To read, watch, or listen to the news every day, is it any wonder that we feel bad about our world? So much negativity. Yet we have antidotes: four books that show us how good things really are.
- Abundance: The Future Is Better Than You Think
by Peter Diamandis and Stephen Kotler. Yes, there are real, serious problems in the world from poverty to war to pollution. And there is reason for real optimism. Not only can we solve these problems, we are.
- The Happiness Advantage: The Seven Principles of Positive Psychology That Fuel Success and Performance at Work
by Shawn Achor. We’ve always thought that solving problems and making things happen will lead to our happiness. Nope; reverse it: being happy helps us solve problems and get stuff done. Achor gives seven principles to apply for happiness at work.
- The Rational Optimist: How Prosperity Evolves
by Matt Ridley. Our world continues to prosper despite what naysayers proffer. Ridley makes some controversial claims–some of which have proven wrong in the years since he wrote the book. But his research and overall message are strong and helpful.
- The Better Angels of Our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined
by Stephen Pinker. Most people will tell you that these are violent times and that the past was much more safe. They are (mostly) wrong. Yes, senseless violence continues to occur. And, yes, the wars of the 20th century were horrible. But overall, we are much safer. Not only are we experiencing dramatic drops in crime and violence compared with the 1980s, the rate violence has been dropping for centuries.
In your corner,
Mike
Today’s photo credit: Cuyahoga jco via photopin cc
