Radical Happiness

An expansive and contemplative exploration of love, joy, desire, and the concepts surrounding Utopias, all of which find the author navigating human psychology, sociology, societal mores, and the economics of happiness. A calm, refreshing breath of fresh air in a dangerously uncertain moment in human history. * Kirkus Review *
The socialist feminist we need to listen to right now. Her book is an important one because we need "a politics of hope" like never before. -- Emma Rees * Times Higher Education *
A unique capacity for clarity and wit, along with her courage of intellect. -- Sheila Rowbotham
Wide ranging in its analyses of feminist, political and social theory -- Margaret Drabble * [on Out of Time] *
An engaging, enlightening read for anyone who wants to ponder the links between personal dissatisfaction and political disengagement - and possible remedies. The idea of collective happiness as the root of much satisfaction is simple, but deceptively hard to write about, let alone achieve. Segal succeeds in inspiring on many levels. -- Isabel Berwick * Financial Times *
Radical Happiness ultimately arrives at a convincing argument about our need to overcome the now-common tendency to view dystopian thinking as a political act in and of itself . If happiness is 'not so much an emotion, a psychic state or inner disposition, but rather a way of acting in the world,' then so is the path to real social change. It is defined not by a list of demands, but by a commitment to the common good. A feminism that's about showing up for each other and not merely ourselves: how radical. -- Charlotte Shane * The Nation *
Straightforward in argument and essential in content for our times ... a source of much joy and inspiration. * Peace News *
There can be something exhilarating about taking part in a protest or other instance of activism. In her book Radical Happiness, Lynne Segal examines this side of activism, and also explores the ways in which avoiding politics entirely may be tied to a greater sense of disquiet and frustration. It's an incisive look at another facet of politics and society. -- Tobias Carroll * Signature *