Solve for Happy: Engineer Your Path to Joy Hardcover – March 21, 2017

Wow. I found this book to be the perfect fit for how my brain thinks, works, and processes my life and thoughts. I'm a pretty analytical and non-religious person, mostly driven by facts and data, but I also understand that as humans, facts and analysis will always have to live alongside our thoughts and emotions. Our emotions don't have to influence our rational decisions, but the two will always have to co-exist within us, and it's helpful to know when and how to separate the two.I really like that this book could toe the line between discussing things like "facts and algorithms" (only using quotations here because the equations are about life, not science), without ignoring the emotions and sometimes unfortunate irrationality that makes us human. I really appreciate that this book addressed both sides of the coin. I also appreciate that often times, Mo would describe life in an analytical way, but because life isn't always analytical, would use softer examples to help make sense of life events that don't behave according to plan.I've also never read something about thoughts, illusions, and self that made so much sense for how I work through things and perceive the world. I can't predict how others will respond to it, but I'm so glad I found this book.I had the pleasure of seeing Mo speak at a conference in 2018, and I remember how much I enjoyed his talk. He was so kind, calm, approachable, and down-to-earth. He spoke about happiness but didn't really promote his book with the exception of one mention at the very end. He really seemed to devote the 30 or so minutes of his talk to helping everyone clear their minds and find a little slice of happiness, even if just for a few minutes. His words and processes resonated with me, so I wrote down his name and the name of the book.I purchased the book a year ago, and it sat on my shelf, untouched, while I tried to navigate the toughest year of my life with a slew of antidepressants that did nothing but make everything worse and zap my energy. Finally, I was prescribed an antidepressant that was a better fit, and, feeling a bit better, decided to give this book a try.From the first chapter, I realized this would be immensely helpful. This book has been so great with helping me control my reactions and responses to my thoughts, while realizing that my thoughts are not me. I also now better understand the illusions that have been sucking the joy out of my life, and how to see them for what they are. Again, this approach may not be helpful to everyone, but I've found is so incredibly useful, and I'm quite grateful for the experience of reading this book! I've enjoyed it so much, and will probably read it again.Lastly, the final chapter is about intelligent design. I grew up in a suuuuuper religious family (dad is a pastor, Christian school for my entire life, etc, etc), so naturally, I'm an atheist now. Haha! And, while I wholly disagree with the concept of intelligent design, Mo prefaced this chapter by stating several times that these were his PERSONAL views and the reader can 100% ignore them. I still very much respect Mo, and he's more than welcome to have his own views and to share them! He wasn't pushy, disrespectful, or rude about it. He just made his case and left it alone. The rest of the book was immensely helpful, and I hold nothing against him for how he chose to end his work!I've recommended and purchased this book for four friends now! I can't wait to read it again.

I'm so thankful to have heard of Mo Gawdat. I truly love the insight he provided within this book and speaks to both aspects of the use of technology and how we navigate life. Truly inspiring and insightful 👏🏾

This book was great! After finishing it, I feel like I have a better plan for myself in life. Dispelling the many illusions that are pervasive in life due to our primitive psychology was the section of the book that really helped the most. I would give this book 5 stars, however, Mo Gawdat seems to lack a basic understanding of evolutionary biology. Evolution via natural selection is anything but randomness. But, the author acknowledges that the truths that he accepts are for himself, as should the truths that you accept in your life. Having realistic expectations sets you on a path to joy and happiness! Thank you for telling your story Mo :)

At Rx Health and Wellness, we believe that true well-being encompasses not only physical health but also mental and emotional well-being. That's why our book of the month recommendation is "Solve for Happy" by Mo Gawdat.In this inspiring book, Mo Gawdat shares his personal journey and a powerful formula for finding lasting happiness, even in the face of life's challenges. As a successful entrepreneur and former Chief Business Officer at Google [X], Mo's insights are both practical and deeply profound.Gawdat's approach is grounded in science and philosophy, offering a roadmap to understanding happiness and providing practical exercises to apply in your daily life. "Solve for Happy" is a book that empowers you to take control of your happiness and well-being, aligning perfectly with our mission to support women over forty/fifty with chronic diseases on their path to healthier and happier lives.Discover the transformative potential of happiness and join us in reading "Solve for Happy" this month. Together, we'll explore the keys to a happier, more fulfilling life.Happy reading!

It was good.

Maybe it’s for people who aren’t already happy. I bought it with the intention to “stay happy” but I haven’t completed it yet. It seems long and drawn out with little info.

this books helps change your perspective! definitely recommend!

I found this book at my local library. 300+ pages is a good read for me. I usually take longer to read books, but this one was written from the heart. I've learned to "Solve for Happy" whenever my wife and I have our disagreements. We are not perfect, but this book offers tips on where bad feelings and arguments are generated. Once you recognize where the conversation is going, the book can help you navigate through tough times.

My top three best books ever read. Life changing, highly recommend.

This book turned my world upside down, literally! It had a profound impact on me. It’s a tough read but don’t give up, it’s totally worth the time.Thank you Mo & thank you Ali 🙏

Die Geschichte von Ali hat mich tief berührt.Wie Mo damit umgegangen ist noch mehr.Genau darin liegt der Schlüssel zum glücklich sein und einem erfüllten Leben.

Amazing positive and smart book, it changes the life attitude

Da leggere. Punto. C'è poco da aggiungere se non che è davvero una lettura illuminante della quotidianità che nulla ha a che vedere con new age o pseudo manuali di autoaiuto. Il risultato di una ricerca seria, appassionata e sofferta. davvero davvero interessante