Published by Darton, Longman & Todd, 2001, softcover, 203 pages, condition: as new.
In Made for Happiness, Jean Vanier offers an uplifting, contemporary, and practical application of philosophy to human needs and yearnings. Inviting readers to look with fresh eyes at theories of happiness written over two millennia ago, Vanier builds on the philosophical work of his youth as he examines the basis for modern moral philosophy and its role in people's lives today. The book uncovers useful links between psychology, spirituality, and morality: psychology helps readers face their fears and limitations; spirituality gives them strength; and morality helps them to choose the best actions - those that will increase their happiness, and thus their humanity. The combination of these paths to knowledge and wisdom gives meaning to people's lives and allows them to make the best use of their freedom on their way to that most elusive but always obtainable quality-happiness.
In Made for Happiness, Jean Vanier examines the basis for modern moral philosophy and its role in our lives today. Having discovered through his work with the intellectually disabled the degree to which our society is divided, and our values misplaced, Vanier invites us to read with fresh eyes theories of happiness written 2,400 years ago.
The book follows the links between psychology, spirituality, and morality: psychology helps us face our fears and limitations; spirituality gives us strength; and morality helps us to choose the best actions, those that will make us happier, and thus more human. The combination of these paths to knowledge and wisdom gives meaning to our lives and allows us to make the best use of our freedom on our way to happiness.
Lucidly written, Made for Happiness links classical thought to contemporary challenges, and nourishes the heart and mind. This new edition includes an introduction by Ian Brown.
This is one mans interpretation of a great philosophers work on how to be happy during Aristotles time. Its an easy piece to read, a bit dry, but well worth the effort. Vanier was an outcast or excluded member of society. He explains how Aristotles teacher was Plato and how Aristotle didnt agree with Platos theoretical spirituality teachings. I absolutely love how Aristotle feels that being human means becoming as perfectly accomplished as humanly possible in all aspects of lifeacademically, politically, scientifically, and personally. Achieving happiness is by committing humane actsby being good in all ways. We all have the potential to be good, but we must rise above those things that have the potential for bringing out the bad in us.
This book is thought provoking, easy to read (thank goodness), and very much so recommended by me. Its a great collectors book too with such a beautiful cover, not too thick and in paperback format. Overall, whether you agree with Vaniers interpretations, and Aristotles insights, you will find this read very interesting.
