The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living

Learn the ancient discipline that turns setbacks into strength and everyday life into training for wisdom

Dalai Lama XIV

1998

8 Key Insights

About This Book

Build a mind that can’t be pushed around by bad days, tough people, or sudden changes. This practical guide translates timeless Stoic training into clear moves you can use before exams, during tense meetings, or when life hits hard. You’ll learn to sort what’s in your control from what isn’t, act with calm courage, and accept outcomes without losing momentum. Through vivid exercises—like pre‑rehearsing adversity, adding a quiet “fate permitting” to every plan, and widening daily empathy—you’ll feel steadier, think sharper, and show up as your best self where it matters most.

About the Author

Donald Robertson is a cognitive‑behavioral therapist and internationally respected teacher of Stoic practice. He has trained thousands in evidence‑based resilience skills, translating ancient philosophy into clear, modern habits. Known for blending practical tools with historical depth, he shows how the same methods that inspired early cognitive therapy can help anyone think and live better today. His work with students, professionals, and leaders has one aim: build character strengths that perform under pressure and benefit the wider community.

Biggest Takeaway

Expect measurable gains in focus, emotional steadiness, and decision speed under pressure. You’ll reduce unhelpful worry, bounce back faster from setbacks, and turn stressful moments into practice for courage, self‑control, and fairness. Relationships improve as you replace reactivity with clarity and goodwill. Productivity rises as you redirect energy to actions you control and let go of draining rumination. Over time you’ll form a durable inner compass—one that guides tough choices, handles uncertainty with grace, and sustains a quiet, confident joy in daily life.

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