"Bright-Sided"

http://marxistupdate.blogspot.com/2009/11/boosterism-and-babbitry-go-marching-on.html

Barbara Ehrenreich, author of Bright-Sided, suggests a solution to finding happiness that is different from that of Gary Mack. She argues that idealism is a national problem that is prevalent in many entrepreneurs and large companies. Ehrenreich often finds herself blaming these people for the present-day economic crisis due to their refusal to consider the negative outcomes of situations. In her book, Ehrenreich unveils "the dark roots of American optimism" that lead back to Protestantism and picks apart positive psychology. Ehrenreich argues that this idealism leads to distress, personal self-blame, denial, and mental instability. However after pointing out many problems in our "positive" national moral system, Ehrenreich offers her solutions to seeking true happiness and inner excellence. She advises people to make conclusions partially based on the opinion of a group of unbiased intellectuals and partially on an individual basis. She concludes that "there seems to be an evolutionary paradox at work here: human survival in the face of multiple threats depended on our ability to live in groups, but the imperative of maintaining group cohesion can sometimes override realism and common sense, making us hesitate to challenge the consensus of be the bearer of bad news". Ehrenreich shows us that realism, a state of mind that encompasses the idea of what things really are, is not self-destructive or depressing, but can protect us from many problems. Unlike Mack, Ehrenreich does not argue that positive thinking, optimism, and motivation are the pathways to inner success.

My opinion: Ehrenreich's outward focus appeals to me much more than Mack's approach does because I am globally aware. She offers many ideas that come across as realistic and doable whereas Mack suggests many similar arguments. 

Ehrenreich, Barbara. Bright-Sided; How the Relentless Promotion of Positive Thinking

     Has Undermined America. New York: Metropolitan, 2009. Print.