Editorial Review

Martin Seligman, a renowned psychologist and clinical researcher, has been studying optimists and pessimists for 25 years. Pessimists believe that bad events are their fault, will last a long time, and undermine everything. They feel helpless and may sink into depression, which is epidemic today, especially among youths. Optimists, on the other hand, believe that defeat is a temporary setback or a challenge--it doesn't knock them down. "Pessimism is escapable," asserts Seligman, by learning a new set of cognitive skills that will enable you to take charge, resist depression, and make yourself feel better and accomplish more. Read more

Reviews (67)

This book changed my life
Over the years, I've read a lot of self-help and psychology books.None has made the difference like "Learned Optimism."I was in the midst of a bad marriage, had lost my career, and wondered how the hell I had ended up in such a lousy life.Seligman's book helped me see (1) how incredibly pessimistic I was, which I hadn't realized, (2) how the expectation of failure had kept me from pursing goals, and (3) how optimism and taking reasonable risks could help.Since that time, I got out of the awful marriage, moved to a new city, found a job I love, and have taken many more risks, most of which have had very happy results.Largely because, from Seligman, I learned how to put optimism to work for me.
Overcome Depression Through Self-Delusion
For the most part I consider this book a complete waste of time. The author takes forever to get to the point (which is; How to Change Your Mind and Your Life) and when he finally does, his half baked philosophy is disappointing. He seems to think that self-delusion is the answer to what ails us. If we find something upsetting or that causes us to be depressed, just mentally conjure up an alternative reality for ourself and all will be well. Also, I really don't see the benefit of the author's rather arbitrary categorization of "pessimism" and "optimism" regarding mental self-reflection. Shouldn't the primary focus be cognitive distortion itself? Isn't that the root cause, of mental anguish, which should really be addressed? Just because 'winners' in life are often delusional (as expounded by the author), that doesn't substantiate that delusion is an optimal way to live ones life. What of the long term effect on not only the individual but society itself?
Excellent
This book is wonderful because it explains the strengths and weaknesses of pessimism and optimism in various contexts.There is a simple test so that you can determine where you stand.If you want to understand why optimism is less accurate than pessimism and how optimism can promote good feelings, read this great book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Applied Psychology    2. Optimism    3. Personal Growth - General    4. Psychology    5. Psychology Of Adjustment    6. Self-realization    7. Self-Help & Practical Interests    8. Self-Help / General   

Reviews (1)

Relationists Rule!
This is a terrific book. Not only is it easy to absorb, but it is downright absorbing!There is much to be said about new excavations in the world of psychoanalysis, and this book details explorations into the prosaic as well as the bizarre.The structure, ie, the editors' comments first, the chapter, and then the afterword, all serve to put the content into perspective for the reader. As a lay learner, I highly recommend this book to students of mind studies, as well as to all persons interested in understanding more about their own psychology. Move over classicists!The emergence of this new tradition is one that will be here to stay.Relationists rule! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Applied Psychology    2. Interpersonal Relations    3. Movements - Psychoanalysis    4. Psychology    5. Research & Methodology    6. Psychiatry    7. Psychology & Psychiatry / Psychoanalysis   

Reviews (5)

The best introduction to human-animal studies
In the Company of Animals is the single best introduction to anthrozoology - the study of human-animal interactions. A woman once told me about her experiencereading it. She said simply, "That book changed my life." Serpell is a both a powerful writer and a leading scholar in this field. The first half of In the Company of Animals is largely concerned with the who, what, and why of maintaining non-human animals as companions. In the breadth of his coverage, Serpell displays an impressive command of psychology, ethology, history, cultural anthropology, and behavioral medicine. A brief sampling of a few representative topics illustrates the span of Serpell's intellectual vision: the role of pets in sixteenth century witchcraft, the effects of watching aquarium fish on blood pressure, bestiality, social parasitism, and why dogs rather than pigs became companion animals. Serpell argues that individuals who keep pets have often been viewed with scorn, suspicion, and pity. At times, pet owners have been subjected to persecution and even death. Thus, this part of the book is essentially a defense of companion animals. Serpell reviews recent studies documenting the benefits of pets to human health, psychological well-being, and the amelioration of loneliness. He concludes that the company of animals serves to buffer their owners from the interpersonal isolation all too common in modern industrial societies. The best introduction to human-animal studies
In the Company of Animals is the single best introduction to anthrozoology - the study of human-animal interactions. A woman once told me about her experience on reading it.She said simply,"That book changed my life."Serpell is a both a powerful writer and a leading scholar in this field. The first half of In the Company of Animals is largely concerned with the who, what, and why ofmaintaining non-human animals as companions.In the breadth of his coverage, Serpell displays an impressive command of psychology, ethology, history, cultural anthropology, and behavioral medicine.A brief sampling of a few representative topics illustrates the span of Serpell's intellectual vision: the role of pets in sixteenth century witchcraft, the effects of watching aquarium fish on blood pressure,bestiality, social parasitism, and why dogs rather than pigs became companion animals. Serpell argues that individuals who keep pets have often been viewed with scorn, suspicion, and pity.At times, pet owners have been subjected to persecution and even death.Thus, this part of the book is essentially a defense of companion animals.Serpell reviews recent studies documenting the benefits of pets to human health, psychological well-being, and the amelioration of loneliness.He concludes that the company of animals serves to buffer their owners from the interpersonal isolation all too common in modern industrial societies. A Classic by a Highly Esteemed Scholar
As a professor of anthropology who teaches a course on Anthrozoology at Western Illinois University, I highly recommend In the Company of Animals. Anthrozoology (the scientific study of human-animal interaction) is a dynamic new area of study and Dr Serpell is one of the founders. This book is required reading for my course, and students love it! Serpell's work explores the phenomena of domestication and pet keeping, or companion animals (as we prefer to call them now), from a cross-cultural and evolutionary perspective that is highly anthropological. Shame on us! An Anthropologist should have written this book! I highly recommend this work. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animal Behavior (Ethology)    2. Animals    3. Applied Psychology    4. Cognitive Psychology    5. History    6. Human Geography    7. Human-animal relationships    8. Nature    9. Pet owners    10. Pets    11. Psychology    12. Reference    13. Social aspects    14. Animal behaviour    15. Animals & society    16. Human ecology    17. Pets--History    18. Psychology & Psychiatry / Cognitive Psychology   

Reviews (25)

First Impressions Demystified
Go ahead and buy this book, and act on the authors advice, and watch how subtle changes in first impressions can make a big difference. Probably the best among us will find something to learn to make it worthwhile reading.
Very insightful, however, it requires a lot of effort to actually to act on the advice
If most of us are honest, I think it is safe to say that a great deal of personal encounters are shaped by the first impressions you make, regardless of whether this is superficial or not.The problem, however, is that many of us do not know what really drives a good impression because it is a soft topic, which combined with the fact that people rarely tell you what you are doing wrong means that it is difficult to actually change your behaviour.As someone with AD/HD, I am no stranger to poor first impressions, but after reading this book I have definately seen a large improvement in my interactions with people.The authors, in my opinion, do an excellent job of explaining some of the simple and the not so evident things we may overlook when meeting people, which if addressed can improve all of your interactions. In order to get the most value out of the book, readers need to be honest with themselves (and probably take a hit to the ego in the process), understand that is a book aimed at the general public (so you will need to figure out how it applies to your life), and if you already make good first impressions it may not be that useful.
Valuable Insight
This book was relatively short considering that the topic is
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Subjects:  1. Applied Psychology    2. Communication    3. General    4. Impression formation (Psycholo    5. Impression formation (Psychology)    6. Interpersonal relations    7. Personal Growth - General    8. Psychology    9. Self-Help    10. Self-perception    11. Self-presentation    12. Self-Help / General   

Reviews (1)

Excellent pragmatic reference
I've known John and Janice Baldwin for about 2 years now and have always admired their devout interest in 'practical applications' of sociological science to the real world -- and, most importantly, real people.This isthe raison d'etre of their well-attended and well-received Human Sexualitycourses at UCSB, as well as John's courses on pragmatism and *ethical*captalism.The Baldwins genuinely care about people-- this book helpsbring sociology 'to the people' in their excellent tradition.Enjoy! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Applied Psychology    2. Behavior    3. Behavior Therapy    4. Behaviorism (Psychology)    5. Psychology    6. Psychology, Applied    7. Psychology & Psychiatry / General   

Reviews (7)

Great introduction to game theory
The first half of the book was absolutely terrific and I am glad I book, however, it gets a little scattered toward the second half.

Interesting book
The book is divided into three parts: Great for learning about Game Theory
This book is fascinating in how it demonstrates what we do in politics, science, and even meditation can affect our rational (and irrational) decision making processes, both individualy and in community.Read more

Subjects:  1. Applied Psychology    2. Game Theory    3. Logic    4. Mathematics    5. Reasoning    6. Science/Mathematics    7. Thought and thinking    8. Mathematics / Game Theory    9. Philosophy & theory of psychology    10. Psychology & Psychiatry / General    11. Science: General Issues    12. golden rule    13. human frailty    14. rational behaviour   

Reviews (6)

A book with a fresh take on leadership
This book focuses on an interesting premise- that leadership is significantly developed by key experiences and the person's reactions to them.Many of the key experiences need to be actively sought out and accepted such as accepting a stretch assignment or living in a different country.Others are often a matter of time such as joining a new company, coping with a bad boss, or facing personal upheaval.Another- dealing with failure- is in between with an element of decision in choosing to take risks and stretch oneself, and an element of time.What links all these experiences together is that they must be dealt with honestly in order to learn from them.The book does a good job of presenting these ideas and more, with examples of people who have gone through the passages- some successful, others not.While few will agree with everything presented, it raises good questions and should be appreciated for that.

Cool ! Easy to read and best of all - it all makes sense.
A light reader with diagnostics and Rx that is heavily oriented to senior leaders' career peaks and waves but it has great personal advice for aspiring leaders' and mid careerist's leadership tool box. Also, valuable advice for organizational leaders that shape high performance work cultures. If you buy into life long learning philosophy - this book is for you. If you think learning is for the birds. . .I recommend you still get it - it might open your mind to a new and re-focused you.

Something for everyone
Transitions are a part of everyone's life. And since the publication of Judith Viorst's "Necessary Losses," transitions has become and increasingly popular subject for authors.
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Subjects:  1. Applied Psychology    2. Business & Economics    3. Business / Economics / Finance    4. Business/Economics    5. Entrepreneurship    6. Leadership    7. Leadership In Business    8. Management    9. Business & Economics / Leadership    10. Business & Management   

Features

• Abridged
• Audiobook

Reviews (5)

Today Matters
Wonderful book that really helps you focus on what is important.A must read for everyone.

I find myself listening to it again and again
The key concepts in this book for me were the following:
"Life Changing" if you take action
John Maxwell once again captures the essence of how to change lives with his practical approach to managing "life".If you take action as recommended after each discipline, you too will have a life changing event.Even though John's 12 disciplines are his own, it's amazing at how many are also yours.It's worth every dime you might pay and every ounce of time you give it!I'm actually teaching the practices at my local church.What a difference "today" makes! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Abridged Audio - Business/Professional    2. Applied Psychology    3. Audiobooks    4. Christian Life    5. Leadership    6. Motivational    7. Motivational & Inspirational    8. Personal Growth - Success    9. Psychological aspects    10. Psychology    11. Success    12. Business & Economics / Motivational   

Subjects:  1. Applied Psychology    2. Clinical Psychology    3. Military Medicine    4. Military Science    5. Psychological warfare    6. Psychology    7. Psychology, Military    8. United States    9. Psychology & Psychiatry / Neuropsychology   

Reviews (5)

Not for the Novice Reader
Frame Analysis is Erving Goffman's major contribution to social theory, the crux of which concerns teasing out the relation(s) between social life and meaning through an empirical examination of the existent structure of experience in everyday life. Those seeking to discover the ways in which these structures were/are created will not find suitable answers to their queries, as Goffman makes no stated (or otherwise), attempt to address these issues here (note: for a more concrete analysis of such matters, I would suggest anything by the masterful Michel Foucault). The central thesis of Frame Analysis concerns `the definition of the situation' initially developed by W.I. Thomas; whose famous dictum, "If men define situations as real, they are real in their consequences," has become a theoretical stable of the symbolic interactionists perspective. Goffman argues that those who reside within the `definition of the situation' more than likely did not create the `definition,' thus posits Goffman, warrants further inquiry into the matter.
For putting on a shelf, not for reading.
Let me preface my review by saying, I am not a sociologist. Perhaps that's why I found this rambling 580-page tome oblique. I was looking for useful information, but found myself wading through what stuck me as an idiosyncratic theoretician's first draft, or perhaps a compilation from an obsessive sociologist's notepad. I would characterize the work as rambling, disorganized, stream-of-consciousness, anecdotal, and vainly self-aware; a how-smart-am-I, how-heavy-is-my-book showpiece for fellow academics. I realize this angers Goffman worshippers; so be it. Your emperor is scantily clad. It's not in the least bit empirical--Goffman offers theory based on anecdotes, some humorous, but at the end of the day, it's still just anecdotal information. Sociologyman's knee-jerk defense of Goffman calls his work "empirical," and perhaps this is what passes for empiricism in Sociology, but the rest of us wouldn't recognize it as such. We really should demand more from the social sciences. This book is something to add ballast to your library shelf, but not to read unless your goal is to impress other Sociologists at dinner parties. A few of my favorite lines: "Bitinglike behavior occurs, but no one is seriously bitten. In brief, there is a transcription or transposition--a transformation in the geometrical, not the Chomskyan sense--of a strip of fighting behavior into a strip of play." Or how about: "Drawing loosely on a particular imagery, it was said that the main track carrying the story line was associated with a disattend track, the two tracks playing simultaneously. Now a second stream of out-of-frame activity must be considered, this one even more consequential, perhaps, for the main activity than the first, yet nonetheless--to a degree--kept out of focus." Is this brilliant or befuddled? It's brilliantly befuddled. If you like reading this sort of stuff, and have lots of free time, by all means go for it. If you're trying to educate yourself, there are certainly more efficient texts. My low rating is based on my irritation factor, given the ratio of time invested to insights gleaned.

Incisive, insightful, and hilarious
Goffman's book is primarily about how people understand the situations they find themselves; in his own words, the ways people face the question "What is it that is is going on here now?"Roughly, answering questions like this is what he calls "framing", and the answers "frames".
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Subjects:  1. Applied Psychology    2. Social Psychology    3. Social Science    4. Social interaction    5. Sociology    6. Sociology - General    7. Social Science / Sociology / General    8. Social, group or collective psychology   

Subjects:  1. Applied Psychology    2. Entrepreneurship    3. Industrial & Organizational Psychology    4. Psychological aspects    5. Psychology    6. Occupational & industrial psychology    7. Psychology & Psychiatry / Applied Psychology   

Subjects:  1. Applied Psychology    2. Clinical Psychology    3. Psychology    4. Social Psychology    5. Child & developmental psychology    6. Psychology & Psychiatry / Applied Psychology    7. The self, ego, identity, personality   

Reviews (1)

A riveting flute solo in the symphony "Journey to Wholeness"
Judith Durek's sensitive descriptions and testimonials give light to the tunnel.If you are on or just beginning the inner journey, this book will give comfort, guidance, and encourage you to find your own circle of women.This book and her first book "Circle of Stone" is essential onthe journey home.I look forward to the next book in this series. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Applied Psychology    2. Femininity    3. General    4. Identity    5. Inspiration & Personal Growth    6. Psychology    7. Psychology Of Women    8. Sociology    9. Women    10. Women's Studies - General    11. Self-Help / Personal Growth / General   

Reviews (2)

Create a great series
Pastor Kevin Harney has written a book that can be converted into a great series for a church. Our congregation did a nineteen week series (an intro week plus the eighteeen chapters) with sermons, weekly small groups (over 350 people participating) and devotions written be people within the congregation itself.
Helpful, practical advice on how to improve your life with simple, but monumental changes
As a longtime resident of Southern California, Kevin Harney has been fascinated with the relationship between small seismic shifts in the earth's crust and huge eruptions that take place above ground as a result. The obvious theme of his new book, SEISMIC SHIFTS, is change. Small, fairly simple changes can have a big impact, both negative and positive. Yet, there are also underlying themes that serve to make this more than a repeat of sermons and pop psychology shows we've heard before. These themes include the importance of faith, communication, and honest self-appraisal in working toward gaining a rich and joy-filled life.
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Subjects:  1. Applied Psychology    2. Christian Life    3. Christianity    4. Christianity - Christian Life - Character & Values    5. Christianity - Christian Life - General    6. Personal Growth - Success    7. Religion    8. Religion - Christian Life    9. Religious aspects    10. Spirituality - General    11. Success    12. Christian Interest    13. Christian life & practice   

Reviews (4)

Excellent book of techniques
I definitely recommend this book for not only those interested in Psychosynthesis, but those interested in introducing clients to guided imagery, meditation and self-reflective exercises.

"What We May Be"
Anyone who feels they'd like to develop their own wholeness further, who'd like to delve into a realm of peace and calm within, might find this book very helpful. The book gives many many very diverse meditation andvisualization exercises. It is great even for the beginner, since it startswith very simple, and yet suprisingly so effective little exercises. An outstanding series of journeys to higher spiritual realms
Peter Ferrucci enriches Roberto Assagioli's Psychosynthesis and gives many gentle step-by-step guided journeys and meditations that assist the reader to experience the vast love and unlimited knowledge of the soul. Read more

Subjects:  1. Applied Psychology    2. General    3. Meditation    4. Personal Growth - General    5. Psychology    6. Psychotherapy - General    7. Spiritual life    8. Success    9. Mind, body, spirit: mysticism & self-awareness    10. Self-Help / Personal Growth / General   

Reviews (16)

Outrageous Betrayal, Outrageously Shocking.
The events that took place throughout the course of Werner Erhard's life and his association with and the creation of such organizations as Erhard Seminars Training/est, Werner Erhard and Associates, Transformational Technologies, The Hunger Project, Landmark Education, etc., are truly apalling.
Shocking!!!!!
This is a "must read" for anyone considering becoming involved with the Landmark group as well as anyone who has loved ones involved. I am an avid reader and usually speed through everything I read. After reading the Prologue and first two chapters, I put the book down to digest what I had read. The writer cuts right to the quick giving documented background of how the 70s guru, Erhard, came to be. Erhard aka Jack Rosenberg, is the epitome of the "used car salesman" and this book documents how he turned those skills into a multi million dollar business, creating havoc in many lives along the way and managing to stay one step ahead of incarceration. The facts revealed about his personal life clearly explain how his "technology" has managed to bind countless people searching for meaning.
"Get" THIS!
This is an INVALUABLE book!This book details the dangers of Landmark very clearly and accurately. The title is very accurate.If you have any relatives or loved ones who consider undergoing "the Landmark Forum," please have them read this sober, well-researched work, first. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1936-    2. Applied Psychology    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Erhard seminars training    6. Erhard, Werner,    7. General    8. History    9. Trials, litigation, etc    10. Erhard, Werner   

Subjects:  1. Applied Psychology    2. Conflict Resolution    3. Family & Relationships    4. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    5. Family/Marriage    6. Interpersonal Relations    7. Social Conflict    8. Sociology - General    9. Family & Relationships / Interpersonal Relations   

Reviews (2)

Easily understand the bridge between spiritual + physiology
I am aware of spiritual principles describing how life works. For years I have seeking easy-to-read and understand physiologyand biology to allow me to explain the grounded roots of this in lay terms. Dr. King's book does this. I would not have expected a book about cells and biology to be so fascinating that I could not put it down. And it was. Did you know that neurons reach for each other and if they cannot find connections, they die? Just like us humans!! This is Life 101 and a primer for all who want to increase their success and achievements and wisdom.

Cellular Wisdom
As a Life Coach and Clinical Psychologist , I have often stated that change best occurs from the inside out and that biology and nature offer us much wisdom to learn from.Joan King, In Cellular Wisdom has captured both of my beliefs and brought biology knowledge to its application in our everyday living. Cells are our most basic structure and we often ignore or are ignorant of what we can learn about LIFE from the biology of our human body.
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Subjects:  1. Applied Psychology    2. Cytology    3. Health & Fitness    4. Health/Fitness    5. Healthy Living    6. Miscellanea    7. Personal Growth - General    8. Physiology    9. Psychology    10. Self-actualization (Psychology    11. Self-actualization (Psychology)    12. Complementary Medicine   

Reviews (1)

much needed text on ethics
The field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) has experienced explosive growth over the last decade and a half.The over-riding goal of any ABA effort must be to increase the autonomy of the individual, his/her ability to make choices for his or her own life and to live independently within society.Unfortunately, many individuals who are supposedly providing ABA services have not received the training needed to engage in this effort responsibly, effectively, and ethically.Such individuals cannot therefore carry out the mission of ABA stated above.This book addresses the all-important ethical responsibilities of a behavior analyst, discussing the responsibilities of behavior analysts as regards their clients, colleagues, and the greater field.It should be required reading for anyone who wants to be involved in ABA.Perhaps most importantly for consumers, a familiarity with this book will allow a determination of the qualifications and ethical stances of prospective behavior analysts.The numerous case studies make all the information highly concrete.This book should become a standard in graduate level ethics courses, as well as for anyone trying to prepare for the BCBA or BCABA exam. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Applied Psychology    2. Ethics    3. Medical / Nursing    4. Movements - Behaviorism    5. Psychology    6. Psychology / Movements / Behaviorism    7. Psychotherapy