What really makes us feel glad to be alive? This classic work of psychology from world-renowned psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi is your essential guide to unlocking a happier, more fulfilling state of being.

'[He] has done more than anyone else to study this state of effortless attending' ? Daniel Kahneman, author of Thinking, Fast and Slow

'Mr Csikszentmihalyi illuminates the accuracy of what philosophers have been saying for centuries: that the way to happiness lies not in mindless hedonism but in mindful challenge' ? The New York Times

'Elegantly written ... it is more relevant than ever' The Times

'Enlightening, thought-provoking, relevant' -- Reader review

'I actually struggled to put it down' -- Reader review

'It will definitely help me structure and control my mind better' -- Reader review

'If you are searching to add meaning to your life, or to gain more enjoyment from the life that you have, reading this book is a must' -- Reader review

Control of consciousness determines the quality of life

Combining over 40 years of ground-breaking research with practical advice, world-renowned psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi reveals the key to optimal experience: flow.

Arguing that the human brain is most happy when engaged in the meaningful pursuit of a goal - anything from sport to learning a language, from enjoyable work to practising music - he demonstrates that the need to concentrate and lose yourself in the moment is the key to finding inner peace, happiness and order in the midst of our chaotic lives.

Table of Contents

1. Happiness Revisited

2. The Anatomy of Consciousness

3. Enjoyment and the Quality of Life

4. The Conditions of Flow

5. The Body in Flow

6. The Flow of Thought

7. Work as Flow

8. Enjoying Solitude and Other People

9. Cheating Chaos

10. The Making of Meaning