Glücksversuche

An invitation to start saving the world with oneselfHow do I get a little closer to myself and thus to my happiness? Ariadne von Schirach's new book is a compass for ancient and current ideas of happiness that is as clever as it is humorous. In 80 self-experiments, she shows ways to make the inner voice audible. Findings from evolutionary biology and psychology play just as much a role as the Greek philosophers.But are we allowed to strive for happiness at all in times like these? Am I allowed to care about my own well-being when at the same time so many people all over the world have to fight for their lives, their rights or for recognition? Yes, because the happiness this book is about is neither self-optimisation nor positive psychology. It is not self-referential, but revolves around relationships and participation and stands in a tradition of the art of living that began with the Greek philosopher Epicurus. He placed the conscious enjoyment of one's own life and friendship with others at the centre of his thinking. And today, too, it is important to take good care of oneself so that one can take good care of others and others - whether it is the climate, a job that is important to one, or people who are close to one's heart. Because a happy life is always a meaningful life.