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Robert Emmons – Thanks – How the New Science of Gratitude Can Make You HappierDid you know that there is a crucial component of happiness that is often overlooked? In the pages of this eminently readable book, Robert Emmons — editor in chief of the Journal of Positive Psychology — draws on the first major study of the subject of gratitude, of ?wanting what we have,? and shows that a systematic cultivation of this underexamined emotion can measurably change people?s lives. Readers will discover how: ? People who regularly practice grateful thinking can increase their ?set-point? for happiness by as much as 25 percent. ? Such increases can be sustained over a period of months — challenging the previously held notion that our set-points for happiness are frozen at birth. ? Keeping a gratitude journal for as little as three weeks results in better sleep and more energy. Emmons also reaches beyond science to bolster the case for gratitude by weaving in the writings of philosophers, novelists, and theologians. Like no other book has before, Thanks! inspires readers to embrace gratitude and all the benefits it can bring into our lives.Summary: “Thanks” says it all.Rating: 5Awhile ago I stumbled upon “Words of Gratitude for Mind, Body, and Soul” by the same author while working on a paper for a counseling class. I was so taken with that book that I changed the topic of my paper to the power of gratitude. Since that time I have read other books by Robert Emmons, and this is one of the best. Through his work and these books, I now face every day and every situation with gratitude and a positive attitude, and profound changes have occurred in my life. When one approaches the world by being grateful, there is no room for negativity, depression, resentment or unhappiness. “Thanks” really does say it all.Summary: Increasing happiness thru gratitudeRating: 5I’ve encountered Emmon’s work in my study of positive psychology and positive emotion. In Thanks, he examines the actions and feeling of Gratitude as a powerful force in our lives. On the spectrum of activities that have proven to enhance one’s experience of positive emotion, practicing gratitude consistently rises to the top as the most effective. I found Emmons’ study of this phenomenon fascinating.Note: Emmons is an academic so he spends much time detailing his research, which may or may not interest you. I encourage you, however, to pay special attention to Chapters 1 (The new science of gratitude) and 2 (Gratitude and the psyche) and the final Chapter, 7, in which Emmons details nine practices that have proven effective in building a feeling of gratitude – leading to increased happiness!Summary: very goodRating: 5In a world of envy and resentment over not having what we think we should have to be happy, the gratitude revealed in this book is life changing. thanks!Summary: Gratitude studies are fascinatingRating: 5″Thanks” by Robert Emmons is a delight. He tells you about his research on gratitude and weaves this in with stories and quotes. It’s fantastic what heart felt gratitude can do for your mind, your body and your soul. After reading this I am convinced one of the essentials for a fulfilling, useful life is the practice of gratitude. His last chapter has practical ideas about how you can make gratitude your life style. For their own benefit your family, friends, and co-workers want you to read this book.ArtSummary: Research on Gratitude Combined with Philosophical and Theological Views of GratitudeRating: 5The social sciences have investigated positive attributes, and research on gratitude is emphasized in Emmons’ book. He clearly states his purpose: “This book showcases the new science of gratitude. Woven into the narrative is a discussion of how the great religious leaders, philosophers, theologians, and writers have written about gratitude in different cultures and historical periods. To encourage the reader to begin the journey of gratitude practice, I include a discussion of practical techniques that will increase readers’ gratitude and happiness. I intend this book to provoke intellectual interest as well as self-examination…” Emmons clearly identifies difficulties in examining gratitude from a scientific perspective. First, it defies easy classification. Gratitude is an attitude, but also a mood, an emotion, a personality trait, a motive, a moral virtue, a resource for coping and a way of life. Acknowledging the complexity of the concept, he identifies two fundamental components of gratitude: acknowledging goodness in one’s life, and recognizing that the source of this goodness is at least partially outside the self. Emmons also acknowledges that, “The tools of science seem to come up short when we try to understand people living lives of gratefulness in extraordinarily difficult situations.” Subsequently, his book is a narrative, a narrative that interweaves classical and popular writings with brief descriptions of research from the social sciences. Excerpts from “gratitude journals,” written by research subjects, illustrate key concepts. Emmons is true to his stated purpose. Thanks! is not a review of the literature on research from the social sciences. It is a book of insights, some from research, some from personal experiences, and some from ancient or popular writers. I found myself nodding in recognition or using his insights to re-frame situations in my own life. My own journey of gratitude motivated me to read this book. I enjoyed it. Reading Thanks! generated a list of books by other authors that I will pursue.