One of the world's most celebrated psychologists shows us how happiness can be learned and cultivated

'Martin Seligman has given us a gift - a practical map in the perennial quest for a flourishing life' Daniel Goleman, author of Emotional Intelligence

In this groundbreaking, heart-lifting and deeply useful book, Martin Seligman, internationally esteemed psychologist and the father of Positive Psychology, shows us that happiness can be learned and cultivated.

Using many years of in-depth psychological research he lays out the 24 strengths and virtues unique to the human psyche and teaches you how to identify the ones you possess. By calling upon your signature strengths, you will not only develop natural buffers against misfortune and negative emotion, but also improve the world around you - at work, in love and in raising children - achieving new and sustainable contentment, joy and meaning.

'One of the most creative and influential psychologists of our time' Steven Pinker, author of The Better Angels of Our Nature
'This book will change how people view psychology and how all of us view ourselves' Howard Gardner, Harvard University, author of Multiple Intelligences


Martin Seligman PhD, is Professor of Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, Director of the Positive Psychology Network, and is an Honorary Professor at the University of Cardiff. A former President of the American Psychological Association, his books include Flourish and What You Can Change ... and What You Can't. He is widely considered the pre-eminent expert on applied psychology in the world.

An international bestseller, Authentic Happiness launched the revolutionary new science of Positive Psychology and sparked a coast-to-coast debate on the nature of real happiness.

"A practical map for a flourishing life." Daniel Goleman, bestselling author of Emotional Intelligence

In this groundbreaking, heart-lifting book, internationally esteemed psychologist and bestselling author, Martin Seligman, shows that happiness is not the result of good genes or luck - it can be learned and cultivated.

Real, lasting happiness comes from focusing on your personal strengths rather than weaknesses and working with them to improve all aspects of your life. Using practical exercises and brief tests he shows you how to identify your greatest strengths and virtues and use them in ways you haven't yet considered.

By calling on your signature strengths, you will not only develop natural buffers against misfortune and negative emotion, but also improve the world around you - at work, in love and in raising children - achieving new and sustainable contentment, joy and meaning.

Accessible and proven, Authentic Happiness is the most powerful work of popular psychology in years.