Quotes from Tal Ben-Shahar

All of us, regardless of the circumstances we find ourselves in, can make a conscious effort to search for possibilities around and within ourselves.

the best moments usually occur when a person's body or mind is stretched to its limits in a voluntary effort to accomplish something difficult and worthwhile.

The truth knocks on the door and you say, "Go away, I'm looking for the truth" and so it goes away. —Robert M. Pirsig

Such attachment to past failures has been described by Martin Seligman as "learned helplessness.

In emphasizing achievements (which are tangible) over the cultivation of a love of learning (which is intangible), schools simultaneously reinforce the rat-race mentality and stifle children's emotional development.

The pain associated with the fear of failure is often stronger than the pain of the failure itself

I can go through life as a victim, blaming others for my misfortunes, and experiencing frustration over my condition. Or I can choose to be an active agent and do what I can do to bring about a positive change in my life.

Your joy is your sorrow unmasked. And the selfsame well from which your laughter rises was oftentimes filled with your tears. And how else can it be? The deeper that sorrow carves into your being, the more joy you can contain.

We can only learn to deal with failure by actually experiencing failure, by living through it. The earlier we face difficulties and drawbacks, the better prepared we are to deal with the inevitable obstacles along our path.