The Beethoven Factor: The New Positive Psychology of Hardiness, Happiness, Healing, and Hope

by Paul Pearsall

Book Overview

Pearsall identifies the characteristics of individuals he labels "thrivers"--those who face challenges head-on and grow stronger and more vital as a result. Illustrations. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1571743979
• ISBN13: 9781571743978
• Release Date: August 2003
• Publisher: Hampton Roads Publishing Company
• Length: 257 Pages
• Weight: 0.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.3" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

This Book Really Makes You Think

I heard the author on the radio and bought the book. What makes this book unique is its attempt to dispute all of these "facts" about psychology and health in general. Alot of what is taken as fact by the health community is actually in dispute. If I had to sum up what I learned it would be: 1.Disease and evil exist for a reason in the world and these problems can be used for our benefit. 2. Our reaction to what happens to us is what determines happiness not how much we have compared to others. 3. Having the personality of a thriver will give you health benefits far in excess of traditional measures such as lowering your cholesterol or going to the gym. This book will really open your eyes and its filled with unforgettable stories.

A good introduction to the field of Positive Psychology

Pearsall is Hawaiian, and he combines insights from his native culture, his personal experience with extreme challenge, and the wisdom of the emerging field of Positive Psychology. He contends that we can choose and/or learn how to be "thrivers," i.e to move beyond victim or even recovery status, and experience "Stress Induced Growth". We can grow and be transformed through the pain and suffering of our lives. He cites many examples from his interviews, of people who have indeed experienced what an outsider might call horrific experiences-- and shows how their unique perspective (which he assures us is learnable) has let them create a "good life" despite their problems. Pearsall cites more scientific research that substantiates his position, so the reader who wants "hard data" can follow his references.This is a useful and even inspiring contribution to the Positive Psychology literature -- I gave it a "4" because I wearied of Pearsall's frequent references to his own (significant) crisis experiences. IMHO, the point was made without repeating his personal credentials as a thriver every page or two.Is it worth reading? Absolutely.