Positive Psychology: An Introduction

Seligman, AuthorMartin E.P., & Csikszentmihalyi, M. (2000). Positive Psychology: An Introduction . American Psychologist. 55, 5-14.

People high on optimism tend to have better moods, to be more persevering and successful, and to experience better physical health.

The other two candidates for promoting happiness Myers considers are economic growth and income (not much there, after a minimum threshold of affluence is passed) and close personal relationships (a strong association).

(myers= david myers, and he published this info in 2000)

But perhaps we are blinded to the survival value of positive emotions precisely because they are so important. Like the fish who is unaware of the water in which it swims, we take for granted a certain amount of hope, love, enjoyment, and trust because these are the very conditions that allow us to go on living.

Cultures may turn their attention to creativity, virtue, and the highest qualities in life only when they are stable, prosperous and at peace. Athens during the 5th century B.C., Florence of the 15th century, and Victorian England are examples of cultures that focused on positive qualities.