The mere sense of living is joy enough. Emily Dickinson, 1830-1886, American poet Humanity's story is one long testimony to the truth that life is as rewarding and beautiful as you make it. As pioneers, inventors, and dreamers have always known, you can do anything if only you persevere. Ever since we hauled ourselves out of the swamp, our history has been one of extraordinary cultural and technological progress, of mind-boggling discoveries and remarkable achievements, often against the odds. It's no coincidence that you see no statues of pessimists in city squares. Still, cynical and doubting voices are heard all too loudly and frequently in public discourse. A potent antidote to their gloom and doom, The Optimist's Handbook is a joyful explosion of wit and wisdom from our past and present that celebrates the art of greeting life with the excitement it deserves. This handbook will inspire, enchant, and entertain you as you go forward into all your wonderful tomorrows. Even if, after reading it, you are not moved to feats of glory for the greater good, the fact is that optimists are healthier, happier, and richer than their gloomy counterparts. Hear that, killjoys? The world is a grindstone and life is your nose. Fred Allen, 1894-1956, American humorist Why beat around the bush? The truth is that life is a never-ending cycle of toil and pain with nothing but death to reward all our suffering. Furthermore, what solace is there in blind optimism or fanciful daydreaming when it is perfectly clear that the world is heading toward a complete meltdown whether we live in it or not? Resigning yourself to life's grim treadmill, and thereby avoiding more disappointments, is the best way to trudge forward. The Pessimist's Handbook is an indispensable companion on your journey through this vale of tears. A clear-sighted, realistic look at life's obstacles, this guidebook is stocked with the pearls of wisdom you need to counter the irritating voices of those who trumpet futile positivity and inane confidence in a brighter future. Feel reassured that scores of people share your sense of impending doom...and have done so for centuries. After all, misery loves company, but not when it's a horde of perky utopians.

This is a rich anthology of evidence from both sides of any argument. Covering everything from Africa to beauty, happiness to patriotism to walking, it is the perfect tool for squabbling families, a counterbalance for arguing couples and a mine of detail for the quarrelsome.

From the Grammy-nominated star of Saturday Night Live and his equally talented sister comes a delightfully cynical look at life through a half-full glass. I HATE THIS PLACE is the book for anyone who’s ever tired of crossing to the sunny side of the street, looking for that elusive pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, or reading self-help books that are meant to bring peace and prosperity. Guaranteed to shatter illusions, extinguish all hope, and keep the jaded and the disgruntled laughing all the way, it is filled with such daily “affirmations” as “If you don’t have anything nice to say, welcome to the club,” and advice like “Knock, and the door shall be slammed in your face.” Rife with the wit and wisdom of Jimmy Fallon and his sister Gloria, this book promises to tickle the funny bone of the pessimist in everyone.

"Barbara Ann Kipfer, author of the relentlessly upbeat 14,000 things to be happy about, looks forward to a future of advanced technology, cultural progress, and enlightened awareness. Ed Strnad, author of the relentlessly cranky 1401 Things That P*ss Me Off, cringes at the prospect of robot waiters, mutant cockroaches, and hearing the "Theme from 2001: A Space Odyssey" played ad nauseum. They're both here - in The Optimist's/Pessimist's Guide to the Millennium...a double-edged look at the 21st century that will make you think twice about tomorrow!"--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved

From Pessimist to Optimist in 30 Days or Less How often do you think, "Today's going to be a great day" or "I'm so lucky to be alive"? Would you like to think these things more often? What sets us apart from all other living creatures is the ability to think and use thought to form decisions, ideas, strategies, and actions. However, this same "power" can also work against us in the form of small thinking, negativity, depression, or distress. What we see is what we get. How we think is what determines our reality. Some of the Best Days of Your Life Haven't Happened Yet Do you want to enjoy your life more? You have to learn a new way of thinking before you can master a new way of being. A negative mind will never give you a positive life. But how can you become more positive when you've been trapped in negative thinking for years, decades, or maybe even your whole life? How to Be Happy, No Matter What John Clark delves into the topic of happiness and positivity in his latest book, "The 30-Day Optimism Solution." A self-described chronic pessimist, Clark embarks on a 30-day journey to turn his mindset around. Discover the ten second process that can instantly transform your thinking, setting the tone for the rest of the day (and, ultimately, your life). The greatest weapon against unhappiness is our ability to choose one thought over another. Learn how to choose these positive thoughts with: Two full pages of affirmations 7 ways to energize your life 10 ways to reduce stress A guide to creating your own gratitude list No matter how long you have traveled on the wrong road, you can always turn around. The 30-Day Optimism Solution is proof of that."