Getting Rid of Old Habits

In 'Authentic Happiness,' Martin E.P. Seligman introduces the revolutionary science of positive psychology, challenging the traditional focus on mental illness by promoting an approach that fosters positive emotions, strengths, and virtues. The book provides practical exercises, brief tests, and a dynamic website program to help readers identify their highest virtues and use them to improve all aspects of their lives. Seligman emphasizes the importance of 'signature strengths'—unique personal traits that enhance happiness and fulfillment—and explores how these strengths can be applied in relationships, work, parenting, and education to create healthier, happier communities.

'The Benedictine Rule' is a set of precepts written by St. Benedict of Nursia around 530 AD for monks living communally under the authority of an abbot. This rule blends spiritual guidance with practical instructions for organizing monastic life. It emphasizes a balanced daily routine of prayer, work, and study, fostering a community centered on obedience, humility, and stability. 'The Benedictine Rule' advocates for moderation and emphasizes the importance of hospitality, charity, and care for the sick and elderly. Its structure has had a profound influence on Western monasticism and continues to be followed by Benedictine monasteries worldwide.

The Nicomachean Ethics is Aristotle's most renowned work on ethics, focusing on the science of the good for human life. The text is divided into ten books and discusses the concept of eudaimonia, often translated as 'happiness' or 'flourishing,' which is achieved through living a virtuous life. Aristotle argues that eudaimonia is an activity of the soul in accordance with virtue, emphasizing the importance of reason, moral virtues, and the pursuit of excellence. The work also explores the division of the soul, the role of rationality in human life, and the ultimate goal of human activity, which is to achieve happiness through virtuous actions and a complete life.

In 'Mere Christianity', C.S. Lewis argues for the existence of God and defends Christian theology. The book is divided into four parts: the first argues for the existence of God based on the 'law of human nature'; the second defends Christian theology, including the 'Liar, lunatic, or Lord' trilemma regarding Jesus Christ; the third explores Christian ethics, including the cardinal and theological virtues; and the fourth discusses the Christian conception of God, particularly the Holy Trinity. Lewis also addresses topics such as free will, morality, sexual ethics, and the institution of marriage. The book is known for its clear and logical presentation of Christian apologetics and has been praised for its straightforward and humorous writing style.