The Power of Joy
In France, but also in Quebec, The Power of Joy is a hit. It is claimed that this success is partly caused by the Paris attacks, which would push people to look for reasons to be happy or ways to become happy. And this is what Frédéric Lenoir proposes, magnificently, without placing himself as a guru. He simply shares his wisdom as a philosopher.
You should not expect a guide to personal growth. You will not find in The Power of Joy any ready-made idea, or any universal theory, to become joyful, but rather a work of philosophical popularization. A rare gift that should not be missed. Frédéric Lenoir has spent years with his nose buried in the books of the greatest philosophers. In this short book of 200 pages, he summarizes what he has learned by focusing on "joy", a feeling that is easier to reach, he says, and more concrete than happiness.
He teaches us that Spinoza, Nietzsche or Tchouang-Tseu did not agree on everything, but that as for joy, they are unanimous on certain elements. For example, they agree that joy comes from consenting to life, no matter what it brings us. That giving brings us more joy than receiving. And that to appreciate life, we must learn to slow down, to savor, but also to know ourselves and to open up to others.
To support his words, Frédéric Lenoir also tells us about his experiences. How he became more joyful by selling his big house to be less in debt and to find the time he was missing to breathe. How he managed to transform his frustration with his car into laughter in a few minutes, out of joy.
This book is a succession of light, inspiring passages that often make you smile and think. It is up to the readers to determine their path to joy. But at least, with this book, we are convinced that this is what we need.
—
Fayard
24,26 $
Stiller
