I Got This Book...

because it was positively mentioned in Paul Zak's The Moral Molecule, and it sounded interesting--and it is! But, like with Zak's work, I have a qualification to make. Keltner does a great job of showing how positive emotions work, from the physiological to the social levels and why they have evolved to help us get along and for society to flourish. And all that is good. But like Zak, he shows only one side of the story. What about the negative emotions? They have evolved too, and with good purpose. If we wholeheartedly loved and trusted everyone all the time, we would great grossly taken advantage of. One could easily write a book solely on the negative emotions and call it Born To Be Bad (Keltner's title is perhaps his biggest sin here--clearly written as a draw on readers--a catchy hook). Don't get me wrong. It is a good analysis of the positive emotions and why we have them, but don't take this book alone as your sole guide. The Emotional Life Of The Brain is a much more complete book on neurology and the emotions, and I highly recommend that it be read directly after this one.

8 people found this helpful

Well done, unique view of positive psychology

This book is an excellent review of awe, the vagal nerve of goosebumps, and especially of the facial expressions and their origins as they relate to how we function together in society. If you enjoy positive psychology books you will find this one refreshingly different from what is typically offered.

1 person found this helpful

The reader matters

The tone of the reading felt like a cross between and old-school radio DJ and a snooty lecture. This style of audiobook just doesn’t cut the mustard for me anymore. I’d much prefer nonfiction to be read by the author or by someone who seems passionate about the subject.

Expected Better

Trying too hard to make subjective experiences seem like science. Was really looking for something research based.