Happy
by Derren Brown · first published 1964
89% recommend11% neutral
Why HN recommends it
Accessible introduction to Stoicism and classical Greek and Roman philosophy, with mental exercises for applying it. It changes how one approaches life and suits those new to the topic.
Summarised by Claude from recommending comments
1 volume :
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…blueprint for finding personal freedom. It encourages readers to embrace their individual sovereignty and to not be inhibited by societal conventions, effectively teaching how to live on one's own terms. * "Happy by Derren Brown" and "The Daily Stoic" (1 mention, authors not specified) * Summary: "Happy" provides a perspective on happiness using the principles of stoic philosophy, challenging modern conceptions…
on “Ask HN: Which non-fiction books had the biggest impact on you?” ↗Happy by Derren Brown altered the way that I choose to approach a lot of things in life. It's essentially an intro to stoicism. Something I had never really read about before. It was really an attitude change…
on “Ask HN: What books changed the way you think about almost everything?” ↗I've felt it from time to time. The books helped me: in the subject, I recommend "Happy" by Derren Brown and "Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor Frankl. Anything related to stoicism can work as well. Also, not sure if this counts - recently I've been having a feeling that I no more like…
on “Ask HN: Have you ever had an existential crisis?” ↗Ok: 1) Happy by Derren Brown - a stoic interpretation for the modern world (how to live, and die, happy) 2) The Daily Stoic - 366 pages of stoic philosophy for each day 3) how to control drinking / this naked mind-…
on “Ask HN: Which non-fiction books had the biggest impact on you?” ↗Happy by Derren Brown - not a self help book, more an introduction to classical Greek and Roman philosophy framed around stoicism and a dash of Epicureanism. While it does include mental exercises you can…
on “Ask HN: What nonfiction books do you keep rereading?” ↗…here's what works for me (some followed by resources): - going sleep early-ish (before 11 PM) - at least 7 hours of sleep - swimming before work - cutting down on meat - less worry (stoicism) - "Happy", Derren Brown - writing down a master to-do list of literally everything (it litters your head, really) - "Getting Things Done", David Allen - saying "no" to things you're not certain about - staying…
on “Ask HN: What's your routine/ways to keep being productive day by day?” ↗…translations can be: [1] Enchiridion is well worth a read (I gather Carter has the best translation but I've gleaned this from places like Reddit so pinch of salt!), and I also enjoyed Derren Brown's Happy [0] which draws heavily on stoicism, summarising a lot of famous works on it as he goes. [0] - https://enchiridion.tasuki.org/display:Code:ec,twh,pem,sw/se... [1] - https://enchiridion.tasuki.org/display:Code:ec,twh,pem,sw/se... [2]…
on “How Stoicism can help us” ↗Also read Happy by Derren Brown. It's brilliant in a very different way.
on “How to Be a Stoic” ↗Derren Brown's book "Happy: Why More or Less Everything Is Fine" (which is much better than the title might lead you to believe) does a very good job exploring the philosophy behind this. The choices we make have meaningful and…
on “We Need to Die” ↗I got interested a few years back thanks to Derren Brown's book "Happy" (recommended). I have found it helpful. I can't say I actually do any of the exercises, but it has slightly reframed how I think about my own wellbeing and happiness. edit: I've missed all this new…
on “Why Stoicism is one of the best mind hacks ever devised” ↗Very interesting. I was recently reading Happy by Derren Brown (best known as a terrific illusionist), and he talks about the "experiencing self" and the "remembering self". I wonder if it's possible to combine both approaches.
on “The side of Paul Allen I wish more people knew about” ↗