Conquest Of Happiness

This book is not addressed to highbrows, or to those who regard a practical problem merely as something to be talked about. No profound philosophy or deep erudition will be found in the following pages. I have aimed only at putting together some remarks which are inspired by what I hope is common sense. All that I claim for the recipes offered to the reader is that they are such as are confirmed by my own experience and observation, and that they have increased my own happiness whenever I have acted in accordance with them. On this ground I venture to hope that some among those multitudes of men and women who suffer unhappiness without enjoying it, may find their situation diagnosed and a method of escape suggested. It is in the belief that many people who are unhappy could become happy by well-directed effort that I have written in this book.

"The Conquest of Happiness, a primer of self-regeneration, is a most excellent book. This manual of systematized common sense, sane and forthright, should be read by every parent, teacher, minister, and Congressman in the land." Atlantic Monthly

"The books of Bertrand Russell are a modern substitute for the Bible." Time

"Since happiness is the goal of everybody and since almost nobody knows the road to it, this book is bound to become the preoccupation of many who believe in happiness, and hope that it is attainable....Finely straight, beautifully simple, immediate to everyone in its outlook and suggestion. Our part is not only to read, but to get busy as well." Washington Star

Russell held progressive, often controversial views on social issues, including sexuality. Vigorously opposed to conventional or religious morality, he sets forth here a rationalist approach to achieving a happy life.

"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."

Bertrand Russell (1872-1970) was born in England and educated at Trinity College, Cambridge. His long career established him as one of the most brilliant and influential philosophers, mathematicians, and social reformers of the twentieth century. Russell held progressive, sometimes controversial views on social issues. Briskly opposed to hidebound convention or guilt-based morality, he sets forth here a rational approach to achieving a happy life.

In addition to The Conquest of Happiness, Bertrand Russell's books include The Principles of Mathematics, The Scientific Outlook, Education and the Modern World, Freedom Versus Organization, Power, and A History of Western Philosophy.