Preface

This book is not addressed to the learned, or to those who regard a practical problem merely as something to be talked about. No profound philosophy or deep erudition will be found in the following pages. I have aimed only at putting together some remarks which are inspired by what I hope is common sense. All that I claim for the recipes offered to the reader is that they are such as are confirmed by my own experience and observation, and that they have increased my own happiness whenever I have acted in accordance with them. On this ground I venture to hope that some among those multitudes of men and women who suffer unhappiness without enjoying it, may find their situation diagnosed and a method of escape suggested. It is in the belief that many people who are unhappy could become happy by well-directed effort that I have written this book.

This book is not meant for scholars or for people who see practical problems as merely something to discuss. These pages contain no profound philosophy or great displays of learning. I have only tried to bring together some observations based on what I hope is common sense. I make only two claims for the advice I offer. My own experience and observations support it. And whenever I have followed this advice, it has made me happier. On this basis, I dare to hope the book may help some of the many men and women who are unhappy and take no pleasure in their unhappiness. They may find an explanation of their situation and a suggested way out. I have written this book because I believe many unhappy people could become happy through well-directed effort.