Author:Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
What really makes us feel glad to be alive? This classic work of psychology from world-renowned psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi is your essential guide to unlocking a happier, more fulfilling state of being.
'[He] has done more than anyone else to study this state of effortless attending' ? Daniel Kahneman, author of Thinking, Fast and Slow
'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 New York Times
'Elegantly written ... it is more relevant than ever' The Times
'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
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Control of consciousness determines the quality of life
Combining over 40 years of ground-breaking research with practical advice, world-renowned psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi reveals the key to optimal experience: flow.
Arguing that the human brain is most happy when engaged in the meaningful pursuit of a goal - anything from sport to learning a language, from enjoyable work to practising music - he demonstrates that the need to concentrate and lose yourself in the moment is the key to finding inner peace, happiness and order in the midst of our chaotic lives.
[He] has done more than anyone else to study this state of effortless attending
—— Daniel Kahneman, author of Thinking, Fast and SlowElegantly written...it is more relevant than ever
—— The TimesMr 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 New York TimesThe Eureka Factor is a highly engaging and informative look into the fascinating topic of sudden creative insights. Kounios and Beeman convincingly show that what once seemed like a mysterious feature of the human mind is yielding to dramatic advances in psychology and neuroscience. Combining state-of-the-art research with compelling everyday examples, this book is essential reading for anyone who has ever wondered what makes it possible to experience an 'Aha' moment.
—— Daniel L. Schacter, William R. Kenan, Jr. Professor of Psychology, Harvard University, and author of The Seven Sins of Memory: How the Mind Forgets and RemembersThe Eureka Factor presents a fascinating and illuminating account of the creative process and how to foster it.
—— James J. Heckman, Nobel laureate in economicsA very good book about insights..Konuious and Beeman are good storytellers. I love the one about the firefighter in a bush fire.
—— Evening StandardInfluential and eloquent.
—— Jewish ChronicleIf you read but one book this year, Dr Frankl's book should be that one.
—— Los Angeles Timesa great book...if you need to be reminded that there is value to be discovered in experiences when they seem nothing but pointless and painful, and choices to be made when you think you have none, I'd recommend it
—— Lauren LaverneCaptivating...fascinating...His answer to the questions “Nature or nurture?” is both. If that sounds like a hedge, it isn’t: instead, it’s a testament to the author’s close attention to nuance.
—— New York TimesIntelligently, rigorously and politely debunks the "10,000 hours" myth
—— Ed Smith , New StatesmanPerhaps the most fascinating book of the year... Absorbing and full of fascinating detail
—— Chris Maume , IndependentThis subtle, enthralling study by the Sports Illustrated writer avoids making excessive claims for genetics
—— Financial TimesDavid Epstein's The Sports Gene has a discussion that badly needs to happen at all levels in sport; about the relationships between talent, genetics, practice and success in sport
—— Dave MacLeod , ScotsmanRespect is due to Epstein…for injecting some objectivity into the debate with his gripping new tome
—— David Bradford , Cycling ActiveThe Sports Gene offers a fascinating insight into the topic of nature v nurture…a great read
—— Jason Henderson , Athletics WeeklyA welcome corrective to those who have deliberately underplayed the notion that genetic makeup is relevant
—— OldieAn illuminating read
—— SportFascinating
—— Rick Broadbent , The TimesWell written and contains important research, and has some wonderful anecdotes
—— Matthew Syed , The TimesThe most intriguing sports books of the year, and possibly the best-researched
—— Irish ExaminerAn enjoyable mixture of easily digestible science, anecdote and argument
—— Michael Beloff , Times Literary SupplementThis is a book to counter the 10,000-hour rule popularised by Malcolm Gladwell
—— Mark Gallagher , Daily MailIn a book packed with fascinating anecdotes, it’s hard to pick out highlights … If sport is a passion, The Sports Gene is required reading
—— The ScoreHighly entertaining and enlightening
—— Brandon Robshaw , Independent on SundayThe Sports Gene does not try to simplify the nature vs nurture argument, but it does provide a welcome corrective to those who have underplayed the notion that genetic make-up is relevant
—— The TimesEpstein explores this territory with canny verve
—— William Leith , Evening StandardInteresting reading
—— Alastair Mabbott , HeraldDazzling and illuminating
—— Richard Moore , GuardianEpstein is too respectful of the complexity of his subject matter to leap to any grand conclusions. The book was conceived partially as a rebuttal to glib theorising, and it is all the more fascinating as a result
—— Ken Early , Irish TimesFascinating from start to finish
—— Amanda Khouv , Women's FitnessEpstein forces us to rethink the very nature of athleticism
—— GrrlScientist , GuardianLooks at the science of extraordinary athletic performance.
—— Adam Whitehead , Daily TelegraphCaptivating… Dazzling and illuminating
—— Richard Moore , GuardianEpstein is not afraid to follow science in “trekking deep into the bramble patches of sensitive topics like gender and race"
—— ChoiceCaptivating… In a particularly fascinating chapter, Epstein investigates an old theory that purports to explain why Jamaica produces so many Olympic sprinters
—— Christie Ashwanden , Scotsman