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Happier Than God: Turn Ordinary Life into an Extraordinary Experience
Since the publication of his stunning worldwide bestseller Conversations with God (more than two-and-a-half years on the New York Times list; now published in 37 languages), Walsch has been telling readers that a new understanding of God can change lives and change the world. Now, in this new book, he expands on that theme by exploring how ordinary people can work in direct collaboration with God to transform their everyday lives into extraordinary experiences. This is not a book of spiritual theory. It provides a plan that can change lives. Included here is a program that Walsch calls "17 Steps to Being Happier than God," a plan that combines the best of the conceptual truths of his 9-book Conversations with God series, with the clearest description yet of how to turn those concepts into practical tools for altering life for the better—forever.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published February 14, 2008
183 people are currently reading
909 people want to read
About the author
Neale Donald Walsch
272 books1,887 followersNeale Donald Walsch is a modern day spiritual messenger whose words continue to touch the world in profound ways. With an early interest in religion and a deeply felt connection to spirituality, Neale spent the majority of his life thriving professionally, yet searching for spiritual meaning before beginning his now famous conversation with God. His With God series of books has been translated into 34 languages, touching millions of lives and inspiring important changes in their day-to-day lives.
In addition to authoring the renowned With God series, Neale has published 16 other works, as well as a number of video and audio programs. Available throughout the world, each of the CwG dialogue books has made the New York Times Bestseller list, Conversations with God-Book 1 occupying that list for over two and half years.
The With God Series has redefined God and shifted spiritual paradigms around the globe. In order to deal with the enormous response to his writings, Neale created the Conversations with God Foundation, a non-profit educational organization dedicated to inspiring the world to help itself move from violence to peace, from confusion to clarity, and from anger to love.
Neale's work has taken him from the steps of Macchu Picchu in Peru to the steps of the Shinto shrines of Japan, from Red Square in Moscow to St. Peters Square in Vatican City to Tiananmen Square in China. And everywhere he has gone-from South Africa to Norway, Croatia to The Netherlands, the streets of Zurich to the streets of Seoul, Neale has found a hunger among the people to find a new way to live, at last, in peace and harmony, and he has sought to bring people a new understanding of life and of God which would allow them to experience that."
In addition to authoring the renowned With God series, Neale has published 16 other works, as well as a number of video and audio programs. Available throughout the world, each of the CwG dialogue books has made the New York Times Bestseller list, Conversations with God-Book 1 occupying that list for over two and half years.
The With God Series has redefined God and shifted spiritual paradigms around the globe. In order to deal with the enormous response to his writings, Neale created the Conversations with God Foundation, a non-profit educational organization dedicated to inspiring the world to help itself move from violence to peace, from confusion to clarity, and from anger to love.
Neale's work has taken him from the steps of Macchu Picchu in Peru to the steps of the Shinto shrines of Japan, from Red Square in Moscow to St. Peters Square in Vatican City to Tiananmen Square in China. And everywhere he has gone-from South Africa to Norway, Croatia to The Netherlands, the streets of Zurich to the streets of Seoul, Neale has found a hunger among the people to find a new way to live, at last, in peace and harmony, and he has sought to bring people a new understanding of life and of God which would allow them to experience that."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
April 15, 2012
Since The Secret aired on Oprah, there’s been a lot of talk about manifesting. Some people swear by it but others say it’s nothing more than positive thinking. Still others think the law of attraction encourages people to be even more materialist and greedy than they already are. The one question no one really wants to ask aloud is “where is God in all this?”
Happier Than God answers that question. Manifesting really isn’t about getting a brand new car or finding the perfect mate. It’s about creation or more accurately co-creation- something that we do already but tends to be done unconsciously with little understanding of the process or the purpose of this power.
For me, Happier Than God, clarified a lot about manifesting, about being happy, and about life in general. I already knew about the law of attraction but I had no idea about the law of opposites. I just assumed that when I tried manifesting and it didn’t work the way I wanted that I had failed.
Moreover, I now have a better understanding about co-creation. It isn’t about me and a few things that might make me happy for a little while. It’s about the greatest good and the big picture. How absolutely extraordinary and life changing.
Happier Than God answers that question. Manifesting really isn’t about getting a brand new car or finding the perfect mate. It’s about creation or more accurately co-creation- something that we do already but tends to be done unconsciously with little understanding of the process or the purpose of this power.
For me, Happier Than God, clarified a lot about manifesting, about being happy, and about life in general. I already knew about the law of attraction but I had no idea about the law of opposites. I just assumed that when I tried manifesting and it didn’t work the way I wanted that I had failed.
Moreover, I now have a better understanding about co-creation. It isn’t about me and a few things that might make me happy for a little while. It’s about the greatest good and the big picture. How absolutely extraordinary and life changing.
September 29, 2017
Nisam sigurna da cu uspjeti da dam dobar koment na ovu knjigu ali bukvalno je FANTASTICNA! Knjiga koja se cita zapanjujucom lakocom i koja mi je "raznijela" mozak i konacno se dijelovi slagalice uklapaju. Ako trazis knjigu koja ce te obogatiti duhovno i otvoriti novu dimenziju onda je to ova. Knjiga koja ce ti pomoci da zivot i situacije u zivotu sagledas potpuno drugacije... Definitivno cu je citati jos koji put.
September 9, 2016
This was a birthday gift to me, which I was a bit bemused by. (Doesn't everyone interpret books as subliminal messages, given as gifts?) I found it a bit repetitive – the author certainly has a few mantras he leans on heavily, especially the bit about 'recreating yourself in the grandest version of the greatest vision' or something like that. A bit gobbledegooky if you ask me. Oh, and the 'we are all one'. I do have a bit of a problem with that. Because even if it's true at a higher level, it still doesn't seem to matter. Don't you still have to deal with your own personal little-i self, day to day?
I wasn't exactly infuriated by this book, and I didn't even disagree with it. I just find all of the Secret-type books inarguable, in the sense that it's hard to argue with flat assertions that can't be proven or disproven. It seems to me that any of the experiments they suggest may or may not be borne out by results. And one incident doesn't prove much. But it does feel as if there's always some work-around that explains away inconvenient results. Check out p. 183 for that here.
It's very heavy on the self-promotion – which is fine, actually, except it takes up a lot of space in the book. I can't quite buy what it's selling, and maybe that's why I'm not happier than God yet.
I wasn't exactly infuriated by this book, and I didn't even disagree with it. I just find all of the Secret-type books inarguable, in the sense that it's hard to argue with flat assertions that can't be proven or disproven. It seems to me that any of the experiments they suggest may or may not be borne out by results. And one incident doesn't prove much. But it does feel as if there's always some work-around that explains away inconvenient results. Check out p. 183 for that here.
It's very heavy on the self-promotion – which is fine, actually, except it takes up a lot of space in the book. I can't quite buy what it's selling, and maybe that's why I'm not happier than God yet.
March 30, 2009
I suggest reading CWG books 1,2 & 3 before reading this unless you are not new to alternative/spiritual thinking. I applaud NDW for his strength in speaking his truth even though it was clear that he knew his opinions wouldn't be widely accepted. Bravo to Neale!
April 12, 2011
This is a book that you can pick up and put down for each chapter is complete in itself. A friend had recommended it to me and I was not disappointed.
Neale Walsch takes us beyond the Law of Attraction or the Secret. While he agrees with them, he feels that we have not been told the whole story. This book points out why our thoughts and words are crucial to getting what we want in our lives.
Now that I have read it clear through, I frequently just pick it up and read the chapter that I happen to land on.
Neale Walsch takes us beyond the Law of Attraction or the Secret. While he agrees with them, he feels that we have not been told the whole story. This book points out why our thoughts and words are crucial to getting what we want in our lives.
Now that I have read it clear through, I frequently just pick it up and read the chapter that I happen to land on.
August 20, 2014
I have to say, the title of this book, "Happier than God," kind of threw me at first. But it was written by Neale Donald Walsch, and I really liked his Conversations with God books, so I thought I'd give the book a chance. I'm glad I did!
The points he makes are very good. He notes that what is missing from all the talk about the Law of Attraction (due to the success of The Secret) is God. He explains that some people have misinterpreted the Law to mean you should put all your faith in yourself - in other words, you don't need God. All you've got to do is use the power of your thoughts to attract to you whatever you want.
In this book, he explains God's role in the process of personal creation. He notes that the ability to create your reality is an expression of God. He says the process really has 3 parts: the first has to do with God, the second has to do with you, and the third with you and God together. He then expounds on how personal creation really works.
He also indicates that the law of attraction works most effectively and creates greater happiness when you focus first on helping others and then on yourself. He notes this is true because when you focus on yourself, you limit the amount of energy you send out into the Universe, because there's only one of you. When you focus on others, you multiply the amount of energy you output by the number of others you focus on. And, since we are all connected, you benefit as well as the people you help.
He concludes the book by providing 17 steps to being truly happy. A few examples are:
- Eliminate any thought of separation from God
- Decide that you are not your story
- Bypass the drama
- Drop all expectations
This is a very powerful book that I would recommend to anyone wishing to experience happiness within a spiritual context!
The points he makes are very good. He notes that what is missing from all the talk about the Law of Attraction (due to the success of The Secret) is God. He explains that some people have misinterpreted the Law to mean you should put all your faith in yourself - in other words, you don't need God. All you've got to do is use the power of your thoughts to attract to you whatever you want.
In this book, he explains God's role in the process of personal creation. He notes that the ability to create your reality is an expression of God. He says the process really has 3 parts: the first has to do with God, the second has to do with you, and the third with you and God together. He then expounds on how personal creation really works.
He also indicates that the law of attraction works most effectively and creates greater happiness when you focus first on helping others and then on yourself. He notes this is true because when you focus on yourself, you limit the amount of energy you send out into the Universe, because there's only one of you. When you focus on others, you multiply the amount of energy you output by the number of others you focus on. And, since we are all connected, you benefit as well as the people you help.
He concludes the book by providing 17 steps to being truly happy. A few examples are:
- Eliminate any thought of separation from God
- Decide that you are not your story
- Bypass the drama
- Drop all expectations
This is a very powerful book that I would recommend to anyone wishing to experience happiness within a spiritual context!
January 14, 2019
Basically, this is a book explaining self creation. Giving all the information and correcting the misunderstandings people have about self creation. It also gives you 17 simple steps on how to be happier than God; smile, sing, have preferences instead of needs, don't judge yourself or others, don't live in the past and so on.
The book takes quite a lot of time beforing 'getting down to the point' (i.e. how to be happier than God), which at first I found annoying, but I see the sense in this. First you need to REALLY understand what self creation is and how it works, otherwise you can't use it. It also stops you from rushing to the part that interests you the most (maybe) (how do I get more money, the job I want etc.) and forces you to actually read what it said on the pages.
The most mind-blowing thing about this book, I found, is that it tells us that we, if we want and try to, can change the world overnight. Put a stop to hunger, pain, fear and everything else that makes this world suffer! That is so amazing!
What I take with me from this book is the sentence: 'You cannot experience what you do not allow others to experience'. If you treat others with love, patience and respect, these things will come back to you and manifest themself in your life. Again, amazing!
The book takes quite a lot of time beforing 'getting down to the point' (i.e. how to be happier than God), which at first I found annoying, but I see the sense in this. First you need to REALLY understand what self creation is and how it works, otherwise you can't use it. It also stops you from rushing to the part that interests you the most (maybe) (how do I get more money, the job I want etc.) and forces you to actually read what it said on the pages.
The most mind-blowing thing about this book, I found, is that it tells us that we, if we want and try to, can change the world overnight. Put a stop to hunger, pain, fear and everything else that makes this world suffer! That is so amazing!
What I take with me from this book is the sentence: 'You cannot experience what you do not allow others to experience'. If you treat others with love, patience and respect, these things will come back to you and manifest themself in your life. Again, amazing!
April 26, 2017
Highly recommended for all those who thought 'The Secret' was incomplete or a bit simplistic or feel like "things don't quite work out that way".. This book comes up with a better set of answers. However, if you are the kind who believes 'Law of Attraction and such stuff' is just plain new age bullshit, keep away. Worked well for me. Thank you, Neale.
March 11, 2016
This book will show you how God is real...it will show you the law of attraction and how you can change your life for the better.
April 9, 2020
Gives one a heck of a lot of new stuff to think about and a lot of ideas that need clearing out of the cupboard to make room. It's definitely an 'out with the old and on with the new' kind of a book.
The new stuff is profound and simple at the same time. Some of the ideas take some thinking about, but once you've done so, they make perfect sense. Like, there's a part about you 'wanting something and getting the opposite' that sounds counter-intuitive, but when you think about it logically then you get it.
It's like this: you go to visit someone and they ask you if they can get you anything and you say that you've heard of this thing called 'a cup of tea' that sounds nice and so you'll have one of those (please). The person you're visiting says 'sure' and sees about making it. First they take a cup out of the cupboard and put it on the countertop in front of you. Then they go across the kitchen to get something else; maybe a teabag or something like that. So there you are, looking at the empty cup and thinking !this isn't nice at all. This isn't what I wanted. And so, in a fit of pique, you sweep the cup from the countertop and storm out of the room. You never get your nice cup of tea.
The thing is, if you want something, you first get the context to what you wanted. If you want light then the first thing that happens is you get darkness so that the light, when it comes, can show more clearly. The first thing is the opposite or the context and the second thing is what you want. The trouble is that most of us think that the darkness or the empty cup or the poverty or the lack of the absence of love is the end of the journey and so we storm off in a disappointed huff.
What we instead need to do is understand the process, keep on wanting what we first set out to what and have a bit of patience. In time, the light, the nice cup of tea, the riches and the love will.come to us.
Anyway, that's how I understand that point.
There are many other riches in this book that bear thinking about because the rewards of understanding them are substantial. A book worth reading and then reading again. I will definitely read the other three books I have by the same author (when I come across them in their respective boxes in the attic).
Read this book if you want a clearer understanding of life and a way forward towards happiness. Avoid it at your peril.
The new stuff is profound and simple at the same time. Some of the ideas take some thinking about, but once you've done so, they make perfect sense. Like, there's a part about you 'wanting something and getting the opposite' that sounds counter-intuitive, but when you think about it logically then you get it.
It's like this: you go to visit someone and they ask you if they can get you anything and you say that you've heard of this thing called 'a cup of tea' that sounds nice and so you'll have one of those (please). The person you're visiting says 'sure' and sees about making it. First they take a cup out of the cupboard and put it on the countertop in front of you. Then they go across the kitchen to get something else; maybe a teabag or something like that. So there you are, looking at the empty cup and thinking !this isn't nice at all. This isn't what I wanted. And so, in a fit of pique, you sweep the cup from the countertop and storm out of the room. You never get your nice cup of tea.
The thing is, if you want something, you first get the context to what you wanted. If you want light then the first thing that happens is you get darkness so that the light, when it comes, can show more clearly. The first thing is the opposite or the context and the second thing is what you want. The trouble is that most of us think that the darkness or the empty cup or the poverty or the lack of the absence of love is the end of the journey and so we storm off in a disappointed huff.
What we instead need to do is understand the process, keep on wanting what we first set out to what and have a bit of patience. In time, the light, the nice cup of tea, the riches and the love will.come to us.
Anyway, that's how I understand that point.
There are many other riches in this book that bear thinking about because the rewards of understanding them are substantial. A book worth reading and then reading again. I will definitely read the other three books I have by the same author (when I come across them in their respective boxes in the attic).
Read this book if you want a clearer understanding of life and a way forward towards happiness. Avoid it at your peril.
September 1, 2023
Neale Donald Walsch, who was once homeless and is now a world-renowned bestselling author, shows us that God truly works in mysterious ways! This book is just one more aspect within his series of books regarding humanity's evolution on this earth and in this infinite universe. The author puts these thoughts into an easy-to-understand format. It is like he’s recorded some of his presentations and then transcribed.
We all have a God-Spark in us and for those of us who’ve studied the Bible, listened to “The Secret,” followed a “Law of Attraction” guru, read books by others like Napoleon Hill, Norman Vincent Peale or Don Ruiz this little book is just a reminder of what we may have forgotten here and there. Gratitude is a biggie in Walsch’s book, since many of us tend to see God as a “gimmee” God—we ask and receive—the end. We often forget to thank the One who blesses us.
One of the quick and key take-aways is the Triad Walsch presents in working with illusions of life:
1. Nothing in this world is real
2. The meaning of anything is the meaning I give it
3. I am who I say I am, and my experience is what I say it is.
Life is not ego-centric but rather about service to others. Walsch also presents 17 steps to get to the place to be “Happier than God.”
All-in-all, a nice reminder of things forgotten—or easy-to-understand lessons to see the bigger picture of all that encompasses God.
We all have a God-Spark in us and for those of us who’ve studied the Bible, listened to “The Secret,” followed a “Law of Attraction” guru, read books by others like Napoleon Hill, Norman Vincent Peale or Don Ruiz this little book is just a reminder of what we may have forgotten here and there. Gratitude is a biggie in Walsch’s book, since many of us tend to see God as a “gimmee” God—we ask and receive—the end. We often forget to thank the One who blesses us.
One of the quick and key take-aways is the Triad Walsch presents in working with illusions of life:
1. Nothing in this world is real
2. The meaning of anything is the meaning I give it
3. I am who I say I am, and my experience is what I say it is.
Life is not ego-centric but rather about service to others. Walsch also presents 17 steps to get to the place to be “Happier than God.”
All-in-all, a nice reminder of things forgotten—or easy-to-understand lessons to see the bigger picture of all that encompasses God.
July 14, 2019
4.5/5
An eternal journey of the soul, bringing peace and tranquility to your whole being. It presents the guidance to the process of personal creation.
It was like having a conversation with yourself, trying to figure things out. I wouldn’t be exaggerating if I said I felt like I was being baptized from all the negativity in this world and then here I’m born again.
Now I understand why some lovers say: I see God in you. This is because “God and We Are One.” And “God is everywhere.”
Note: Short chapters, so you’re never bored when reading.
*****
Highlights:
“They experience themselves to be up against the wall, when really they are standing in front of a doorway.” -p74
“At some point we may let go of an idea that we hold about ourselves and others, because we realize we have to if we wish to get on with life.” -p214
“There are no sinners or scoundrels in God’s world.” -p220
“Remember that very often when life seems to be falling apart, it may actually be falling together for the first time.” -p222
An eternal journey of the soul, bringing peace and tranquility to your whole being. It presents the guidance to the process of personal creation.
It was like having a conversation with yourself, trying to figure things out. I wouldn’t be exaggerating if I said I felt like I was being baptized from all the negativity in this world and then here I’m born again.
Now I understand why some lovers say: I see God in you. This is because “God and We Are One.” And “God is everywhere.”
Note: Short chapters, so you’re never bored when reading.
*****
Highlights:
“They experience themselves to be up against the wall, when really they are standing in front of a doorway.” -p74
“At some point we may let go of an idea that we hold about ourselves and others, because we realize we have to if we wish to get on with life.” -p214
“There are no sinners or scoundrels in God’s world.” -p220
“Remember that very often when life seems to be falling apart, it may actually be falling together for the first time.” -p222
October 5, 2023
I feel like I need to read this book again. When I did, I found it hard to connect because I wasn't quite there yet with God (you absolutely dont need this as a prerequisite, instead let him open your mind to the possibilities). On this personal development journey I've been on the last year, months after reading Happier Than God, I felt the connection/realization yesterday and can now I understand better what Neale Donald Walsh means when he says God is within you, within us all. It's an easy read, and I'm excited to re read now several months later than I first read it.
January 22, 2020
I have read all the three volumes of Conversation With God. Comparing this to that, I personally felt that the author could have gone in depth to talk more about the concepts than being superficial about the concepts. I felt that the groove was lost somewhere and I was finding it hard to connect the dots between all of the concepts shared in this book. Worth while a read but the depth was missing.
May 30, 2017
Wow. Some amazing insights in this book. It's also a lot to get your head around.
I found the concepts in the book fascinating. I'm not quite sure what I am going to do with it yet, but it's another step on my Spiritual journey that's turning out to be far more interesting than I ever thought it would be.
I found the concepts in the book fascinating. I'm not quite sure what I am going to do with it yet, but it's another step on my Spiritual journey that's turning out to be far more interesting than I ever thought it would be.
September 6, 2024
Its fun to.rrad about how God and hapyness work from the conceptual plain to your and mine reality.
Its fun... and can help.
But dont expert ito read like a self help book with instructies- although you can. It is where energy of intentions are inclosed invited by words....
Read and Enjoy the flow of happyness
Its fun... and can help.
But dont expert ito read like a self help book with instructies- although you can. It is where energy of intentions are inclosed invited by words....
Read and Enjoy the flow of happyness
June 5, 2017
Really liked it. It has some good ideas on how to approach the world. Need to digest it for some time.
Interesting question--- "What if we are the children of a lesser god? "
+ clear, short
- pretty much of self-help overly optimistic aura around it
Interesting question--- "What if we are the children of a lesser god? "
+ clear, short
- pretty much of self-help overly optimistic aura around it
August 18, 2019
Not as good as "In Conversation With God". However, the approach is the same but it lacks the profundity of "conversation". There are, however, some interesting quotes. The one from G B Shaw is the best, "All great truths begin as blasphemies". There are some prescriptions as well.
January 4, 2022
My favorite book of all time. I will forever love and cherish this book. My first copy is so beat up and raggedy from going everywhere with me, which is one of the first signs of a really good book, lol!
August 22, 2019
Replace "god" with "universe" and it's an incredibly helpful book to feel in control of your life and make steps towards what you truly want.
July 6, 2020
Good book
I enjoyed the book. It is a great reminder of what to do when you're stuck in the mud of your story.
I enjoyed the book. It is a great reminder of what to do when you're stuck in the mud of your story.
September 27, 2020
A true classic.It completely changed my approach to life and my concept about God.This book expanded my horizon magnanimously.
October 25, 2020
***1/2
Well done
Well done
Read
June 21, 2021A must read to understand the process of personal creation - How the Universe operates.
August 15, 2021
Knjiga koja Vas nauči da živite život. Knjiga koja Vam pokaže da ste sami sebi dovoljni. Pisac koji Vam vraća nadu i veru.
July 25, 2025
So glad I finally read this book! It was an easy and quick read — and so insightful. Highly recommend. 💕
March 8, 2011
I'm not a huge NDWalsch fan but Steve got this from the Library so there it was. The title made me curious. Some may think the title is a bit cockey but from his perspective we all have that of God in us and we can increase our happiness anytime. I don't love his writing style quite honestly yet I liked some of what he said in this book. For example the idea of anytime we desire, wish or pray for something-to do it for others and ourselves...not just ourselves. His 'new age' perspective challenges some modern day Christian beliefs and I guess that's what I like also- to think outside the box. Mixed bag book but quick read, made me think and free!
Read
August 31, 2024Personal Creation is never ineffective, although it does not always produce the results that we desire.
If you experience yourself wanting something desperately, and if you keep saying to yourself I want that!, you are announcing to the universe that you do not now have it... As long as you hold such a thought, you cannot have it, because you cannot experience on the one hand what you are confirming on the other that you do not.
You see, there is a way to be happier than God, and that is to not require anything to be any different at all from the way it is right now.
August 4, 2015
the older I get, the more I value happiness. As my cynicism is an ingrained part of me, the trick it seems is not to let that hold me hostage to the negative, but use it to bolster my activism rather than succumb to pessimism and despair. This is sometimes not easy, especially to detect. Perhaps this is why I love books and authors that cultivate mindfulness and give pointers not rules. DNW comes a bit close to being pedantic, with his rules for manifestation. He is just too laid back and encouraging for that.
I will add some prime quotes ASAP
I will add some prime quotes ASAP
December 26, 2014
A book I turn to whenever I need a "spiritual re-charge". It works every time.
Some chapters later in the book may get a little "woo-woo" for some, but it's the kind of book you have to keep re-reading and each time you will obtain something more. I wouldn't recommend this book if you are at the beginning of your spiritual journey or new to the law of attraction (it may be a little overwhelming ;-)
Some chapters later in the book may get a little "woo-woo" for some, but it's the kind of book you have to keep re-reading and each time you will obtain something more. I wouldn't recommend this book if you are at the beginning of your spiritual journey or new to the law of attraction (it may be a little overwhelming ;-)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews