... about positive thinking: Unlike many other authors in the field - many of them well known - Peter McWilliams differentiates between wrong positive thinking (i.e. just wishing all would be rose red and dreamlike positive, loving, etc. etc.), an attitude that not necessarily helps you to survive in that world of today, the modern society. But, he focuses on the true positive mindset: that is, to see the half-full glass, instead of the half empty one, and to focus on that half filled glas, and make the best of it. Making the best of it is a truely sound and psychologically substantiated way of life, which also means to differentiate between changeable and unchangeable worlds, and concentrate all your energies on the changeable worlds.
Also, McWilliams has a very humorous approach towards the subject, again unlike many others. He focusses his philosophy in the claim "Negative thinking is a luxury we cant afford to". That is very true: You *may* think negatively in your life, if youre rich, happy, healthy, and well. But if youre not, think about thinking positively. But do it in the right way.
Mc Williams died an unhappy death, from what i know (im not sure about that, though). But he *sure* found out a lot about human life, and the mindsets that help us to lead a happy, successful life, or make us sick, sad, and sole.
This is one of his best books. I can recommend it, it is a good choice, and an asset in your book shelf.
Albrecht Schnabel (albrechtschnabel.com)