Book Review: Build the Life You Want: The Art and Science of Getting Happier
When I first stumbled upon Build the Life You Want: The Art and Science of Getting Happier, the title alone felt like a siren song during a challenging time. I was curious to see how Arthur C. Brooks, with his academic credentials and a sprinkling of Oprah’s magic, would tackle the intricacies of happiness and fulfillment. However, as I delved into its pages, I found myself navigating a mix of insights and frustrations that left me with mixed feelings.
The book opens with an anecdote about Brooks’ mother-in-law, a narrative that sets a poignant tone. It details her struggles and the quest for meaning, offering a launchpad into the notion that happiness isn’t just a goal; it’s a byproduct of designing a meaningful life. While this premise is commendable—and a nod to Victor Frankl’s teachings—Brooks quickly raises some eyebrows with his starkly academic lens. With a significant focus on the "science" of happiness, I found myself longing for more warmth and relatability in his insights.
Brooks excels at translating complex theories of happiness, like metacognition and overcoming negativity bias, into digestible wisdom. His prose is polished, yet his tone feels somewhat dry—offering little emotional resonance. I admit that I neither laughed nor cried, and the lack of captivating narratives left me feeling detached. I’m the kind of reader who appreciates a good story to ground scientific principles, and in this regard, Brooks fell just shy of the mark.
One of the most impactful sections discusses emotion management—how to think critically about our feelings rather than accepting them blindly. This part resonated deeply with me and offered practical takeaways. However, as the book progresses into the realms of family, friendships, work, and spirituality, I couldn’t shake off a sense of privilege that permeated Brooks’ advice. His insistence on maintaining relationships with those whose values conflict with fundamental human decency sparked irritation. It exemplified a disconnect that only someone insulated from such conflicts could espouse.
Despite these shortcomings, I appreciated Brooks’ insights on work and the pursuit of earned success—a philosophy that aligns well with my aspirations. Still, the execution felt abstract, lacking tangible guidance for those navigating systemic barriers. As someone who believes that your vocation should enrich your life, I felt that Brooks left crucial conversations unaddressed.
The final stretch ranged from enlightening to exasperating. His promotion of faith and spirituality as pathways to happiness felt reductive. While other chapters offered valuable principles rooted in science and empirical research, this part lacked nuance. He highlights meditation and nature as universally beneficial, but fails to recognize the myriad ways individuals engage with spirituality beyond a traditional framework.
In conclusion, Build the Life You Want is a book that has its merits, particularly for those who are new to these concepts. Brooks provides a structured approach to happiness, albeit through a lens that might feel distant to many readers. I would recommend this book to those seeking a basic understanding of happiness research and self-improvement. However, for anyone who has experienced the complex tapestry of life or identity, it might feel a bit abstract and frustrating.
While I walked away with some useful insights, I couldn’t shake the feeling that the book could have been much richer if it ventured beyond Brooks’ own experiences. If you find yourself curious after reading this review, give it a go—but perhaps keep it as one of many resources on your journey to building the life you want.
Discover more about Build the Life You Want: The Art and Science of Getting… on GoodReads >>