~ By Martin Seligman 1991 Non-Fiction 292 pgs ~
A BOOK BLESSING -For Reading
M ay we observe the power of the words and thoughts we so daily speak, to ourselves and to others. The power of life, or agony of despair, grouped in the letters and brought together, shaped and formed by the beautiful red circle on our face, named the mouth.
WHATS IN THE BINDING? -Book In Summary
WHATS IN THE BINDING? -Book In Summary
T he cover may look deceiving, but inside this book is a wealth of information and study. Compiled over the stretch of 25 years of research, toil and effort, even reading scientific at times Learned Optimism is a frontier of personal development. Specifically helping to show and define optimism, pessimism, hope and hopelessness, courage and despair. Martin Seligman gives us new skills and new vocabulary to help us cut through the damaging thoughts and words many of us often daily have. Let us receive the gifts of new water, growth and sunshine. The key ingredients to healthy tulips.
PAGE LEAFING -Thoughts & Impressions
A lready I wonder and marvel at the personal expense my life would take had I not read this book. It gave me a recognition to an inner personal reality few hardly see. That of a more hardened pessimist! I previously had considered myself a fair optimist. And still do (in good wit and measure of course). However reading this book gave me a new vocabulary and toolset to discover the hidden thoughts and words conspiring against me.
I nside the book is a personality test that can be taken to measure your general levels of optimism and pessimism. This took a little time, but was quite a meditation and reflection. Sometimes the questionnaire format seems challenging or unfair, but don't let that detter you. By the end of the test you will already have learned much.
A lready I am considering adding a part II to this book review, after re-reading it. Because there was simply so much there. Some of the studies are so revealing, I nearly on occasion had to take a break from reading the book. In fact I must say this is not a quick read, but often time these kinds of books are more rewarding. Books can often be like that trip to the hardware store, you get what you pay for.
T he study done between the two swimmers on page 165, is one I have mentioned to at least a dozen people. I burst out loud with amazement when I read it.
T he optimism of children is tremendous! Wow. Something I had not spent so much time considering.
P articularly in our day and culture, it seems like there is a great lack of optimism and plentitude of pessimism. A news scanning would well verify that. And in fact in the book Martin Seligman, discovers a way of measuring and comparing different cultures levels of optimism and pessimism. This was a highly enlightening read, I am already planning on re-reading it.
TAKE FIVE -Book Samples
"Their is a tension between optimism and pessimism continually correcting each other."
"But neither optimism nor pessimism has a corner on bad manners... becoming an optimist consists not of learning to be more selfish and self-assertive, and to present yourself to others in overbearing ways, but simply of learning a set of skills about how to talk to yourself when you suffer a personal defeat."
"There is considerable evidence that depressed people, though sadder are wiser."
"As we have see, the pessimist gives up and falls into depression. Because of his resilence, the optimist achieves more at work, at school, and on the playing field. The optimist has better physical health and may even live longer. Americans want optimists to lead them."
PAIRS WELL WITH -Resources
S inging: this is a great interview with Bobby McFarrin about the beauty & power of song.
