Our review:Item Description:Known as the father of the new science of positive psychology, Martin E.P. Seligman draws on more than twenty years of clinical research to demonstrate how optimism enchances the quality of life, and how anyone can learn to practice it. Offering many simple techniques, Dr. Seligman explains how to break an “I—give-up” habit, develop a more constructive explanatory style for interpreting your behavior, and experience the benefits of a more positive interior dialogue. These skills can help break up depression, boost your immune system, better develop your potential, and make you happier..
With generous additional advice on how to encourage optimistic behavior at school, at work and in children,
Learned Optimism is both profound and practical–and valuable for every phase of life.
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Buyer Testimonials
Average Buyer's Review:
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Learned Optimism
Dr. Seligman tries to convince us that pessimism is the source of all our problems and optimism is the panacea in this book. It's basically divided into three parts: the first part deals with research in learned helplessness, the second about the advantages of optimism, and the third about how to change from pessimism to optimism.
Seligman defines optimism as not letting negative thoughts distort reality. But what if negative thoughts are reality and positive thoughts are distortions? When I realized that was true and I've been distorting reality with optimism (after I had read the book and had been applying the refutations for a couple weeks), I realized that the book had been inapplicable. He then says that even if the negative thoughts are true, what are the implications of them? He seems to think the only implications are minor things not worth bothering yourself with, but that hasn't been my experience.
To put it succinctly, it's a nice book, well-written and well-researched, but it fails by presenting depression and pessimism as not only the same thing, but something that can be cured in a one-size-fits-all kind of way that just didn't work for me.
Buyer's review: 
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Reformation of An Extreme Pessimist.
Although it's a struggle to wade through almost half a book of how research was conducted, I gave this book a five star rating because it really has changed my life. I honestly thought there was nothing I could succeed at and also believed my children would probably fail at everything too. But I've learnt to rewrite my internal script and delibertely think like an optimist and there's been an instant positive response from the children. We have a much happier home and a bright, bright future. If you ever get even a little depressed you should read this book and do the exercises.
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Great approach for depressed people
I absolutely loved this book. It helped me to start working on my world view. Although I was a very optimistic person because of a bad marriage and harsh relationship, my attitude went down. This book helped me to realize that we can make a difference in our life. I am still work in progress and we have to be patient about it but I believe world would be better place by having more optimistic people around us.
Buyer's review: -
Excellent Start
I thought this book gave one a great understanding to where we have been and where we could go. Here the author explained how through our experiences and relationships we are pessimistic. He reinforces that most people are negative in their thoughts and teaches us to be optimistic. I have also reviewed Living The Secret Everyday: My Secret Workbook which is a wonderful book proposing this same theory of positive thinking through The Law of Attraction. Read this to learn about the principles of The Law of Attraction and apply it through the exercises given to live this optimistic and happy life.
Buyer's review: -
A Real Life Changer!
This is one of the most interesting books I have ever read. I'm not talking just psychology or self-improvement books...but all books...period. The science behind it, the practices outlined, the insight, will change your attitude and your life. It is unlike any book in its genre, and I can't for the life of me understand why it isn't required reading and a guide book for therapists...but I guess that would make therapy effective! :0. Not really providing a lot of information here...just read it and see for yourself. I have read all his books. This is the first and the best. If you're interested in Positive Psychology or shaking off depression/anxiety or knowing more about yourself and others...start with this book. It is not only a great read...it works. I credit it for changing my life for the better, and I no longer take medication. I would also check out the author's program of study and website and UPENN which is http://www.authentichappiness.com.