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Learned Optimism: How to Change Your Mind and Your Life Paperback – January 3, 2006

4.4 out of 5 stars 3,087 ratings

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NATIONAL BESTSELLER • The father of positive psychology draws on more than twenty years of clinical research to show you how to overcome depression, boost your immune system, and make yourself happier.

"Vaulted me out of my funk.... So, fellow moderate pessimists, go buy this book." —
The New York Times Book Review

Offering many simple techniques anyone can practice, Dr. Seligman explains how to break an “I–give–up” habit, develop a more constructive explanatory style for interpreting your behavior, and experience the benefits of a more positive interior dialogue.

With generous additional advice on how to encourage optimistic behavior at school, at work and in children,
Learned Optimism is both profound and practical—and valuable for every phase of life.

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Editorial Reviews

Review

“Vaulted me out of my funk.... So, fellow moderate pessimists, go buy this book."—The New York Times Book Review

"One of the most important books of the century--an absolute must-read for all persons interested in genuinely understanding and helping our fellow human beings.”—Dr. Robert H. Schuller, author of Tough Times Never Last, But Tough People Do

"Dr. Seligman makes an optimistic case for optimism: you can learn it, you can measure it, you can teach it, and you will be healthier and happier for it.”—Dr. Aaron T. Beck, author of Love is Never Enough

“A system for reforming the most entrenched pessimist.”—Philadelphia Daily News

About the Author

MARTIN E.P. SELIGMAN, PH.D., professor of psychology at the University of Pennsylvania and a past president of the American Psychological Association, is a leading motivational expert and an authority on learned helplessness. His many books include Authentic Happinessand The Optimistic Child. Dr. Seligman's research has been supported by the National Institute of Mental Health, the National Institute on Aging, the National Science Foundation, the MacArthur Foundation, and the Guggenheim Foundation.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Vintage
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 3, 2006
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ Reprint
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 319 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1400078393
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1400078394
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.2 x 0.75 x 8 inches
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 1050L
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 3,087 ratings

About the author

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Martin E. P. Seligman
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Martin E. P. Seligman, Ph.D., is the Fox Leadership Professor of Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, the director of the Positive Psychology Network, and former president of the American Psychological Association. Among his twenty books are Learned Optimism and The Optimistic Child.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
3,087 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book highly informative and appreciate its entirely new approach to psychological guidance. Moreover, the explanation style is helpful, with one customer noting it provides straightforward answers on how to think. Additionally, the book has helped many customers overcome life-threatening depression and improve their sense of well-being. However, several customers consider it a waste of time and not worth the money.

237 customers mention "Information quality"232 positive5 negative

Customers find the book very informative and appreciate its entirely new approach to psychological guidance, with one customer noting how it opens up possibilities for self-improvement.

"...It's an extremely intelligent, well thought out, well written history of the origins of positive psychology that everyone can understand...." Read more

"...I found Part 1 the most interesting - not least because I got to fill out a couple of tests to help me discern my explanatory style and determine if..." Read more

"...I especially appreciated how clearly it distinguishes between optimistic and pessimistic perspectives, not just idealizing the former over the latter..." Read more

"...It’s made a wonderful contribution to Aaron Becks’s Cognitive Therapy; cognitive behavioral therapy having an unmatched track record for its..." Read more

223 customers mention "Readability"194 positive29 negative

Customers find the book remarkably practical and insightful, with one mentioning it's particularly helpful for those feeling helpless.

"...It's an extremely intelligent, well thought out, well written history of the origins of positive psychology that everyone can understand...." Read more

"This book is beautifully written, reads like a thriller, and packs plenty of wisdom in each page...." Read more

"...the extra content can really add a huge amount of emotional and mental investment to acquire that optimism you need, to make your life better...." Read more

"...Very useful tool in helping you become more optimistic give you the tools and the science behind why it works and how to do it...." Read more

97 customers mention "Explanation style"73 positive24 negative

Customers find the book's explanation style helpful and understandable, providing useful strategies and realistic tips.

"...interested in understanding more about the origin and effect of individual explanatory styles - including one's own - and what can be done to change..." Read more

"...As a result of his research, Seligman offers real, learnable, and proven effective techniques for learning to be more optimistic...." Read more

"...The author not only understands the field as an expert but writes well, and conveys the core ideas in a useful way...." Read more

"...The description of the experiment is brief; I just include the warning here for those (like me) who would prefer to skim (or skip) over this..." Read more

45 customers mention "Depression"39 positive6 negative

Customers report that the book has helped them overcome life-threatening depression and contributed to their overall well-being.

"...on different aspects of psychology, like how we can live happier, healthier, more productive, and more fulfilled lives...." Read more

"...The tools are great and I can honestly say they have helped my chronic pessimism and stress level...." Read more

"...for gaining an optimistic mindset can actually improve your quality of life and physical health...." Read more

"...The first thing that impressed me about it was that it actually DEFINES depression, simply and straightforwardly, so it makes sense...." Read more

16 customers mention "Value for money"3 positive13 negative

Customers find the book not worth the money, describing it as a waste of time and not great.

"...Such a let down and kind of a waste of time...." Read more

"...The other 75% was inapplicable or boring...." Read more

"...However, this version is worthless. Note: because I requested a return slip, I didn't listen to the 2nd or 3rd CD." Read more

"...or read anything on positive thinking, this book is of no value whatsoever...." Read more

Eye opening information
5 out of 5 stars
Eye opening information
The first two parts of the book are generally about research and psychological principles. The last three chapters give you the tools/exercises to change from a pessimistic explanatory style to an optimistic explanatory style. I found the research in the first two parts of the book to be extremely interesting. However, if you’re looking for practical methods of changing explanatory patterns, it can be tough to get through all of the background information first. Best of luck on your journey!
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on May 14, 2025
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    I've read a lot of bad psychology and self-help books over the years, and I can confidently say that this isn't one of them. It's an extremely intelligent, well thought out, well written history of the origins of positive psychology that everyone can understand. As a scientist, I found the research discussed to be particularly fascinating. I bought the book to learn how to overcome learned helplessness and was pleasantly surprised to know that I've already learned the techniques from reading Dr. David Burns' book "Feeling Good". Learned Optimism, however, is a much simpler version without the cognitive distortions to sort through, which is a really great place to start if you're new to the practice of thought stopping and replacement, but also a really great refresher from a new point of view if you're a seasoned pro. Honestly, even if you've already learned the technique and don't want to try it his way, the biography Dr. Seligman takes you through in the first 2 sections are well worth the read. A fascinating story about the origins of positive psychology and all the obstacles it had to overcome along the way. And if you're a parent who wants to learn how to help your child learn optimism, or you want to learn optimism in regards to your job and career, he's got that covered, too. There really isn't a reason not to read this book.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 9, 2008
    Learned Optimism is a - sometimes uneasy - mix of the theoretical and the practical. Seligman is clearly captivated by his subject, which he has made his life's work. Not surprisingly then, he sees the value of an optimistic outlook in every aspect of life. It's not just that optimists do better than pessimists at school, work and sports, but they even live longer. Seligman makes the case that "the arrow points both ways": that pessimism is not a consequence but also a contributing cause of depression and that an optimistic "explanatory style" for the misfortunes of life, large and small, can actually prevent a descent into morbid depression. He even says he can predict the outcome of elections by analyzing the explanatory styles of the competing candidates - because in a head-to-head contest the most optimistic candidate will prevail.

    In Part 1 of the book he lays out the theoretical case for optimism and the techniques by which it can be measured. In Part 2 he describes how the optimist's advantage is played out in the different "realms of life", such as work, sports, politics, etc. In Part 3, he explains self-help techniques for moving from pessimism to optimism.

    I found Part 1 the most interesting - not least because I got to fill out a couple of tests to help me discern my explanatory style and determine if I was currently depressed (and how deeply). It turns out I am moderately optimistic about bad events and moderately pessimistic about good ones. But I am not at all depressed, so I guess I must have learned to live with the contradiction.

    Part 3 gets us into the land of the light bulb joke (where to change, the light bulb must truly desire change). I am convinced from my own experience that optimism is like a muscle that can be worked and strengthened. I also recognized in Seligman's techniques ones that I had stumbled onto myself.

    In the final analysis, whether the reader will find reading Learned Optimism helpful will depend on the reader. Judging by the Amazon reviews, the experience for some will be life-changing; for others not so. Perhaps underlying explanatory style may have something to do with that. Perhaps also a self-help book is not the best therapy for the truly, deeply depressed (as the book suggests, you can improve your outlook but you have to be motivated to start a mental workout routine and stick with it to see the positive results). However there is much to learn here and I would not hesitate to recommend the book to anyone interested in understanding more about the origin and effect of individual explanatory styles - including one's own - and what can be done to change them.
    24 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 12, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    “Learned Optimism” is a brilliant blend of science, self-awareness, and practical tools. I especially appreciated how clearly it distinguishes between optimistic and pessimistic perspectives, not just idealizing the former over the latter. The ABC and ABCDE exercises are immediately useful for shifting thought patterns, and what stood out most was the fair acknowledgment of pessimism’s value — a clear realistic view —something we often overlook. Backed by deep psychological research, this book doesn’t just inspire—it equips. Highly recommended to anyone seeking a grounded yet hopeful approach to life.
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 22, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I first read this book in the 1990s. I credit this work with changing my life. I’ve given this book to dozens of friends and family over the years and planted its seeds in the generation following my small circle of commons. Rereading it in 2025, I am inspired to share it more as an opportunity for hope in these increasingly chaotic times.
    One person found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

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  • JOSE BALAGUER ALEDON
    5.0 out of 5 stars muy bueno
    Reviewed in Spain on January 30, 2025
    Es un libro, realmente interesante que relata muchos estudios que hace el autor sobre el optimismo y el pesimismo y finaliza con los cuantos capítulos prácticos.
    Report
  • Mauro Mizuno
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good read!
    Reviewed in Brazil on January 9, 2018
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Instrumental book showing real life examples and a spot on advice to be more optimism at the end of book
  • Koh kwek choong
    5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring Gem
    Reviewed in Singapore on October 4, 2023
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    This book opens my mind to many possibilities of living a positive-centric fulfilling life.
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    Koh kwek choong
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    Inspiring Gem

    Reviewed in Singapore on October 4, 2023
    This book opens my mind to many possibilities of living a positive-centric fulfilling life.
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  • Philipp Schiewe
    5.0 out of 5 stars Unglaubliches Buch
    Reviewed in Germany on June 26, 2022
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Das Buch müsste eins meiner ersten englischen Bücher gewesen sein und dafür dass mein Englisch damals noch nicht so gut war war es trotzdem sehr einfach zu lesen. Manche Passagen sind schwierig aber mit einem Übersetzer in der Hand sollte die Sprachbarrikade für niemanden ein Problem sein der die 10. Klasse abgeschlossen hat und eine 3 oder besser im Unterricht hatte.

    Ich habe damals bestimmt zwei Jahre mit diesem Buch gearbeitet, wurde sehr viel optimistischer und habe es aber letztendlich doch wieder aufgegeben weil mein Problem unüberwindbar schien. Jetzt ein Jahr später habe ich es wieder zur Hand genommen und muss sagen dass ich mich zu sehr auf diesen einen Aspekt fokussiert habe den ich nicht kontrollieren konnte. Das generelle Optimismuslevel hat nichtsdestotrotz zugenommen.

    Der Inhalt dieses Buches ist ein regelrechter augenöffner und wenn das heutige Schulsystem nicht mehr so optimal ist, dann wären es solche Dinge die eher in der Schule beigebracht werden sollten. Martin Seligman bringt dem Leser extrem rational, logisch und verständlich nahe, wie die eigene gewohnte Denkweise - der "Explanatory Style" - dafür sorgt sich entweder selbst imaginäre Ketten anzulegen und dadurch sowohl Erfolg als auch psychisches Wohlbefinden moderat bis stark einzuschränken, oder aber sein volles Potential nutzen kann, ein großes Stück glücklicher und erfolgreicher zu werden, gesünder zu werden, sympathischer zu werden und sich regelrecht gegen Depression oder generelle schlechte Laune immunisieren zu lassen.

    Ein Vorrezensionist hat die große Theorielastigkeit kritisiert, doch meiner Meinung nach ist genau dieses wiederholende Verständnis der Mechanismen ein entscheidender Punkt um zu verstehen wie jene Gedanken zu entsprechenden mentalen Zuständen führen um es auch unbewusst anwenden zu können. Herr Seligman geht zwar nur im letzten Kapitel auf direkte Verhaltensveränderung ein doch das ist mehr als ausreichend um dann das entsprechende Verständnis anwenden zu können.

    Wenn man es wirklich ernst nimmt und jahrelang immer mal wieder mit dem Buch arbeitet, dann gehen alle erläuterten Erkenntnisse so sehr ins Unbewusste dass der praktische Teil beinahe schon unnötig wird. So jedenfalls meine Erfahrung.

    Alles in allem kann gesagt werden dass dieses Buch eines der besten war welches ich mir je geholt habe. Klare Kaufempfehlung.
  • Australian environmentalist and traveller
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent insights to help protect us from depression
    Reviewed in France on September 19, 2018
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Dr Seligman's research and analysis address crucial problems of our age: the dramatic growth of depression and how to combat it. Not only does he develop a practical self-help toolkit to combat pessimism and, closely related, depression but looks more deeply into the root causes of this contemporary epidemic. He believes rampant individualism and lack of concern for the greater good are the main culprits.