by its author

Life will end. You, me, my children, everyone we love and care about as well as all Homo sapiens will die. Brown successfully explains that it's through the stories we tell ourselves that we can happily live. Calling heavily upon the lessons of the Stoics, Brown narrates the tale that is our existence.

Funny, valuable, and genuine.

Derren Brown carefully explores what it means to be happy -- and whether or not that's enough. His philosophy may not be his own, but it strikes a resonant & necessary chord in a world obsessed with bleakness and catastrophe. A phenomenal book about one of the most fundamental human emotions.

Good summary and perspective of the western philosophy towards “happiness”

If you are looking for a western perspective of philosophies of happiness, acceptance and all things stoic then this is a great book. I would recommend it to anyone that is interested in a good summary of what western man has philosophize around the meaning of life, luck and happiness. Darren does appear to enjoy the performance too, making the listening never dull.

Great listen.

This book actually gave me the chills. I’ve recommended to allot of friends. Derren is a pleasure to listen to and shows a lot of insights that is easily (?) incorporates it to my own personal life.

I believe this is my first review, and I’m a long time listener so me taking the extra effort to rate and review speaks for it self 😊

A God amongst insects

Derren Brown’s unapologetic ability to express himself, which is truly awesome considering what a bad motherfucker he is, articulating some of my deepest ponderances in such clear and elegant ways truly impresses. I could tangibly feel this book de-clutter and simplify my mind. His reading this work of his makes it all the more enjoyable. Listen, and be amazed.

Wonderful reading!

Derren has a British twang that peaks your ears and makes the audio a comely delight. Interesting philosophical take that applies to modern day applicable thinking. Enjoyed this a lot, thanks Derren!

Superb. Highly recommended.

Thank you Derren for this beautifully written collection of thoughts, structured and read in such a way that even simple souls like myself can extract so much from so few pages.

LoveeeeEEEF. Wtf is happiness? Derren reveals

A delicate blend of psychology, philosophy& personal anecdotes. This book helps us to understand ourselves