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Flow

The Psychology of Happiness
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( 82,696 ratings, 4,392 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi explores the concept of achieving a state of optimal experience where one is fully immersed and engaged in activities. The book delves into the psychology behind this state, often referred to as "flow," and provides insights on how individuals can harness and cultivate it in their lives for greater fulfilment and happiness.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you are interested in exploring the psychology behind optimal experiences and finding ways to achieve a state of flow in your daily life. It provides insights on how to enhance your work, creativity, and overall well-being by fully immersing yourself in enjoyable and productive activities.

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Flow

His studies revealed that what makes experience genuinely satisfying is 'flow' - a state of concentration so focused that it amounts to complete absorption in an activity and results in the achievement of a perfect state of happiness.

This classic popular psychology title explains how, by altering our perspective, we can achieve happiness, dispel disharmony and enter a state of perfect equilibrium - a state of 'flow'

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi is a transformative exploration into the experiences that make life truly fulfilling. This seminal work delves into the psychology of optimal experience, explaining how, by altering our focus and perspective, we can achieve a state of perfect equilibrium known as 'flow'. In this state, individuals are completely immersed in an activity, experiencing deep enjoyment, creativity, and a total involvement with life.

What truly makes us feel alive and deeply satisfied? Csikszentmihalyi's groundbreaking research over forty years unveils that the human brain is at its happiest when engaged in meaningful pursuits, whether it be sports, learning new languages, enjoying one's work, or playing music. By concentrating and losing oneself in the moment, we can find inner peace, happiness, and a sense of order amidst the chaos of our daily lives.

Esteemed psychologist Daniel Kahneman, author of Thinking, Fast and Slow, states that Csikszentmihalyi "has done more than anyone else to study this state of effortless attending". According to The New York Times, "Mr Csikszentmihalyi illuminates the accuracy of what philosophers have been saying for centuries – that the way to happiness lies not in mindless hedonism but in mindful challenge." The Times lauds the book as "elegantly written ... it is more relevant than ever".

Readers have echoed these sentiments with glowing reviews:

"Enlightening, thought-provoking, relevant" -- * Reader review

"I actually struggled to put it down" -- * Reader review

"It will definitely help me structure and control my mind better" -- * Reader review

"If you are searching to add meaning to your life, or to gain more enjoyment from the life that you have, reading this book is a must" -- * Reader review

Combining detailed case studies, practical advice, and insightful analysis, Flow reveals that by focusing our consciousness on what we are doing, we can determine the quality of our lives. This timeless work doesn't just highlight the theory behind flow but also provides actionable steps and wisdom to help anyone integrate this state into their daily life, leading to greater happiness and fulfilment.

Immerse yourself in Flow and discover the transformative power of this optimal state of being. Whether seeking to enhance personal well-being or professional productivity, this classic book offers essential insights into harnessing the full potential of the human mind.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi is praised for its exploration of the state of effortless attention and its relevance today. It highlights that true happiness stems from mindful challenges rather than mindless indulgence. The book’s insights align with philosophical thoughts on leading a fulfilling life.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780712657594

Publisher: Ebury Publishing

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 01 August 2002

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Rider & Co

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 28.0mm

Width: 134.0mm

Height: 214.0mm

Weight: 320g

Pages: 320

About the Author

Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi was Claremont Graduate University's Distinguished Professor of Psychology and Management, and former chairman of the Department of Psychology at the University of Chicago. For the past thirty years, up until he died in 2021, he was involved in research on topics related to optimal experience or "flow." He was the author of 18 books, which have been translated into more than 20 languages. Interest in his work outside academia has been shown by substantial articles in Psychology Today, the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Chicago Tribune, Omni, Die Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Focus, Newsweek, and others. Dr. Csikszentmihalyi was a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the National Academy of Education, the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, and the National Academy of Leisure Sciences. He was a Senior Fulbright Fellow and sat on several boards, including the Board of Advisers for the Encyclopaedia Britannica. He appeared on a number of foreign television networks, such as the BBC and RAI (Italian television), and took part in several hourlong segments of "Nova".

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