PRINT-Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

Flow by Mihaly Whatshisname is a must read volume on my favorite subject--happiness.

Mihaly bases his theory on Aristotle's understanding of happiness which is very simple to understand. Happiness does not come from hedonistic activities like drugs or fucking. It comes when we are in a state of "flow." This is essentially the same as Aristotle's eudaimonia or "flourishing."

For Mihaly, this state of flow occurs at the midpoint between boredom and anxiety as we become engrossed in activities that give meaning to life. Individuals who achieve this state are called "autotelic" which means to be self-directed.

Mihaly goes on and on with examples of autotelic people who find meaning in their lives. The one I remember the most is the prisoner in solitary confinement who translated English poetry in the soap he put on the soles of his shoes.

Happy people are robust and active. They shake off misfortune and go on in their lives. Their lives are full and meaningful.

Mihaly includes information on how to find flow in activities, but the best you get is a feel for the process as opposed to a recipe. He also includes ways to find flow in social relationships, but I think this is the weakest part of the volume. I have found in my own life that it is other people who rob you of flow and frustrate your efforts to be happy and fulfilled. But overall, the book is solid, and I highly recommend it. It is a lot easier to understand than Aristotle.

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