bertrand russell essay the conquest of happiness pdf

Bertrand Russell : The Conquest of Happiness, 1930 (Full Text)

bertrand russell essay the conquest of happiness pdf

Part I: Causes of Unhappiness

Chapter 1: what makes people unhappy.

A mark in every face I meet, Marks of weakness, marks of woe,

Chapter 2: Byronic Unhappiness

There's not a joy the world can give like that it takes away, When the glow of early thought declines in feeling's dull decay.
Wherefore I praised the dead which are already dead more than the living which are yet alive. Yea, better is he than both they, which hath not yet been, who hath not seen the evil work that is done under the sun.
And I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I perceived that this also is vexation of spirit. For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.
I said in mine heart, Go to now, I will prove thee with mirth, therefore enjoy pleasure: and, behold, this also is vanity.
Then said I in my heart, As it happeneth to the fool, so it happeneth even to me; and why was I then more wise.? Then I said in my heart, that this also is vanity.... Therefore I hated life; because the work that is wrought under the sun is grievous unto me: for all is vanity and vexation of spirit.
The rivers run into the sea; yet the sea is not full. There is no new thing under the sun. There is no remembrance of former things. I hated all my labour which I had taken under the sun: because I should leave it unto the man that shall be after me.
I warmed both hands before the fire; It sinks, and I am ready to depart.
'For the more skeptical of the Victorians, love performed some of the functions of the God whom they had lost. Faced with it, many of even the most hard-headed turned, for the moment, mystical. They found themselves in the presence of something which awoke in them that sense of reverence which nothing else claimed, and something to which they felt, even in the very depth of their being, that an unquestioning loyalty was due. For them love, like God, demanded all sacrifices; but like Him , also, it rewarded the believer by investing all the phenomena of life with a meaning not yet analysed away. We have grown used - more than they - to a Godless universe, but we are not yet accustomed to one which is loveless as well, and only when we have so become shall we realise what atheism really means.'
'Nobody can say anything against me, but I always say that it is not so bad to break the seventh commandment as the sixth, because at any rate it requires the consent of the other party.'
God be thanked, the meanest of His creatures Boasts two soul-sides, one to face the world with, One to show a woman when he loves her!
Oh Love! they wrong thee much That say thy sweet is bitter, When thy rich fruit is such As nothing can be sweeter.
True love is a durable fire, In the mind ever burning, Never sick, never dead, never cold, From itself never turning.
When beggars die, there are no comets seen; The heavens themselves blaze forth the death of princes.

Chapter 3: Competition

Chapter 4: boredom and excitement.

'My dear sir,' he would say, 'this chapter lacks pep; you can't expect your reader to be interested in a mere string of proper names of persons about whom you tell him so little. You have begun your story, I will admit, in fine style, and at first I was very favourably impressed, but you have altogether too much wish to tell it all. Pick out the highlights, take out the superfluous matter, and bring me back your manuscript when you have reduced it to a reasonable length.'

Chapter 5: Fatigue

bertrand russell essay the conquest of happiness pdf

Chapter 6: Envy

'I must not imagine that my tail is better than that, for that would be conceit ed, but oh, how I wish it were! That odious bird is so convinced of his own magnificence! Shall I pull out some of his feathers? And then perhaps I need no longer fear comparison with him.'

Chapter 7: The sense of sin

Chapter 8: persecution mania, chapter 9: fear of public opinion.

The only man that e'er I knew Who did not make me almost spew Was Fuseli: he was both Turk and Jew. And so, dear Christian friends, how do you do?

Part II: Causes of happiness

Chapter 10: is happiness still possible, chapter 11: zest, chapter 12: affection, chapter 13: the family.

The only art her guilt to cover, To hide her shame from ev'ry eye, To give repentance to her lover And wring his bosom is - to die.
Upon Paul's steeple stands a tree As full of apples as may be, The little boys of London town They run with sticks to knock them down. And then they run from hedge to hedge Until they come to London Bridge.

Chapter 14: Work

Chapter 15: impersonal interests, chapter 16:effort and resignation, chapter 17: the happy man.

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The Conquest of Happiness

Bertrand russell.

183 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1930

About the author

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In adolescence, I hated life and was continually on the verge of suicide, from which, however, I was restrained by the desire to know more mathematics. Now, on the contrary, I enjoy life; I might almost say that with every year that passes I enjoy it more.

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“La felicidad básica depende sobre todo de lo que podríamos llamar un interés amistoso por las personas y las cosas… el que te gusten muchas personas de manera espontánea y sin esfuerzo es, posiblemente, la mayor de todas las fuentes de felicidad personal… que tus intereses sean los más amplios posibles.”
“Una actitud expansiva y generosa hacia los demás no sólo aporta felicidad a éstos, sino que deviene en una inmensa fuente de felicidad para su poseedor.”
“El sentimiento de pecado tiene algo de abyecto, algo que atenta contra el respeto de uno mismo.”
“Dado que el principal aspecto de la racionalidad es la armonía interior, el hombre que la consigue es más libre en su contemplación del mundo y en el empleo de sus energías para lograr propósitos exteriores que el que está perpetuamente trabado por conflictos internos.”
“Para la mayoría de los hombres y mujeres, la felicidad tiene que ser una conquista, y no un regalo de los dioses.”

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"غرضي أن أقترح علاج لحالة التعاسة اليومية والتي يعاني منها أغلب الناس في البلدان المتحضرة, والتي لا تحتمل؛ بسبب عدم امتلاكها سبب خارجي واضح, فهي تبدو لا مفر منها"

description

"سبب التعاسة الرئيسي يرجع لنظرتنا الخاطئة للحياة, والتي زُرعت فينا عندما كنا على حجر أمهاتنا صغارا, ونضطر لمخالفتها كباراً, ولكن الإحساس بالذنب لا يفارقنا" "التخلص من طغيان المعتقدات وتعلقات الطفولة, هي الخطوة الأولى نحو السعادة بالنسبة إلى ضحايا الفضيلة الأمومية هذه" "لا تخش أن تحس بعدم الاحترام تجاه ذكرى أولئك الذين أشرفوا على طفولتك, ففي تلك المرحلة كانوا يبدون لك أقوياء ومنطقيين لأنك كنت ضعيف وأحمق, والآن بعدما لم تعد ضعيفا ولا أحمق, بات عليك تفحّص قواهم وحكمتهم الظاهرة, وعليك أن تتساءل عما إذا كانوا يستحقون هذا الاحترام" "في البدء يعطي الوالدين الحماية للطفل ثم تعميهم السلطة ولا يردّون حرية الطفل عندما يكبر" "إذ أنت غذيت طفلا بات في وسعه أن يقتات, فأنت تقدم حب السلطة على حب الطفل" "لا تستغرق في ذاتك, لا تفكر في خطاياك ونواقصك وأخطائك, حوّل تركيزك للعالم الخارجي فالاهتمامات الخارجية قد تجلب الألم للحياة, لكنها لا تقارن بالألم الذي يجلبه الاشمئزاز من الذات" "لأسباب تطورية فالإنسان مكيف على حجم معين من الصراع والمعاناة, فإذا حصل الرجل نتيجة الثروة العظيمة على كل ما يشعر نحوه برغبة متوسطة, سيتملكه السأم والتعاسة" "لا فائدة من أن تجعل الجميع أغنياء إذا كان الأغنياء غير سعداء" "ليست ثمة رضا كامل عندما نغذي عنصرا من الطبيعة البشرية على حساب كل العناصر الأخرى, وليس ثمة رضا كامل, أيضا, عندما نتصور العالم مادة خاماً من أجل تمجيد الأنا الشخصي" "رغم أن المال وحده قد لا يكفي لجعل الناس ذو أهمية, فمن الصعب أن يكون المرء مهما دون مال" "إن المال قادر على مضاعفة السعادة؛ ولكن أبعد من هذا الحد, أعتقد أنه لا يعود فعالاً, وما أقول به هو أن النجاح لا يمكن أن يكون سوى عنصر بسيط من عناصر السعادة, ولا يساوي الثمن الذي دفعناه فيه إذا ما تمت التضحية بكل العناصر الأخرى للحصول عليه" "إذا لم يتعلم المرء كيف يتصرف بنجاحه, فإن النجاح سيدعه حتما فريسة للسأم" "يجب أن تعود الطفل على الرتابة من الصغر, حتى يستطيع التعامل مع الرتابة المثمرة لاحقا" "العاقل لا يفكر في همومه, إلا عندما يجد مصلحة في ذلك" "يجب أن نحسب حساب رأي الآخرين بقدر ما هو ضروري تجنب الجوع والسجن" "ليس ثمة ما هو مضني مثل التردد, ولا أكثر تفاهة وبطلان" "ستخمد العادة ما في الخوف من رهبة, ويصبح الموضوع بأسره مملا" "الغل في القلب مثل الغل في العنق" "اختلاف الناس يشجع العلاقة والتعارف بينهم" "من بين كل أشكال الحذر, لعل الحذر في الحب هو الشكل الأكثر تدميرا بالنسبة إلى السعادة الحقيقة" "لنفرض أن شخصا يحب الفريز وآخر لا يحب الفريز, فبماذا يتفوق هذا الأخير, بل بالعكس الأول هو من يزداد سعادة, وهكذا من ينظرون للحياة بسأم" "إن كل عمل عام يتضمن الرغبة في السيطرة, ما لم يمكن يُمارس, وحسب, بنية الحصول على الثروة من طريق الفساد. والشخص الوحيد اللامبالي كليا بالسلطة هو الشخص اللامبالي كليا بأقرانه (وعليه لا يجوز أن يتقوّل أحد المرشحين بأنه زاهد في السلطة وأيضا بأنه يحرص على الشعب ويريد لهم المصلحة, فهذا كذب بيّن !)" "الطفل المحروم لسبب أو آخر, من هذه المحبة, سيصبح حتما حييّا ووجلاً, ومستعداً للخوف من كل الأشياء والرثاء لمصيره, ولن يكون بمقدوره مجابهة العالم بروح مرحة ومغامر. هذا الطفل سيشرع, باكراً جدا, في تأمل الحياة, والموت, والمصير البشرية, و يغدو منطويا على نفسه كئيبا دائما" "الشخص المولود في مدينة صغيرة في الأقاليم, سيجد نفسه منذ نعومة أظافره, محاطاً بعداوة إزاء كل ما هو ضروري للتطور الفكري. فإذا شاء مطالعة كتب جدّية, سيحتقره سائر الأولاد, وسيقول له أساتذته ان مثل هذه المؤلفات تلقي الاضطراب في الفكر. وإذا أبدى اهتماما بالفن, فإن الأولاد الذين في مثل سنه سيجدونه متأنثا, وسيعتبره الأكبر منه سناً لاأخلاقيا"

description

"إن التعليم في ظل الخوف والقسوة سيء, ولكن ليس بالوسع تقديم أي تعليم آخر إلى الذين هم أنفسهم عبيد هذه الانفعالات" "إذ أنت غذيت طفلا بات في وسعه أن يقتات, فأنت تقدم حب السلطة على حب الطفل" "إذا أردت أن تجمع أفضل ما تستطيع تدوينه, ابدأ في التفكير في الموضوع بحدة, ثم اترك المجال من الوقت لعقلك الباطن ليأتيك ببعض الأفكار على خاطرك عن الموضوع مع الوقت, فمن الخطأ كتابة مقال في جلسة واحدة" "و كانت الحروب, والمجازر, والاضطهادات جميعا ملاذاً ضد السأم؛ حتى النزاعات مع الجيران فضلت على الرتابة اليومية"

description

"هنالك سببين لقراءتك كتاباً, الأول أنك تستمتع به, الثاني أن تتفاخر بقراءته على الجودريدز"

description

"نقرأ كتابا ما لسببين اثنين: الأول هو المتعة التي توفرها قراءة الكتب؛ والآخر هو الغرور الذي تشعر به لدى التحدث عنه. لقد أصبح من الظرف والأدب بالنسبة لبعض السيدات, في أمريكا, أن يقرأن كل شهر (أو يتظاهرن بالقراءة) بعض الكتب؛ البعض منهم يقرأنها, الأخريات يتصفحن الفصل الأول, والباقيات يراجعن المراجعات لهذه الكتب, ولكن جميعهم لديهن هذه الكتب على طاولاتهن. ومع ذلك لا يقرأن أي رائعة أدبية كـ"هاملت" أو "الكوميديا الإلَهية".
« لدي إحساس عميق بأنني لست حقيقة تماما، بل إنني زيف مفتعل ومصنوع بمهارة وكل إنسان يحس في هذا العالم بهذا الإحساس بين وقت وآخر، ولكني أعيش هذا الإحساس طيلة الوقت، بل أظن أحيانا أنني لست إلا إنتاجاً سينمائياً فنياً أتقنوا صُنعه.»

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The Conquest of Happiness and Why It Matters Today Bertrand Russell on how to be happy

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“My purpose is to suggest a cure for the ordinary day-to-day unhappiness from which most people in civilised countries suffer, and which is all the more unbearable because, having no obvious external cause, it appears inescapable,” writes Bertrand Russell in his 1930 book ‘The Conquest of Happiness’. It is not a book on philosophical theory. Instead, Russell draws on his own life, his own experiences as an unhappy child and young man, to try and understand what makes us unhappy — and how we could be happier.

Bertrand Russell (1892-1970)

Bertrand Russell (1872-1970) was a British philosopher and writer, one of the most important analytic philosophers of the 20th century.

Russell begins by clarifying that unhappiness is not some kind of personal fault of the unhappy person — at least not entirely:

Society certainly also plays a part in making people unhappy, especially through endorsing those “mistaken habits” and “mistaken views of the world” that cause people to become miserable. But since it is this “natural zest and appetite” that makes a life happy, each one of us can improve their happiness without needing to wait for a change in society. Each one of us has the power to correct their mistaken assumptions about the world and, through clearly understanding the roots of unhappiness, to finally create a happy life for ourselves.

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We have so much improved the material conditions of life in the 19th and 20th centuries, he writes in ‘The Conquest of Happiness’. Then why are we still so unhappy?

We have all been at such desperately and determinedly “happy” occasions. What is common to them, according to Russell, is that the unhappiness is driven by particular psychological causes. He names the “sinner,” the “narcissist” and the “megalomaniac” as typical examples of psychological dispositions that cause people to be unhappy. Twenty years later, Erich Fromm will analyse society in very similar, psychoanalytical terms. We talked about Fromm in other posts.

The Ultimate Guide to the Philosophy of Erich Fromm

A comprehensive overview of Erich Fromm’s philosophy of happiness. We discuss his life, his ideas and his main works, both in their historical context and how they are still relevant for us today.

Russell begins his book ‘The Conquest of Happiness’ by first analysing the causes for human unhappiness . He identifies eight different reasons for unhappiness, each with its own causes and associated character type.

bertrand russell essay the conquest of happiness pdf

Russell’s book is an eye-opening treatise on happiness, as seen from the perspective of a famous philosopher in the mid-20th century. Get it here! Amazon affiliate link. If you buy through this link, Daily Philosophy will get a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks!

Byronic unhappiness

This is the unhappiness that is supposed to be the stance of an intellectual who is simply too cool and educated to believe in what he perceives to be the “cheap” comforts of lesser men. Like Lord Byron, after whom Russell named this kind of unhappiness,  “the men who hold this view are genuinely unhappy, but they are proud of their unhappiness, which they attribute to the nature of the universe and consider to be the only rational attitude for an enlightened man.” (‘The Conquest of Happiness’).

Russell believes that this kind of pessimistic, intellectual unhappiness is the product of too little engagement with life itself:

For him, the best way to leave the “mood” of unhappiness and depression is to find some way to engage with the world in an active way:

Does this not remind us of Aristotle?

Live Happier with Aristotle: Inspiration and Workbook. In the book to this series of articles you're reading right now, philosophy professor, founder and editor of the Daily Philosophy web magazine, Dr Andreas Matthias takes us all the way back to the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle in the search for wisdom and guidance on how we can live better, happier and more satisfying lives today. Get it now on Amazon! Click here!

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Competition

The feeling of competition, for Russell, is a sure way into an unhappy life. By competition, he doesn’t mean the necessary fight for survival among the very poor. He is focussing, in the whole book, not on those whose existential needs push them into situations of unhappiness, but on those who could, in principle, live better lives because they are sufficiently wealthy to do so, but who, for dubious reasons, stay trapped in a life that makes them unhappy. Russell refuses to take the “struggle for survival” of a businessman seriously:

To be honest, this appears to be a bit too elitist. One can understand how Russell, an aristocrat and wealthy man, would come to hold such a view. But today, especially in times of economic crises that lead to mass unemployment, we are reluctant to see the “struggle for survival” as just an exaggerated, misused figure of speech. Too many of us are indeed threatened by unemployment in their very survival. Competition cannot be reduced to the case of businessmen who might be better off after declaring a profitable bankruptcy. This is one of the points where we must recognise that Russell, although often radically progressive, was radically progressive by the standards his time and class, which is not quite the same as what we might expect today. So we must make some allowances and interpret him charitably from time to time (not very often, it must be said — most of the book is still surprisingly progressive, even by today’s standards).

Boredom and excitement

“We are less bored than our ancestors were, but we are more afraid of boredom. We have come to know, or rather to believe, that boredom is not part of the natural lot of man, but can be avoided by a sufficiently vigorous pursuit of excitement,” Russell writes. For him, a boring life is nothing to be afraid of. Instead, boredom, or rather monotony, the absence of excitement, is a necessary condition for a life that is rich in meaning and can lead to truly valuable, intellectual achievement. So important is the skill of being able to sit quietly by oneself and do some serious work that Russell would make this a compulsory part of education:

We can probably all verify that too many of the people we know are addicted to various ways of wasting time, just so that they don’t experience the monotony of their lives: computer games, TV shows, but also extensive holidays, dangerous and exciting hobbies, and even just getting drunk over the weekend, every weekend, are ways of combating monotony. On the other hand, the truly productive person needs to be able to concentrate, to sit still, to observe and wait. The scientist who waits for an experiment to finish; the poet who waits for inspiration and the right word; the gardener who has to wait for many months to see a seedling develop almost imperceptibly week for week; the painter who has to spend years painting bad pictures but persisting, until they finally have acquired the skill to master their art.

Success, and the happiness that come with it, do not come to the impatient. Especially success in intellectual and artistic pursuits needs a peaceful environment. Thoughts need time and silence to develop, a life that is undisturbed and calm — or at least this is what Russell is saying here.

Fatigue, which for Russell means mental exhaustion, not only one of the body, is the next factor that causes unhappiness in our lives.

“A great many worries can be diminished by realising the unimportance of the matter which is causing the anxiety,” he writes. This is a standard trope of many philosophies of life. The same we have heard from Epicurus , the Stoics and Buddhism, among many other spiritual teachings. Buddhist teacher Thich Nhat Hanh writes :

Russell’s recipe for avoiding anxiety goes something like this:

This is an interesting approach. It is probably true that for most of us, our anxieties are not of such an existential nature that we would be utterly destroyed if the feared thing came to be. Even the loss of a job is seldom the end of the world. In time, one will find another job. What is the worst job one could imagine doing? Cleaning toilets? Working on a building site? If we really try to imagine how bad this would be, in all the detail we can imagine, we will probably see that it is all survivable. After all, thousands of people have such jobs and they also manage to do them. For many, just such catastrophic events as the loss of a job have been the catalysts that allowed them to finally step out of their comfort zone and change their lives to be more interesting and meaningful. There are many stories of people who, after becoming unemployed, picked up a craft and managed to sustain themselves with that; or became bloggers, writers, or Youtubers; or sold their house and moved into a van or a small plot of land in the country, where they finally found happiness and peace.

Read on here:

The Conquest of Unhappiness

Bertrand Russell proposes happiness as an antidote to envy. Someone who is happy will be content with what they have and will not be looking to compare themselves with others.

Cover image by Eddy Klaus on Unsplash.

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THE CONQUEST OF HAPPINESS ACCORDING BERTRAND RUSSELL

Profile image of Fernando A G Alcoforado

Bertrand Arthur William Russell was one of the most influential mathematicians, philosophers and logicians who lived in the twentieth century. The Conquista da felicidade (Conquest of Happiness), one of the works of Bertrand Russell, represents a very important contribution to the debate on the question of happiness (RUSSELL, Bertrand. A Conquista da Felicidade. Rio: Editora Nova Fronteira, 2015). For Bertrand Russell, the first cause of happiness that can be sought by all men is pleasure. For pleasure, one must understand the achievement of something that overcomes some obstacle. Russell understands that man always craves pleasure and he can only be reached when the difficulties in seeking it are overcome.

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bertrand russell essay the conquest of happiness pdf

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Bertrand Arthur William Russell a été l'un des mathématiciens, des philosophes et logiciens les plus influents qui ont vécu au XXe siècle. Conquista da felicidade (La conquête de bonheur), l'une des œuvres de Bertrand Russell, est importante contribution au débat sur la question du bonheur (RUSSELL, Bertrand. A Conquista da Felicidade. Rio: Editora Nova Fronteira, 2015). According Bertrand Russell, la première cause du bonheur qui peut être recherchée par tous les hommes est le plaisir. Pour le plaisir, nous devons comprendre la réalisation de quelque chose qui surmonte tous les obstacles. Russell comprend que l'homme aspire toujours du plaisir et il peut être atteint lorsque les difficultés dans la recherche il est surmonté.

It is in the cities that the social, economic and environmental dimensions of sustainable development converge more intensively, making them necessary to be thought, managed and planned according to the sustainable development model which aims to meet the current needs of the Earth's population without compromising its natural resources, bequeathing them to future generations.

The Michel Temer government deepens the neoliberal model in Brazil with its fiscal adjustment policies to ensure the primary surplus that benefits the financial system by setting the ceiling for public spending for 20 years, which means “freezing” spending on education, health, infrastructure, etc. compromising the development of the Country, social pension reform that, in practice, will make workers to pay to have a retirement that will not enjoy in life, a labor reform that contemplates the flexibilization of labor laws that will benefit the bosses to the detriment of workers and, finally, the privatization of state-owned enterprises and the public service in general. All this is being done on the basis of the false argument that it is necessary to create the necessary conditions to promote the development of Brazil.

In Post-Modernity, the constructed world of durable objects has been replaced by that of available products and designed for immediate obsolescence and discard. The speed of discarding applies not only to social values and products consumed in the market, but also to the very human beings in the world of work who are being discarded and replaced by intelligent machines.

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"The Conquest of Happiness" Summary

By Bertrand Russell

philosophy | 183 pages | Published in NaN

The Conquest of Happiness is Bertrand Russell's recipe for good living. First published in 1930, it pre-dates the current obsession with self-help by decades. Leading the reader step by step through the causes of unhappiness and the personal choices, compromises and sacrifices that (may) lead to the final, affirmative conclusion of 'The Happy Man', this is popular philosophy, or even self-help, as it should be written.

Estimated read time: 5 min read

One Sentence Summary

A guide to finding happiness by examining the causes of unhappiness and proposing practical solutions.

Table of Contents

Introduction, brief synopsis, main events, main characters, themes and insights, reader's takeaway.

In "The Conquest of Happiness," Bertrand Russell explores the fundamental aspects of human happiness and provides insightful guidance on how to achieve it. Published in 1930, this timeless classic delves into the complexities of the human psyche and offers practical wisdom on finding fulfillment in a rapidly changing world. Russell, a renowned philosopher and Nobel laureate, draws upon his own experiences and observations to present a thought-provoking analysis of what it truly means to be happy.

"The Conquest of Happiness" is divided into two parts. In the first part, Russell examines the causes of unhappiness, exploring the various factors that hinder individuals from attaining contentment. He delves into topics such as envy, competition, boredom, and fear, highlighting their detrimental effects on mental well-being. Russell argues that societal pressures, unrealistic expectations, and the pursuit of material possessions often lead to unhappiness.

In the second part, Russell presents practical strategies and insights for achieving happiness. He emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, self-discipline, and the cultivation of healthy relationships. Through introspection and the development of a balanced perspective, individuals can overcome the obstacles that prevent them from experiencing genuine happiness.

  • Bertrand Russell - The author and philosopher who shares his insights and experiences on the pursuit of happiness.
  • Various individuals - Russell draws upon examples from different people's lives to illustrate his arguments and observations.
  • The impact of societal pressures on happiness: Russell explores how external factors such as competition, envy, and the fear of public opinion can hinder individuals from experiencing true happiness.
  • The importance of self-awareness and self-knowledge: The author emphasizes the significance of introspection and understanding oneself in the quest for happiness.
  • The role of relationships and love: Russell highlights the importance of cultivating healthy relationships and experiencing love as essential components of happiness.
  • The pursuit of meaning and purpose: The author delves into the significance of finding meaning in life through religion, philosophy, and personal values.
  • Genuine happiness comes from within: Russell argues that true happiness cannot be solely dependent on external circumstances but must be cultivated internally.
  • The pursuit of material possessions does not guarantee happiness: The author challenges the notion that acquiring wealth and possessions leads to lasting fulfillment.
  • Self-reflection and introspection are essential: Russell emphasizes the need for individuals to engage in self-analysis to understand their desires, fears, and motivations.
  • Balancing work and leisure is crucial: The author discusses the importance of finding a harmonious balance between work and leisure to achieve a fulfilling life.

"The Conquest of Happiness" offers readers a profound exploration of happiness and provides practical insights for achieving it. Russell's timeless wisdom transcends its initial publication and remains highly relevant in today's fast-paced and complex world. This book encourages readers to reflect on their own lives, challenge societal norms, and prioritize the pursuit of genuine happiness.

"The Conquest of Happiness" is a captivating exploration of the human pursuit of happiness. Bertrand Russell's thought-provoking insights and practical advice provide readers with a roadmap to navigate the complexities of modern life and find true fulfillment. By addressing the causes of unhappiness and offering guidance on self-awareness, relationships, and personal meaning, Russell's timeless wisdom continues to inspire readers to conquer their own happiness.

The Conquest of Happiness FAQ

Who is the author of 'the conquest of happiness'.

The author of 'The Conquest of Happiness' is Bertrand Russell.

What is the main theme of the book?

The main theme of the book is the pursuit of happiness and the factors that contribute to a happy life.

Is this book a self-help guide?

Yes, 'The Conquest of Happiness' can be considered a self-help guide as it provides insights and advice on how to achieve happiness.

Does the author provide practical tips for finding happiness?

Yes, Bertrand Russell offers practical tips and strategies for finding happiness in various aspects of life.

Is the book based on scientific research?

While 'The Conquest of Happiness' does not heavily rely on scientific research, it presents the author's philosophical and psychological perspectives on happiness.

Who is the target audience for this book?

The book is intended for anyone interested in exploring the concept of happiness and seeking guidance on how to lead a happier life.

Is the book suitable for teenagers?

Yes, the book can be suitable for teenagers who are interested in personal growth and understanding the factors that contribute to happiness.

Does the author share personal anecdotes in the book?

Yes, Bertrand Russell shares personal anecdotes and experiences throughout the book to illustrate his points and provide relatable examples.

How long is the book?

The length of 'The Conquest of Happiness' varies depending on the edition, but it is typically around 200 to 250 pages.

Is the book available in multiple formats?

Yes, 'The Conquest of Happiness' is available in various formats, including paperback, hardcover, and ebook.

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The Conquest Of Happiness (1930)

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Book Source: Digital Library of India Item 2015.527758

dc.contributor.author: Russell Bertrand. dc.coverage.spatial: London dc.date.accessioned: 2015-10-01T21:06:40Z dc.date.available: 2015-10-01T21:06:40Z dc.date.copyright: 1930 dc.date.digitalpublicationdate: 2010/01/05 dc.date.citation: 1930 dc.identifier.barcode: 99999990793943 dc.identifier.origpath: /data10/data51/upload/0000/858 dc.identifier.copyno: 1 dc.identifier.uri: http://www.new.dli.ernet.in/handle/2015/527758 dc.description.scannerno: OS 5000 dc.description.scanningcentre: C-DAC, Noida dc.description.main: 1 dc.description.tagged: 0 dc.description.totalpages: 251 dc.format.mimetype: application/pdf dc.language.iso: English dc.publisher.digitalrepublisher: Digital Library Of India dc.publisher: George Allen And Unwin Ltd. dc.source.library: Lbs National Academy Of Administration dc.title: The Conquest Of Happiness (1930) dc.type: Print - Paper dc.type: Book

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  1. The Conquest Of Happiness : Bertrand Russell : Free Download, Borrow

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  3. Bertrand Russell

    Japanese Translation of The Conquest of Happiness (with English text) The Problems of Philosophy, 1912 (full text) Our Knowledge of the External World, 1914 (full text Under Construction!) On Education, especially in early childhood, 1926 (full text) Marriage and Morals, 1929 (full text) Bertrand Russell's American Essays, v.1

  4. The conquest of happiness : Russell, Bertrand, 1872-1970 : Free

    The conquest of happiness by Russell, Bertrand, 1872-1970. Publication date 1930 Topics Happiness ... English. London: Allen and Unwin, 1930, 252 pages; 19 cm, BJ1481. R8. Addeddate 2018-03-23 22:11:33 Identifier conquest_happiness Identifier-ark ark:/13960/t6vx7032g ... PDF WITH TEXT download. download 1 ...

  5. The Project Gutenberg eBook of Mysticism and Logic and Other Essays, by

    You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org Title: Mysticism and Logic and Other Essays Author: Bertrand Russell Release Date: May 12, 2008 [EBook #25447] [Last updated: May 24, 2012] Language: English Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 ...

  6. The Conquest of Happiness

    In The Conquest of Happiness, first published by Liveright in 1930, iconoclastic philosopher Bertrand Russell attempted to diagnose the myriad causes of unhappiness in modern life and chart a path out of the seemingly inescapable malaise so prevalent even in safe and prosperous Western societies. More than eighty years later, Russell's wisdom ...

  7. The Conquest of Happiness

    The Conquest of Happinessis Bertrand Russell’s recipe for good living. First published in 1930, it pre-dates the current obsession with self-help by decades. Leading the reader step by step through the causes of unhappiness and the personal choices, compromises and sacrifices that (may) lead to the final, affirmative conclusion of ‘The Happy Man’, this is popular philosophy ...

  8. The Conquest of Happiness

    The Conquest of Happiness is Bertrand Russell's recipe for good living. First published in 1930, it pre-dates the current obsession with self-help by decades. Leading the reader step by step through the causes of unhappiness and the personal choices, compromises and sacrifices that (may) lead to the final, affirmative conclusion ofThe Happy Man

  9. The Conquest of Happiness by Bertrand Russell

    The Conquest of Happiness is Bertrand Russell's recipe for good living. First published in 1930, it pre-dates the current obsession with self-help by decades. Leading the reader step by step through the causes of unhappiness and the personal choices, compromises and sacrifices that (may) lead to the final, affirmative conclusion of 'The ...

  10. The Conquest of Happiness

    The Conquest of Happiness is Bertrand Russell's recipe for good living. First published in 1930, it pre-dates the current obsession with self-help by decades. Leading the reader step by step through the causes of unhappiness and the personal choices, compromises and sacrifices that (may) lead to the final, affirmative conclusion ofThe Happy Man

  11. The Conquest of Happiness and Why It Matters Today

    12 minutes read - 2409 words. Bertrand Russell's book 'The Conquest of Happiness' (1930) attempts to analyse the conditions for happiness in our modern world, focusing on the mindsets of the unhappy and the happy person and how they differ. For Russell, the unhappy person is preoccupied far too much with their own life and career, and ...

  12. Conquest of happiness : Russell, Bertrand : Free Download, Borrow, and

    Conquest of happiness by Russell, Bertrand. Publication date 1971 Topics Happiness Publisher New York : W W Norton Collection printdisabled; internetarchivebooks; americana Contributor Internet Archive Language English. Access-restricted-item true Addeddate 2010-02-02 19:08:52

  13. THE CONQUEST OF HAPPINESS ACCORDING BERTRAND RUSSELL

    The Conquista da felicidade (Conquest of Happiness), one of the works of Bertrand Russell, represents a very important contribution to the debate on the question of happiness (RUSSELL, Bertrand. A Conquista da Felicidade. Rio: Editora Nova Fronteira, 2015). For Bertrand Russell, the first cause of happiness that can be sought by all men is ...

  14. The Conquest of Happiness Summary

    The Conquest of Happiness is Bertrand Russell's recipe for good living. First published in 1930, it pre-dates the current obsession with self-help by decades. Leading the reader step by step through the causes of unhappiness and the personal choices, compromises and sacrifices that (may) lead to the final, affirmative conclusion of 'The Happy ...

  15. Conquest Of Happiness Bertrand Russell

    Stoicism and Mental Health Bertrand Russell 2011-10-01 Marriage and Morals Bertrand Russell 2017-12-14 First published in 1985. Marriage and Morals won Bertrand Russell the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1950. With his customary wit and clarity, Russell explores the changing role of marriage, the codes of sexual ethics and the question of ...

  16. The Conquest of Happiness

    Bertrand Russell. W. W. Norton & Company, 1996 - Body, Mind & Spirit - 191 pages. "My purpose is to suggest a cure for the ordinary day-to-day unhappiness from which most people in civilized countries suffer, and which is all the more unbearable because, having no obvious external cause, appears inescapable." Preview this book ».

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  18. Books by Russell, Bertrand (sorted by popularity)

    The A B C of Relativity Bertrand Russell 205 downloads. Index of the Project Gutenberg Works of Bertrand Russell Bertrand Russell 180 downloads. An essay on the foundations of geometry Bertrand Russell 162 downloads. Icarus; or, The Future of Science Bertrand Russell 155 downloads. The A B C of atoms Bertrand Russell 125 downloads.

  19. The Conquest Of Happiness By Bertrand Russell ( 1930) { VTS}

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  20. Conquest of Happiness

    Whether a work day or weekend, people are sullen, tired, angry, or anxious. Happiness is so unusual that any sign of exuberance or genuine enjoyment will draw attention and consternation, and even attract the attention of the police - as if there must be something wrong for someone to be so happy. Even at festive events, people struggle to be ...

  21. The Conquest Of Happiness (1930) : Russell Bertrand. : Free Download

    Addeddate 2017-01-16 08:24:27 Identifier in.ernet.dli.2015.527758 Identifier-ark ark:/13960/t4bp57j2t Ocr ABBYY FineReader 11.0