The Secret of Happiness

by Billy Graham

Happiness. It's what we all long for, what all human beings seek in our jobs, our relationships, our activities. We try so hard to be happy, and all too often we end up empty and unsatisfied. Why? Because, says Billy Graham in this classic work, we are looking for happiness in all the wrong places.

 We haven't learned the secret Jesus taught in the Beatitudes – that true, lasting happiness simply isn't to be found by seeking it directly. Happiness is a by-product, a bonus that comes when we seek what is really important. And the things that will bring us the satisfaction we long for are not necessarily what the world considers meaningful.

Jesus did not have to have an outward stimulus to make Him happy, Billy Graham points out. "He had learned a secret that allowed Him to live above the circumstances of life and fear of the future. He moved with calmness, certainty, and serenity through the most trying circumstances – even death! What was His secret? He gave it to us in the Beautitudes."

Presented with Billy Graham's characteristic vigor and simplicity in this landmark book, it is a secret that can transform your life.

Genres: Christian, Religion, Nonfiction, Christian Living, Christianity, Inspirational, Faith

158 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1955

About the author

Billy Graham was an American evangelical Christian evangelist and an ordained Southern Baptist minister. Graham is best known for his evangelistic missions or “Crusades.” He believed God knew no borders or nationalities. Throughout his career, Graham preached to millions around the world. He met and prayed with every U. S. president from Dwight Eisenhower to Barack Obama.

Graham authored 34 books, including his memoir, Just As I Am. In 1983, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Ronald Reagan. In 1996, Graham and his wife, Ruth, received the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest award Congress can bestow on a private citizen.

Graham married Wheaton College classmate Ruth Bell Graham in 1943. They had five children ( Ruth Graham, Gigi Graham Tchividjian, Anne Graham Lotz, Nelson, & Franklin Graham) and made their home in the mountains of North Carolina. They were married for 64 years before Ruth’s death in 2007. Graham died from natural causes on February 21, 2018, at his home in Montreat, North Carolina, at the age of 99.

Reviews

[KamRun · Rating 3 out of 5]

ای کاش کتاب‌ها تراشه‌ای فوق مدرن همراه خود داشتند که سرنوشت آن‌ها و احوالات خوانندگان را ضبط می‌کرد تا بعد از گذشت دهه‌ها، می‌شد فهمید کتاب چه مسیری را طی کرده، در دست چه کسانی ورق خورده و حال چه کسانی را دگرگون کرده است. این کتاب هم یکی از کتاب‌هایی‌ست که عمیقا آرزو می‌کنم از آن تراشه‌های خیالی داشت. سال‌ها پیش در دست‌دوم‌فروشی‌های حالا‌تعطیل‌شده‌ی میدان انقلاب پیداش کردم، خاک گرفته و پر از خط‌خطی و علایم نگارشی و غلط‌های اصلاح شده با مداد، که رد کمرنگ آن هنوز روی کاغذ زردرنگ خودنمایی می‌کند و نشان از در چشم‌های موجود زنده‌ای روی سطور خود می‌دهد.
راز شادمانی را پنج سال پیش خوانده‌ام و همان زمان هم چند سطری درباره‌اش نوشتم. چیزی که باعث شد بعد چند سال، به نوشته‌ام در باب این کتاب رجوع کنم، نه دوباره‌خوانی آن، بلکه فقط مواجهه‌ای از سر اتفاق با کتاب بود: پس از مدت‌ها، ناچارا مشغول جمع‌کردن کتاب‌ها از گوشه و کنار اتاقم بودم که چشمم به کتاب، مدفون در زیر کوهی از مجلات قدیمی خورد. یادم آمد که اولین روزهای کاری‌ام در اداره مشغول خواندنش بودم، پنهانی و زیر میز، که از قضا رئیسم هم کتاب را در دستم دید، عنوان روی جلد را خواند و زیر لب و پوزخندزنان تکرارش کرد، که مثلا "دلخوش به همین ورق‌پاره‌ها باش". مشغول مرور این خاطرات بودم که ناگهان چشمم به کاغذی خورد که از داخل، ضمیمه جلد کتاب شده بود و نمی‌دانم چرا پیش‌تر به آن دقت نکرده بودم:

با خودم گفتم مترجم را که با آتش چند گلوله در سر کشته‌اند و انتشارات را هم که تعطیل کرده‌اند و این کتاب هم هرگز فرصت تجدید چاپ و اعمال تغییرات ویراستاری که حاصل زحماتش دست من افتاده، پیدا نکرد. پس اگر من مثلا کتاب را دور بیندازم یا بهرحال از روی این تکه کاغذ بی‌تفاوت بگذرم، شاید حاصل تلاش آقای ویراستارِ گمنام، تمام و کمال پوچ شود. پس از سر وظیفه آمدم تا نامش را به عنوان ویراستار ثبت کنم و بگویم آقای خاچیکی، کارت حرف نداشت و یک موردِ اشتباه را هم از قلم نینداخته بودی، از تو ممنونم

درباره کتاب: خوشبخت و در عین حال شادان
بیلی گراهام، واعظ انجیلی معروف، در این کتاب راز شادمانی حقیقی را در "خوشبحال‌ها"ی مسیح در موعظه معروف بالای کوه، که به عقیده بسیاری (منبع یادم نیست) جزء برجسته‌ترین سخنرانی های تاریخ باستان است جستجو می‌کند. هر فصل از کتاب به بررسی یک خوشبحال می‌پردازد و در فصل دهم، قدم‌های لازم برای گام برداشتن در مسیر این خوشبحال‌ها را بیان می‌کند

درباره محتوا: خوشابحال بدبخت‌ها

آنگاه(عیسی) دهان خود را گشوده، ايشان را تعليم داد و گفت
خوشابحال مسكينان در روح، زيرا ملكوت آسمان از آن ايشان است
خوشابحال ماتميان، زيرا ايشان تسلي خواهند يافت
خوشابحال حليمان، زيرا ايشان وارث زمين خواهند شد.
خوشابحال گرسنگان و تشنگان عدالت، زيرا ايشان سير خواهند شد
خوشابحال رحم كنندگان، زيرا بر ايشان رحم كرده خواهد شد
خوشابحال پاك دلان، زيرا ايشان خدا را خواهند ديد
خوشابحال صلح كنندگان، زيرا ايشان پسران خدا خوانده خواهند شد
خوشابحال زحمت كشان براي عدالت، زيرا ملكوت آسمان از آن ايشان است
متی باب 5،آیات 2 تا 10

بالاتر گفتم که رئیسم با دیدن نام کتاب پوزخند زد. او هرگز از محتوای کتاب خبر نداشت و گرنه با صدای بلند ساعت‌ها قهقه می‌زد: خوشبخت، بدبخت‌ها هستند یا موعظه‌ی بالای کوه. از دلایل معروفیت این موعظه دو دلیل به ذهنم می‌رسد: اول- هسته اصلی تعالیم اخلاقی مسیحیت و بسیاری از رگه‌های الهیات مسیحی در آن جای گرفته (فیلیپ ینسی در مورد این نطق مسیح می‌گوید: عدم درکِ موعظه سر کوه به معنای عبورِ چشم‌بسته از شخصیت عیسی‌ست) و دوم ( که برای من به‌شخصه مهم‌تر است)- محتوای عجیب و آوانگارد آن
امروز، بیست قرن پس از نطق عیسی بر روی کوه، احتمالا بیشتر از آن زمان محتوای سخنان او عجیب بنظر می‌رسد. عیسی در این موعظه به افرادی اشاره می‌کند که از دیگران خوشبخت‌تر هستند. اما افرادی که مشمول موعظه عیسی می‌شوند، در نقطه مقابل انتظار ما قرار دارند: مسکینان، کرسنگان، شکست‌خوردگان، ماتمیان و خلاصه هرکسی که از نگاه ما بدبخت و بیچاره نام می‌گیرد. در جامعه‌ای که اشخاص جسور، ثروتمند، بخود‌متکی و اینفلوئنسر را محترم می‌دارد، سخنران و مخاطب چنین نطقی هر دو دیوانه و مازوخیست جلوه می‌کنند. در دنیای ما، نطق خوشابحال‌ها چه معنایی جز جنون برایمان دارد؟ اصلا بگذار دست به کار شویم و خودمان خوشبحال‌ها را از نو چنین تنظیم کنیم:
خوشبحال گستاخان، زیرا خواسته خود را از جهان می‌ستانند
خوشابحال ظالمان، زیرا هیچ‌گاه کسی کامشان را تلخ نمی‌کند
خوشابحال فریب‌کاران، زیرا در نهایت خواسته‌ی خود را پیش می‌برند
خوشابحال شکم‌پران، زیرا هرگز نگران نیازهایشان نخواهند بود
خوشابحال برده‌داران، زیرا ثروت کلان عایدشان خواهد شد
خوشابحال زرنگ‌ها، زیرا راه و چاره کار را می‌دانند
خوشابحال آتش‌افروزان، زیرا در هر صورت موفق می‌شوند

اما جنبه مذهبی این موعظه، بنظرم عیسی در آن، بطور خاص سه هدف را دنبال می‌کند 1-ارجح دانستن طبقه محروم (زنده‌باد پرولتاریا؟ فیدل کاسترو در مصاحبه با ایگناتسیو رامونه، خود را از جنبه‌ای مسیحی و مسیح را از جنبه‌ای کمونیست می‌نامد. چند اندیشمند مسیحی نیز منش عیسی را کمونیستی ارزیابی کرده‌اند) 2-مشخص کردن خط مشی اخلاقی مسیحیت با وارانگی معیارهای رایج 3-ارائه فرمول زیست "خوشبخت و در عین حال خوشحال تحت هر شرایطی" به کلیسا

در الهیات مسیحی، ایمان به پاداش اخروی به معنای امیدواری به لذت‌های مادی نیست؛ بلکه در حکم ایمان به این حقیقت است که روزی دست خدا به جهت برقراری عدالت دراز شده، متکبران را به زیر خواهد کشید و فروتنان و گرسنگان را به عزت خواهد رسانید - فیلیپ یانسی

پی‌نوشت: هرجا در این متن به کلیسا اشاره کردم، منظورم اجتماع مسیحیان راست‌کیش است، نه کلیسا به معنی عامِ آن. در مورد عموم کلیساهای امروز با این سخن استهزاآمیز بیل لسکی (کشیش پروتستان) موافقم که: با افزوده شدن بر ثروت و موفقیت کلیسا، مضمون سرودهای مسیحی نیز تغییر می‌یابد؛ به قسمی که "من در این جهان غریب و مسافرم" تبدیل به "این جهان از آنِ پدرم است" می‌شود

[Pappy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a reread for me. I read this several years ago and got just as much, if not more out of it this time around. I do enjoy gleaning what I can from Scripture and know that there is so much more there to learn from.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many years ago i was seeking happiness in all the wrong places. This book showed me a better way.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not only did I get to read this classic Billy Graham book but I got to read a signed first edition copy from 1955 given to me as a gift!

[Linda]

In depth study of the sermon on the mount. Great basic book every believer should read.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little book is a treasure. I believe the Beatitudes do hold within them much of what leads to true happiness in our lives. Of course, the examples in this book are somewhat dated and Billy Graham writes characteristically in calling people to salvation at least once in each chapter of the book. But it is a book that is easy to understand and it feels like you’re sitting and drinking coffee with the author as he shares with you. The writing itself is full of joy and the deep truths within these pages are priceless.

[Ashley Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

In "The Secret of Happiness," Billy Graham notes that the word "blessed" in the Beatitudes is from the Greek "makarios," meaning "happy." He then shows how the Beatitudes outline the secret of happiness.

In essence, Graham states that our happiness should be based on our relationship with the person of Jesus. The details of the book are around how we can mature in that relationship so that we can live a life of happiness--not the worldly happiness built on circumstances but the unchanging happiness is built on our hope in Jesus.

I really enjoyed this book and recommend it to any believer who wants to dig deeper in to the Word and mature in his relationship with Jesus.

[Elisabeth Brookshire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Find your happiness

Happiness and a feeling of wellbeing can be elusive right now in this chaotic, in-your-face world we are living with. It is so easy with the rampant use of social media to compare ourselves to others and find ourselves lacking. That is not what God would desire of us. The Beatitudes offer practical advice on how to live a happy and fulfilled Christian life. Turn to Christ, kill that ego, and start living with peace in your heart and mind.

[Juan Bernal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book Christians should read at some point, and read it at least once yearly (with the Bible too of course). This book made me realize in a polite way that my faith was really weak.

This book an inspiration for Christians everywhere and of all denominations. If you want to know what it means to be "poor in spirit", "meek", etc. If you feel stagnant in your faith and need a 2nd opinion.

this book is for you. 10/10, I'm now going to read the sermon on the mount everyday.

[Grace Advitiya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well curated book based on The Beatitudes - one of Jesus' early semons.

Billy Graham breaks down each Beatitude and elaborates it into a chapter. This book shows us how humans have got the meaning of happiness wrong and tied it to the things of the world which are mortal, keeps us longing for more but never satisfies us.

Happiness is found in Jesus alone and living a life that pleases and glorifies Him in everything we do.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

What is the secret of happiness? Jesus gives it to us in the Beatitudes. The message of this book -and the Beatitudes- turns today’s cultural values on its head. When the world values “speaking your truth” and living for one’s self (loudly), Jesus declares poverty of spirit, meekness, mourning, and persecution to be the way to finding genuine happiness.

[Jon McQueen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful exploration of Jesus' "Sermon on the Mount". Written in Billy Graham's typically straightforward (but explanatory style). Some excellent insights which makes the book valuable for devotions, messages, etc. Good reading! 😊

[Donna Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book basked on the beatitudes. We watch the Crusades videos as well as
read his books. I get more from the books. We eventually read all his books and then start
reading them again. I get a lot from his books every time a read them. Thank you, Billy Graham

[Prosper Obomeguono Azanuwa · Rating 3 out of 5]

True happiness is not tied to external things. For external things are temporary. Rather, it is tied to your relationship with God. No matter what one possess, if an intimate relationship is void, then true happiness is also void regardless of what such an individual possesses.

[John Timothy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Happiness is very relative but once you get this book you will find that happiness is in you and your relationship with God. The book would help build your character if only you choose to follow as prescribed. I promise we will all get there.

[Maha King David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful and most blessing piece of writing. In this book lies the key to divine happiness, not one derived from earthly accomplishments or things that are temporary but one that is long-lasting; as taught by Christ Himself in the beatitudes-the sermon on the mount.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

You just can’t argue with Billy Graham. Very detailed exploration of the Beatitudes and the challenges and reassurances contained therein. Most interesting is that he wrote the first editions decades ago but still applies to today’s culture and struggles. Hmmmm, sounds like the rest of the Bible!

[Hime · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a book I never thought I needed. I was able to read it a very long time ago but did not fully understand what it meant and reread it few years ago and I cried. I realize that my happiness lies only in myself and not in any materialistic things I always wanted to possess.

[Michael Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Give me that old time religion baby! Rev. Graham walks through each beatitude in the Sermon on the Mount as Christ’s blueprint for happiness on earth. Obviously a little preachy and fluffy at times, but good book.

[David Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Graham's perspective on the Beatitudes of Jesus is predicably from an evangelist's viewpoint. It's good evangelistic preaching, but it's not always good at explaining what Jesus actually said and meant.

[GreatHeart Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

A faith filled classic of Christian literature!

A powerful book filled with scriptural teaching about finding true happiness and a good life in Christ. I highly recommend reading it.

[Tim Duff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Billy Graham's unpacking of the Beatitudes.

[Jeremy Crawford · Rating 3 out of 5]

Never been a fan of Billy Graham's preaching seeing how I'm a Baptist, but I really liked the concept in the book. Always loved the beatitudes.

[MKay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Timeless.

[Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good. I learned a few things and it reminded me of things I need to work on.

[Judith FW · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it

Another great book by Billy Graham. I can’t read enough of him. Onto the next one.
I highly recommend this book

[Rob Smith, Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

'The Secret of Happiness' by Billy Graham is a firm treatise as to how to secure happiness through the Christian faith. Well reasoned and well written, this is a volume to make even an athiest think about how to better lead their lives.

One thing interesting about Graham's book is that it is a perfect example of someone obviously working through a well prepared outline. The numbered breakdown of ideas throughout the book along with the footnotes make this book easy to follow. The layout also makes this a great teaching tool.

This is a concise and lean examination of Grahma's view of a road to happiness. Far better than other volumes I've read in the past. For example, Bertand Russell's book of this subject is a meandering mess that more raises the question, "Why be happy?".

Bottom line: I recommend this book. 10 out 10 points.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book looks at what the Bible means by being 'blessed' (or 'happy', an alternative translation) in the Beatitudes. Billy Graham takes one at a time in separate chapters, expounding on poverty of spirit, persecution, meekness, and so on.

An interesting topic but the presentation is rather shallow, with some rather cliched suggestions, and frequent repetition of the basic message of salvation. Billy Graham was, of course, an evangelist; but having written a book for Christian believers it seems a pity to keep preaching in the midst of what could have been quite thought-provoking.

There are some good points made, but the style is rather dated, with far too many exclamation marks and very few anecdotes. Not a bad book as such, but very dry.

[Christopher Lewis Kozoriz · Rating 5 out of 5]

God is no respecter of persons. You deserve your just share of happiness. You have the same capacity for God as anyone else. Don't stand back lamenting your bad luck and your bad breaks in life. Be joined to the source of power. Take Christ's yoke upon you, "and ye shall find rest unto your soul"! ~ Billy Graham

Awesome book on what the Bible says will bring us happiness. True happiness. The question is, CAN WE REALLY BE HAPPY WITHOUT GOD?

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some parts were better than others, but all in all, a very encouraging, uplifting read. I would recommend.