About the Author

Todd Kashdan is a recognized authority on personality, wellbeing and social relationships. He has published more than 150 scholarly articles and trains professionals to become emotionally and socially agile. He has been honored with the Faculty Member of the Year at George Mason University and the 2013 Distinguished Scientific Early Career Award from the American Psychological Association. His work has been featured in several media outlets, including the New York Times and the Washington Post.

Robert Biswas-Diener is a world expert on positive psychology. He has published more than 40 scholarly articles, has trained thousands of professionals on six continents, and sits on the editorial boards of the Journal of Happiness Studies and the Journal of Positive Psychology.

Reviews

'[A] well-researched and highly fact-based read'.

* The Glass House *

'A really cleverly packaged, quite brilliant idea... the ultimate end of January read'

-- Alexandra Heminsley * Radio 2 *

'Entertaining and informative'

* Press Association *

'Rather good.. may entice you into reclaiming your dark side'

* The Times *

'A new way of thinking'

* The Sun *

'The perfect manual for someone waking up on a January morning'

* Independent on Sunday *

'A highly refreshing alternative to the idea that one must pursue happiness at all costs.'

-- Kelly McGonigal, author of The Willpower Instinct

'Essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the hidden elements of a happy, fulfilling, engaged life.'

-- Gretchen Rubin, bestselling author of The Happiness Project

'I feel like I have five new superpowers after reading this book. The dark side does indeed have an upside - and this book teaches us how to harness it, so we can truly lead more heroic and purposeful lives.'

-- Jane McGonigal, author of Reality Is Broken

'With verve, humour, solid research, and lots of examples, the authors cut through prevailing myths about happiness to show what actually creates a fulfilling, contributing life. Brave, bold, and brilliant.'

-- Rick Hanson, author of Buddha's Brain

'At long last, here's a book on why happiness can make us sad and mindfulness might be overrated. If you haven't read it yet, you should feel guilty - and it turns out that will be good for you.'

-- Adam Grant, author of Give and Take

'Full of scientific research yet laugh-out-loud funny, this book is a must read. The authors turn everything on its head - questioning the wisdom of positive psychology and the pursuit of happiness - all in order to help us flourish and be happy!'

-- Kristin Neff, author of Self-Compassion