Contrary to popular belief, optimism and ‘positive thinking’ are not the surest paths to happiness and success. To be truly fulfilled, we need to embrace the power of pessimism.
That is the rather surprising claim made by philosopher and poet, Alan Murray, in this hugely entertaining collection of quips, quotes, poems, and prose. Drawing on fascinating recent research in the fields of medicine and psychology, Murray’s Introduction shows how a certain kind of pessimism is not only better for our physical and mental health, but might also improve our professional and material prospects. Mocking the pretensions and pseudo-scientific claims of self-appointed lifestyle gurus, Murray’s book offers a more honest and effective approach to life’s perennial problems, while also providing inspiration through the thoughts and sayings of writers, thinkers, and comedians from ancient times to the present day. Readers will certainly find some familiar names here, but Murray’s impressive erudition ensures that there are plenty of fresh discoveries, too, with something new and unfamiliar on every page.
But this is no mere random collection of quotes. What makes it especially enjoyable is that the quotations are often juxtaposed in clever and unexpected ways so that authors represented here appear to be engaged in a brilliant dialogue across continents and centuries.
It is a book that will appeal not only to those already inclined towards pessimism, but to anyone who is tired of the irritating, relentlessly upbeat vacuities of contemporary life and who is seeking something deeper and more rewarding.