The Business of Happiness - Book Report/Review Example

The Business of Happiness PART 1 Due: 5:00 p.m. Monday, October 4 10 points Note: This assignment loses a half point every hour after 5:00 on Monday. Responses received after 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 5 will receive NO credit. 1. Having read Mr. Leonsis’ book, what one question would you like to ask him? I would ask Mr. Leonsis if he would ever consider adding to his 101 Life List. 2. What did you read that leads you to ask this question? It seemed like the Life List grounded Mr. Leonsis. He was focused on his goals.

These goals as he accomplished them made him happy. The whole book was of a man of action. As he ages, I do not see him retiring and sitting in a rocking chair. After retiring from AOL, he has gone on to serve of different boards, create movies, and give to charities. I was just wondering if he completed the list, if he would create another list. The second reason I would ask about a second list is if his happiness revolves around the list. Does the accomplishment of checking off items on the list make Mr.

Leonsis happy, or are these truly things that he wants to accomplish. Is the list a challenge or a true realization of his dreams? I know he tried to create a list about things that would make him happy, but how did he know what would make him happy? At 28 was he mature enough to know what would make him happy? PART 2 Due: 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 6 50 points 1. Why did Mr. Leonsis write this book? What is his primary point or message? Mr. Leonsis wrote this book to help people realize that success does not bring happiness, but happiness does bring success. 2. How does he support his primary claim or message?

That is, what evidence does he use to make his case? Mr. Leonsis uses his life as evidence to make his case. He also points out that successful people are not always happy. Michael Jackson, Hugh Hefner, and others were examples. However, Mr. Leonsis does point out that all happy people are successful. This success might not be fortune and fame, but happiness has a success that cannot always be measured. 3. Think about your experiences (as the reader) compared to Mr. Leonsis’ experiences (as the author).

What do the two of you have in common? How are the two of you different? Think especially about his life up to the point where he entered Georgetown as a freshman in college. I can identify with Mr. Leonsis’ school experiences. Especially when he had to leave Brooklyn Tech to move with his family, since I had to move with my family before finishing important school events. My experiences have been different due to Mr. Leonsis. While AOL and the Internet were new to Mr. Leonsis, I have been raised with the Internet.

This is one market that has been conquered by Leonsis’ generation. Although I am positive that new territory will open up for my generation. 4. Mr. Leonsis identifies six (6) common practices of happy people. With which of these six practices do you most agree? Alternatively, which of the 6 do you think is already a strength of yours? Explain. I most agree with the giving back. I do not know if it is Karma, or good will, but I feel the more you give back, the more you will receive. This is one of my strengths.

I like to give back my time, money, or whatever else I can spare. Gratitude is another one of my strengths. I believe when someone helps you the least you can give is gratitude. 5. Is there one of the six practices that you would not include as a common practice of happy people? Alternatively, which of the six practices do you feel is your weakest area? Which practice do you need to work to improve? Multiple communities of interest would not be a common practice of happy people. I am sure that happy people do have multiple communities of interests, but some people can spread themselves thin.

I feel this would be my weakest area. It is hard to go and meet new people and groups. It is easier to manage fewer groups than a multitude. 6. Do you agree or disagree with Mr. Leonsis primary message? Explain. I agree with Mr. Leonsis’ primary message. Not matter your monetary status, if you are happy that makes you rich. It is a simple message, but it rings true. I do not believe by using Leonsis’ list I will become rich or successful, but I believe happiness is obtainable. 7. Would you recommend this book to others?

Why or why not? I would recommend this book to others because of the message. Happiness should be encouraged on the road to success. This book goes deeper than your ordinary self-help book. I found it very useful.