Happiness Is Overrated begins with an historical overview of the development of the concept of ‘happiness’ from Plato to contemporary writers, highlighting the best scholarship emerging from philosophy, psychology, and sociology. Belliotti includes practical advice on how to attain happiness and addresses issues centered on the meaning of life. Happiness, he argues, is not the greatest personal good, or even a great good in itself. In fact, sometimes happiness isn’t a good at all. If we pursue worthwhile, exemplary lives and find happiness along the way, then we are lucky. If we don’t, then we can take pride and derive satisfaction from a life well lived. Ultimately, the greatest personal good is realized in leading a robustly meaningful, valuable life.
Editorial Reviews
Review
In one of the best surveys of the field, Belliotti economically sweeps both historical and contemporary sources into a solidly readable, powerful analysis, achieving the rare status of general public accessibility without sacrificing any scholarly meat. Bulleted summations at the close of chapters serve to clarify and condense. Highly recommended. ― CHOICE
Happiness Is Overrated is a good book. Belliotti shows himself to be a clear writer and thinker who is well versed in both the history of philosophy and contemporary philosophy. The breadth of his knowledge and understanding is very impressive. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in finding out what philosophers have had to say about the nature and value of happiness and the meaning of human existence. ―
Review of Metaphysics
[Belliotti’s] book is informative, enjoyable, and meaningful. ―
The Australian and New Zealand Journal Of Psychiatry
Raymond Belliotti’s Happiness Is Overrated is a most welcome book in ethics. Belliotti asks the key questions that philosophers should ask, as should their students, such as to what extent happiness is subjective or objective and whether happiness is indeed the most important thing in life or rather ‘overrated.’ His answers to these questions should be both enticing and challenging to our students. They will learn a lot of history of philosophy as well. — Robert C. Solomon, Quincy Lee Centennial Professor of Business and Philosophy and Distinguished Teaching Professor at the University of Texas, Aust
About the Author
Raymond Angelo Belliotti is State University of New York Distinguished Teaching Professor of Philosophy Emeritus and author of twenty-six books, including Values, Virtues, and Vices, Italian Style: Caesar, Dante, Machiavelli, and Garibaldi and Heroism and Wisdom, Italian Style: From Roman Imperialists to Sicilian Magistrates, both published by Fairleigh Dickinson University Press.
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