Summary of Learned Optimism

Written by renowned psychologist and author Martin Seligman, Learned Optimism: How to Change Your Mind and Your Life is a practical guide on how to become an optimist and use that outlook to create a happier and more successful life. This book explores the psychology of pessimism and optimism and provides advice and strategies for shifting our perception and outlook from the negative to the positive. In particular, Seligman advocates for a practice of what he calls "disputation," or the act of reframing negative thoughts into positive ones. He stresses the general importance of approaching life with an optimistic point of view, as well as outlining a plan to foster optimism and combat hopelessness and negativity. Throughout, he has included many real-life case examples to prove the efficacy of this philosophy.