This seminal book could also be called:
State of the Art in Well-Being Theory and Research
Or
Building a Better Microscope--Nobel Laureate Daniel Kahneman likens our ability to assess the happiness of whole nations and the world to the invention of the microscope by Dutch eyeglass makers in 1590. "Instruments" like the Gallup World Poll have opened our eyes to the well-being of nations; adjust the "power" and divine the well-being of individual citizens. This is to say that this book is also for those interested in individual well-being, including many positive psychologists, therapists, coaches, and researchers.
A treasure trove of data, current methodology, and provocative theories and challenges to the field come alive in this volume by the pre-eminent leaders in the field. One senses the brilliance of these researchers as shibboleths are challenged--might concepts like the adaptation, hedonic treadmill and happiness set point be superfluous and violate the Principle of Parsimony?--and new ideas are convincingly described and empirically validated. Yes, Virginia, there is happiness, it is something we can measure reliably, but no, you will have to take three tests to gauge it. The three types or flavors being satisfaction with life which is closely tied to our circumstances, a preponderance of positive affect or feeling states, and low negative affect or feeling experiences.
Buy this book and discuss it over dinner with a friend and a bottle of
Beaujolais; the loss of money will not affect your positive affect/feelings, although your convivial gathering will, and in a very positive way!