Neurobiologist Pearsall, author of The Last Self-Help Book You'll Ever Need
, presents another no-nonsense guide to better living, this time focusing on the importance of a sense of awe. Once again challenging the popular “culture of perpetual happiness,” which tells people they should build self-esteem, think positively and strive to be happier, Pearsall contends that living life to its fullest—living an awe-filled life—does not mean avoiding pain; awe can be felt in the face of death as well as in watching a birth. Pearsall argues that awe makes the difference between “languishing” and “flourishing,” by consciously engaging and reflecting on the world outside the self. The author blends personal anecdotes from his own experience (for instance, with cancer) and that of his patients and interviewees with scientific knowledge of evolution and neurological studies of emotion. Pearsall is thorough and rigorous, backing up his claims with evidence and demonstrating knowledge of developments in not only the self-help world but also in clinical and neuropsychology. Loosely organized but well written, Pearsall's findings are accessible as well as credible. (Oct.)
