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  • Happy

  • Why More or Less Everything Is Absolutely Fine
  • By: Derren Brown
  • Narrated by: Derren Brown
  • Length: 14 hrs and 32 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (246 ratings)

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Happy cover art

Happy

By: Derren Brown
Narrated by: Derren Brown
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Publisher's Summary

Brought to you by Penguin.

The audiobook edition of Happy, read by Derren Brown.

Everyone says they want to be happy. But that's much more easily said than done. What does being happy actually mean? And how do you even know when you feel it?

In Happy Derren Brown explores changing concepts of happiness - from the surprisingly modern wisdom of the Stoics and Epicureans in classical times right up until today, when the self-help industry has attempted to claim happiness as its own. He shows how many of self-help’s suggested routes to happiness and success – such as positive thinking, self-belief and setting goals – can be disastrous to follow and, indeed, actually cause anxiety.

Happy aims to reclaim happiness and to enable us to appreciate the good things in life, in all their transient glory. By taking control of the stories we tell ourselves, by remembering that ‘everything’s fine’ even when it might not feel that way, we can allow ourselves to flourish and to live more happily.

©2016 Derren Brown (P)2018 Penguin Audio

Critic Reviews

"Deeply informative, moving, wise and full of love." (Alain de Botton) 

"Crammed with wisdom and insight.... I'm going to recommend it to everyone I know." (Stephen Fry)

"Witty, useful and beautifully written." (The Sunday Times)

What listeners say about Happy

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Amazing

Best narration of a book I've ever read. He treats it more like a speech than a book.

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wow

lots of interesting topics and life points from philosophy giants. serious food for thought. highly recommend

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Exceptional

Bookmarked so many pages I may have been better bookmarking the whole book. I found it incredibly thought provoking and a rich mix of history and philosophy but somehow told in a way that was fascinating. Its a deep book and a lot to think about from such a tiny title

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Life-changing

This book helped to properly articulate some of my own thoughts... It is a wonderful exploration of ideas about happiness and finishes with a framework to guide the reader, one that causes a sigh of relief, rather than the guilt that many books on the topic instill by making you feel you will never live up to expectations. I highly recommend it - and have been recommending it to everyone I meet.

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Deeply insightful

A positively transmitted aural explanation of philosophy and insights from thought-leaders across the ages. Derren injects humour, personal insights and clarifies sometimes complex constructs which leaves the listener with a comfortable understanding and sense of self. Clearly explained and suitable for Neurodiverse thinkers alike. A unique and refreshing gem, in a worldwide swirl of self-help swill.

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Think differently about life

A valuable collection of knowledge and advice. A useful perspectives on life. Interesting and well-narrated.

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brilliant

"Happy" is an utterly incredible book which will stay with you long after your finished listening

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Very insightful and helpful

A well thought-out and articulated modern summary of timeless philosophies summarising stoicism. Principles laid out make sense to me and are steering me and my story to a happier place that makes sense. Derren is great to listen to and has put a lot of work and thought into this. Top 5 books of all time for me. Thanks Derren

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Really loved this book

Great listen, some truths in this that I think deep down we already know but need to be reminded of. Love how stoicism is referenced so much.

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Fantastic book

I wasn't sure what to expect from the "TV magician" but soon found myself quite taken with Derren's way of explaining complex problems in a light hearted, comical but a very educational way.
It's on my "listen again" list, which not many books make.

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