In this unique blend of self-help and moral philosophy, talk-radio host Dennis Prager asserts that we're actually obligated to be happy, because it makes us better people. Achieving that happiness won't be easy, though: to Prager, it requires a continuing process of counting your blessings and giving up any expectations that life is supposed to be wonderful. "Can we decide to be satisfied with what we have?" he asks. "A poor man who can make himself satisfied with his portion will be happier than a wealthy man who does not allow himself to be satisfied." Prager echoes many conservative political commentators in complaining that too many people today see themselves as victims; he submits that the only way to achieve your desires is to take responsibility for your life rather than blaming others. Whether or not you agree with that view, 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.


From Library Journal
A popular lecturer, Los Angeles radio personality, and former TV talk-show host, 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. Detractors accuse him of sloppy thinking, intellectual pretentions, and a kind of benevolent, patronizing conservatism. Both sides of Prager are in evidence in his latest offering (after Think a Second Time, ReganBooks, 1995), in which he uses the pursuit of happiness as a central motif but generally instructs in the modern art of self-improvement. The 31 short chapters, with titles like "Find the Positive," "Seeing Yourself as a Victim," and "Psychotherapy and Religion," are more like separate essays, often disconnected and occasionally repetitive. But taken individually, they are cogent, complete, and preach a nonreligious yet morally guided moderation that should appeal across a wide range of patron groups. A fine choice for all public libraries where self-help books are popular.?Eric Bryant, "Library Journal"Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.


The Wall Street Journal
"Astonishing... anyone who feels unhappy more than he would like will benefit from reading this book" "(Prager) has an astonishing ability to state simle truths we hadn't heard articulated before, at least not so clearly, in a way that makes their truthfulness immediately and powerfully obvious."



"...a cogent and thoughtful examination on why human beings have a moral obligation to be happy."


From AudioFile
L.A. radio host, lecturer and theologian Dennis Prager has developed a philosophy he shares with thousands of people: Happiness is the most desired value in life. In seminar format he explains why people don't usually feel that happiness is attainable and provides insights and techniques for achieving this goal. Prager's accent gives the impression of a streetwise guy with a lot of common sense. This image should not mislead the listener into underestimating his ability. Convincing and prophetic, Prager's detailed program may require a "double" listen to ensure long-term benefits. B.J.P. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine



"Prager's latest book challenges readers to realize that they--not any outside force--are the greatest obstacle to happiness."


Rabbi Harold Kushner, author of When Bad Things Happen to Good People
"There is perhaps no more important task for a person that the research for happiness, and no more reliable guide in that quest than Dennis Prager."


Los Angeles Times
"Prager's latest book challenges readers to realize that theynot any outside forceare the greatest obstacle to happiness."


The Wall Street Journal
"...[Prager] has an astonishing ability to state simple truths we hadn't heard articulated before, at least not so clearly, in a way that makes their truthfulness immediately and powerfully obvious."


USA Today
"...a cogent and thoughtful examination on why human beings have a moral obligation to be happy."


Book Description
We are completely satisfied with nothing There is little correlation between the circumstances of people's lives and how happy they are. This is the repair manual we should have been handed at birth When you ask people about their most cherished values in life, "happiness" is always at the top of the list. However, unhappiness does not seem to be the exceptional order to be happy, we first have to battle ourselves. Happiness is an obligation--to yourself and to others Not only do we have a right to be happy, we have an obligation to be happy. Our happiness has an effect on the lives of everyone around us--it provides them with a positive environment in which to thrive and to be happy themselves.


About the Author
ennis Prager is the author of four books, including the critically acclaimed Think a Second Time and The Prager Perspective, a newsletter on life's great issues. The host of The Dennis Prager Show on L.A.'s KABC radio, he has been called "an amazingly gifted man and moralist" by the The Los Angeles Times.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

“There is perhaps no more important task for a person than the search for happiness, and no more reliable guide in that quest than Dennis Prager and Happiness Is A Serious Problem.” - Rabbi Harold Kushner, author of When Bad Things Happen To Good People*

“In all my studies of happiness, one of the most significant conclusions I have drawn is that there is little correlation between the circumstances of people's lives and how happy they are.”

Here's the Repair Manual We Should Have Been Handed at Birth. When you ask people about their most cherished values in life, “happiness” is always at the top of the list. However, unhappiness does not seem to be the exception in contemporary society'it's practically the rule. Why? Because human nature is insatiable. In order to be happy, we first have to battle ourselves.

In Happiness Is a Serious Problem, Dennis Prager provides you with a lifetime's worth of insights and techniques for beating human nature. He teaches you how to repair the problem spots in your nature and how to find lasting happiness.

Attain Happiness by Understanding It.

How can we overcome our insatiable natures? Using real life examples, Prager helps you understand the difference between what will make you personally happy and what others have convinced you will make you happy, and he shows how to isolate and repair these false assumptions.

Happiness Is a Habit.

Prager teaches you how to shockproof your happiness against the inevitable trials of a profoundly difficult world. From establishing a sense of meaning and purpose to your life to letting happiness be a by-product of other pursuits, Prager gives you the toolsand strategies you'll need to make your happiness last.

Happiness Is an Obligation'to Yourself and to Others.

Not only do we have a right to be happy, we have an obligation to be happy. Our happiness has an effect on the lives of everyone around us'it provides them with a positive environment in which to thrive and to be happy themselves.\

￯﾿ﾽ“Ask any child what it was like to grow up with an unhappy parent, or ask parents what daily pain they suffer if they have an unhappy child,” argues Prager. “It then becomes obvious why happiness is a moral obligation.”

Read by Dennis Prager.

Author Biography: ennis Prager is the author of four books, including the critically acclaimed Think a Second Time and The Prager Perspective, a newsletter on life's great issues. The host of The Dennis Prager Show on L.A.'s KABC radio, he has been called "an amazingly gifted man and moralist" by the The Los Angeles Times.

FROM THE CRITICS

Los Angeles Times

Prager's latest book challenges readers to realize that they—not any outside force—are the greatest obstacle to happiness.

Wall Street Journal

...[Prager] has an astonishing ability to state simple truths we hadn't heard articulated before, at least not so clearly, in a way that makes their truthfulness immediately and powerfully obvious.

USA Today

...a cogent and thoughtful examination on why human beings have a moral obligation to be happy.

Library Journal

A popular lecturer, Los Angeles radio personality, and former TV talk-show host, 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. Detractors accuse him of sloppy thinking, intellectual pretentions, and a kind of benevolent, patronizing conservatism. Both sides of Prager are in evidence in his latest offering (after Think a Second Time, ReganBooks, 1995), in which he uses the pursuit of happiness as a central motif but generally instructs in the modern art of self-improvement. The 31 short chapters, with titles like "Find the Positive," "Seeing Yourself as a Victim," and "Psychotherapy and Religion," are more like separate essays, often disconnected and occasionally repetitive. But taken individually, they are cogent, complete, and preach a nonreligious yet morally guided moderation that should appeal across a wide range of patron groups. A fine choice for all public libraries where self-help books are popular.Eric Bryant, "Library Journal"

AudioFile - Bonnie J. Powell

L.A. radio host, lecturer and theologian Dennis Prager has developed a philosophy he shares with thousands of people: Happiness is the most desired value in life. In seminar format he explains why people don￯﾿ﾽt usually feel that happiness is attainable and provides insights and techniques for achieving this goal. Prager￯﾿ﾽs accent gives the impression of a streetwise guy with a lot of common sense. This image should not mislead the listener into underestimating his ability. Convincing and prophetic, Prager￯﾿ﾽs detailed program may require a double listen to ensure long-term benefits. B.J.P. ￯﾿ﾽAudioFile, Portland, Maine

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

"This is one of those rare books so dense with compelling insight that every page will likely give pause for reflection. (Prager's writing) is unfailingly clear, and expert at demystifying the brew of emotions, desires and thoughts that impair our ability to understand ourselves."  — HarperCollins