What do you think?
Rate this book
Preaching Happiness: Creating a Just and Joyful World
Creating thriving, peaceful, and content personal lives, while creating conditions for maximum well-being for all humans, animals, and the planet, requires soul-deep transformation. Through a series of secular sermons on a wide range of happiness skills, this book teaches and encourages that transformation.
176 pages, Paperback
Published July 25, 2020
5 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 2, 2021
This book likes to push happiness which is good, but also likes to bring up the Greatest Happiness Principle (GHP).
What is the GHP well it says that ‘the best thing to do is what contributes to the greatest happiness of the greatest number of people.’
As nice as this is you can not take a country like the United States that is based on capitalism and demand we go from a GDP to a GHP. it just doesn’t work like that.
Yes, it is wonderful what Bhutan has done but one thing this book forgets is that we are not Bhutan and second the Constitution states we have the right to life liberty and, the pursuit of happiness. We don’t need a law for it. If you want to do it yourself that is fine. But don’t demand that a government push GHP for you.
The book brings up ideas such as the Green New Deal? I’m not sure how that helps with happiness or the environment. What makes one person happy doesn’t work for someone else.
One thing I know is that government is not linked to happiness
I wish the book would have done more small scale suggestions. Such working on a little free library, working in a garden ec. Things that we as individuals can do is more powerful than any government.
https://theworldisabookandiamitsreade...
What is the GHP well it says that ‘the best thing to do is what contributes to the greatest happiness of the greatest number of people.’
As nice as this is you can not take a country like the United States that is based on capitalism and demand we go from a GDP to a GHP. it just doesn’t work like that.
Yes, it is wonderful what Bhutan has done but one thing this book forgets is that we are not Bhutan and second the Constitution states we have the right to life liberty and, the pursuit of happiness. We don’t need a law for it. If you want to do it yourself that is fine. But don’t demand that a government push GHP for you.
The book brings up ideas such as the Green New Deal? I’m not sure how that helps with happiness or the environment. What makes one person happy doesn’t work for someone else.
One thing I know is that government is not linked to happiness
I wish the book would have done more small scale suggestions. Such working on a little free library, working in a garden ec. Things that we as individuals can do is more powerful than any government.
https://theworldisabookandiamitsreade...
September 5, 2020
🌺Did you know, of all the things related to HAPPINESS, Reading & Writing is one too❓
"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go."
—Dr. Seuss Oh, the Places You’ll Go! (1960).
READING, WRITING, SOCIAL JUSTICE—and HAPPINESS, that's one of the 16 sermons that HAPPINESS PREACHER ginny sassaman talks about in her book;
📚 PREACHING HAPPINESS- creating a just and joyful world.
---------
It's so good and it made me really happy, to just go through it‼️🙂🙂
----------
This book, came around in June 2020.
It lays down some really worthy ideas for achieving internal & external happiness, as a whole. We cannot exist as a single entity, but in tandem with our surroundings; be it fellow humans, animals or nature.
So we cannot wish & have our own selfish happiness unless & until we keep the bigger picture in focus.
The best part of this read, for me was, THE INTRODUCTION. Yes you read it right!
Here the author, who is due to celebrate her 50th Marriage Anniversary soon, talks about her journey of becoming a Happiness Preacher.
Right from childhood, when she always fought for social justice till now, how the universe conspired to lead her to realise her happiness calling. It reiterates the fact that we may not understand God's plan, how the scheme of things work but it eventually brings us to our destiny or destination.
IT FELT LIKE READING A MINI QUICK MEMOIR & all my buddies know, I am all ears for such experiences‼️
Also, Ginny talks about GROSS NATIONAL HAPPINESS & Bhutan. I had read a travelogue on Bhutan, Married To Bhutan by linda leaming last month where i had my 1st interface with such a concept & I could so relate into it now.
🌺Turns out, we all crave HaPPINESS but do we really know how to secure it❓
This book can sure help you with that‼️
In addition to beautiful quotations, research, sermons..the USP of this book is the PERSONALISED eXpEriEnCe, the tit- bits that the author talks about from her own life, which make the whole reading rendezvous so easily absorbing & enriching‼️
It sure talks about forgiveness, reading & writing, mindfulness, gratitude, conflict resolution, caring for our planet & fellow beings, empathy & love & has a detailed list of references at the end, just like in a thesis.
Read it to know more about the Real Purpose of Life- TO ENJOY OUR JOURNEY, to know the Real Happiness.
This book has a positive, peaceful vibe to it, so calming🕊️💮
#noorthebookwormreviews
#preachinghappiness
"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go."
—Dr. Seuss Oh, the Places You’ll Go! (1960).
READING, WRITING, SOCIAL JUSTICE—and HAPPINESS, that's one of the 16 sermons that HAPPINESS PREACHER ginny sassaman talks about in her book;
📚 PREACHING HAPPINESS- creating a just and joyful world.
---------
It's so good and it made me really happy, to just go through it‼️🙂🙂
----------
This book, came around in June 2020.
It lays down some really worthy ideas for achieving internal & external happiness, as a whole. We cannot exist as a single entity, but in tandem with our surroundings; be it fellow humans, animals or nature.
So we cannot wish & have our own selfish happiness unless & until we keep the bigger picture in focus.
The best part of this read, for me was, THE INTRODUCTION. Yes you read it right!
Here the author, who is due to celebrate her 50th Marriage Anniversary soon, talks about her journey of becoming a Happiness Preacher.
Right from childhood, when she always fought for social justice till now, how the universe conspired to lead her to realise her happiness calling. It reiterates the fact that we may not understand God's plan, how the scheme of things work but it eventually brings us to our destiny or destination.
IT FELT LIKE READING A MINI QUICK MEMOIR & all my buddies know, I am all ears for such experiences‼️
Also, Ginny talks about GROSS NATIONAL HAPPINESS & Bhutan. I had read a travelogue on Bhutan, Married To Bhutan by linda leaming last month where i had my 1st interface with such a concept & I could so relate into it now.
🌺Turns out, we all crave HaPPINESS but do we really know how to secure it❓
This book can sure help you with that‼️
In addition to beautiful quotations, research, sermons..the USP of this book is the PERSONALISED eXpEriEnCe, the tit- bits that the author talks about from her own life, which make the whole reading rendezvous so easily absorbing & enriching‼️
It sure talks about forgiveness, reading & writing, mindfulness, gratitude, conflict resolution, caring for our planet & fellow beings, empathy & love & has a detailed list of references at the end, just like in a thesis.
Read it to know more about the Real Purpose of Life- TO ENJOY OUR JOURNEY, to know the Real Happiness.
This book has a positive, peaceful vibe to it, so calming🕊️💮
#noorthebookwormreviews
#preachinghappiness
September 5, 2020
I will never stop reading books on how to improve myself, gain empathy, seek forgiveness, and just learn to be a better person. No matter how well rounded we think we are there is always room for growth. Preaching Happiness "creating a just and joyful world" is a guide to help remind us to live our lives with no regrets, and if we have them to learn to forgive ourselves! The book teaches that to make others happy we must be happy ourselves.
"In every single interaction with another person,we can either make that other person happier, or less happy.Every.Single.Time.~Dalai Lama
Happiness is a choice and whether you see the glass half full or your a glass half empty kind of person we can all strive to be more positive and humble people.
"You can either mourn that the rose bush has thorns, or rejoice that the thorn bush has roses." I choice to see the roses. It may not come easy, it may take some work, but being happy is good for your health and spirit. Think of your friends who you enjoy spending time with, there probably people who make you laugh, who you have things in common with, and those who make you feel your best. No one wants to be dragged down by that friend who is always complaining and dragging you down in the dumps with them. You know that saying, misery loves company.
To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.~Lewis B. Smedes
I loved this line so much I had to share it. Heartfelt apologies and genuine forgiveness can lift the heaviest weight off our shoulders and be so powerful in helping us to heal.Sometimes there's things we simply cannot change from our past but we need to learn to shed that skin and learn from our mistakes. We have the power to make ourselves happy and if we're lucky our happiness will pour out of us and onto everyone around us!
"In every single interaction with another person,we can either make that other person happier, or less happy.Every.Single.Time.~Dalai Lama
Happiness is a choice and whether you see the glass half full or your a glass half empty kind of person we can all strive to be more positive and humble people.
"You can either mourn that the rose bush has thorns, or rejoice that the thorn bush has roses." I choice to see the roses. It may not come easy, it may take some work, but being happy is good for your health and spirit. Think of your friends who you enjoy spending time with, there probably people who make you laugh, who you have things in common with, and those who make you feel your best. No one wants to be dragged down by that friend who is always complaining and dragging you down in the dumps with them. You know that saying, misery loves company.
To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.~Lewis B. Smedes
I loved this line so much I had to share it. Heartfelt apologies and genuine forgiveness can lift the heaviest weight off our shoulders and be so powerful in helping us to heal.Sometimes there's things we simply cannot change from our past but we need to learn to shed that skin and learn from our mistakes. We have the power to make ourselves happy and if we're lucky our happiness will pour out of us and onto everyone around us!
August 30, 2020
Linda’s Book Obsession Reviews “Preaching Happiness” by Ginny Sassaman, Rootstock Publishing, 2020 for Suzy Approved Book Tours
Ginny Sassaman, author of “Preaching Happiness Creating a Just and Joyful World” has written an inspirational and thought-provoking book. The genres for this book are non-fiction, faith, self-help, and memoir. Each of the chapters are informative and almost like mini sermons ending with “May it be so”
This is an informative book based on many of the author’s experiences and research. The author credits various people familiar with aspects of this, and gives examples. Many of these chapters/sermons do make sense in making a happier life. For example, subjects such as forgiveness, mindfulness, compassion, empathy, communication, nature, and animals are some of the subjects that are covered.
The author gives an example of seeing a turtle walking slowly across the road. Instead of stopping, and possibly moving the turtle out of possible danger, she goes on. When she comes back she sees the turtle didn’t make it and realizes if she had acted, possibly the turtle would be safe. She carries a piece of the shell to remind herself. Being mindful, having compassion, and being kind are all so important.
Asking for forgiveness, and accepting the responsibility also frees us to live happier lives and live in peace. Many of the examples make perfect sense. Sometimes it doesn’t work the way that you want but still makes you carry less of a burden.
I would recommend this thought-provoking novel to other readers who are on their journey to seek happiness.
Ginny Sassaman, author of “Preaching Happiness Creating a Just and Joyful World” has written an inspirational and thought-provoking book. The genres for this book are non-fiction, faith, self-help, and memoir. Each of the chapters are informative and almost like mini sermons ending with “May it be so”
This is an informative book based on many of the author’s experiences and research. The author credits various people familiar with aspects of this, and gives examples. Many of these chapters/sermons do make sense in making a happier life. For example, subjects such as forgiveness, mindfulness, compassion, empathy, communication, nature, and animals are some of the subjects that are covered.
The author gives an example of seeing a turtle walking slowly across the road. Instead of stopping, and possibly moving the turtle out of possible danger, she goes on. When she comes back she sees the turtle didn’t make it and realizes if she had acted, possibly the turtle would be safe. She carries a piece of the shell to remind herself. Being mindful, having compassion, and being kind are all so important.
Asking for forgiveness, and accepting the responsibility also frees us to live happier lives and live in peace. Many of the examples make perfect sense. Sometimes it doesn’t work the way that you want but still makes you carry less of a burden.
I would recommend this thought-provoking novel to other readers who are on their journey to seek happiness.
September 5, 2020
I enjoyed this book, “Preaching Happiness Creating a Just and Joyful World”. A quick read I needed most especially during these times and world we are living in now. Depending on how we see our environment, we can either see all the bad or find goodness to live a full and happy life.
Sassaman’s book empowers her readers through teaching of theoretical concepts on topics to create a new sense of well-being. Sassaman does this through clear explanation of research and her personal expertise and experience. Through examples, topics are explained well and very easy to understand.
This was a delightful book to read that I feel brought positivity to my personal well being no matter what life throws my way.
I recommend this book!
Sassaman’s book empowers her readers through teaching of theoretical concepts on topics to create a new sense of well-being. Sassaman does this through clear explanation of research and her personal expertise and experience. Through examples, topics are explained well and very easy to understand.
This was a delightful book to read that I feel brought positivity to my personal well being no matter what life throws my way.
I recommend this book!
August 21, 2020
Ginny Sassaman's Preaching Happiness: Creating a Just and Joyful World is a deeply wise, insightful and inspiring read. During a time in our history when happiness may seem harder to come by, Sassaman shares just the right combination of in depth research and personal experiences to illuminate the many ways we can "grow our happiness muscles" through mindfulness, creativity, activism, practicing kindness, nurturing gratitude, to name just a few. This is a book that will stay on my bookshelf indefinitely and will likely become well thumbed over the years as it both merits and invites re-reading.
April 13, 2020
Accessibly written with a lot of great information condensed into easily digestible essays, or sermons. Ginny's voice is kind and gentle, and this books makes me want to be that way too! Full disclosure: I am one of the proofreaders and work at the publishing house that produced this book. However, I would not give such a high rating to a book I did not actually enjoy so much. I think everyone should read this book, so we can be the change we want to see in the world. So necessary for these dark times.
September 20, 2020
This book struck many chords with me. Lately the world is filled with negativity. Who wants to live their life that way? I sure don’t. The author uses personal experiences to remind us of so many things: live life without regrets, learn to forgive ourselves, to see the glass as half full. So many time we say “I just want so and so to be happy.” But happiness actually starts with ourselves. If you aren’t happy, you won’t see that another person is happy. This book really spoke with me, and I read it at the perfect time. Great uplifting read.
September 22, 2021
I really wanted to like this book and maybe I’ll give it another go at a later time, but I got about a third through it and found that I didn’t want to go back to it. After weeks on my nightstand without opening it, I’m sending it to someone who I think will get more enjoyment from it.
September 24, 2020
What a great book! Who wouldn’t want a more joyful world!
October 20, 2020
I don't want to call this a "self help" book, but it's along those same guidelines in my opinion. But it doesn't read like one. It reads like a letter from a friend that genuinely wants you to be happy in every way possible.
I'm going to keep this one short and sweet because I don't have much else to say except that I enjoyed reading it and I hope you do as well.
I'm going to keep this one short and sweet because I don't have much else to say except that I enjoyed reading it and I hope you do as well.
April 24, 2024
This may be the moment in my lifetime when the concept of "true well-being" has come most into focus. That is, sadly, the lack of this resource throughout our society. How can I have an impact? Ginny has laid down some solid ideas in this collection of her thoughts and the ideas of other wise thinkers.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews