Published in 1980, 'The Official Preppy Handbook' is a satirical guide that explores the preppy culture, including fashion, manners, and social behaviors. The book became a New York Times bestseller and is known for its humorous and insightful look at the upper crust of American society. It covers various aspects such as preppy schools, fashion, drinking culture, and social events like debutante balls. The book's success was unexpected but widespread, especially in the Southern United States, where preppy style was particularly prevalent.
This biography illuminates Kennedy’s provocative character and explains the source of his enduring magic. Rubin’s ‘forty ways’ approach highlights Kennedy’s high ideals, trenchant wit, winning family, and unforgettable charisma, as well as his astonishing sexual appetite, his lies to the public, his shrewd manipulation of the press, and his exploitation of imagery. The book aims to understand what made Kennedy such a dazzling and unforgettable figure, a puzzle that even the most exhaustive JFK studies have not fully addressed.
This book is a unique portrayal of Winston Churchill, presenting him through multiple lenses to highlight the complexities and contradictions of his life. Gretchen Rubin avoids the traditional biographical approach, instead focusing on essential questions about Churchill’s character, strengths, and controversies. The book explores whether Churchill was an alcoholic, a visionary, a racist, or a humanitarian, and how these different views shape our understanding of him. It also delves into the nature of biography itself, showing how different biographers can draw different conclusions from the same facts.
In 'The Happiness Project', Gretchen Rubin chronicles her year-long journey to enhance her happiness. Despite having a fulfilling life, Rubin realized she wasn’t focusing enough on her own happiness. She divided her project into twelve months, each with a different area of focus and specific goals. From boosting energy and improving her marriage to enhancing her work life and leisure activities, Rubin tested various strategies, including those from Epicurus, Thoreau, and modern scientists. The book combines historical wisdom, scientific research, and personal anecdotes to provide practical advice on how to make life happier and more fulfilling.
Published in 1890, 'The Principles of Psychology' is a two-volume work that lays the groundwork for understanding psychological phenomena through a scientific lens. William James discusses the relationship between mental processes and their underlying physical conditions, introducing key concepts such as the 'stream of consciousness,' the James–Lange theory of emotion, the importance of habit, and the concept of will. The book is based on James's classroom lessons and avoids metaphysical explanations, focusing instead on empirical observations and physiological processes. It has been influential in shaping the field of psychology and continues to be relevant today[4][5][2].
In 'Better Than Before', Gretchen Rubin explores the science and practice of habit formation. She identifies 21 strategies for making and breaking habits, emphasizing the importance of self-knowledge and tailoring habits to individual personalities. Rubin categorizes people into four tendencies—Upholders, Questioners, Obligers, and Rebels—and explains how these tendencies influence habit formation. The book is filled with practical advice, personal anecdotes, and rigorous research, making it a comprehensive and engaging guide to building happier, stronger, and more productive lives.
The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin is a classic and influential work that covers various periods of Franklin's life. It is divided into four parts, written at different times, and includes his childhood, apprenticeship to his brother James, his early methodical plans for 'arriving at moral perfection,' his experiments with electricity, and his political career. The autobiography provides an intimate and honest account of Franklin's life, reflecting his determination, work ethic, and practical wisdom. Despite its tortuous publication history, it remains one of the most famous autobiographies ever written.
I’m no self-help guru. And while I don’t think Gretchen Rubin would identify as one, she’s dedicated her work to figuring out just what the hell it means to live a full life. As a writer and former lawyer, Gretchen has spent years trying to understand happiness, the ways she can access it herself, and how to bring others in on the wisdom she’s gained. We talk action-led thoughts and aphorisms — anything in pursuit of leaving a conversation feeling happy (or at least, as Gretchen would say, happier).
Gretchen’s podcast, Happier with Gretchen Rubin, is now part of the Lemonada Media network and can be found wherever you listen to podcasts.
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