Customer Reviews

Thanks!: How the New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier

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It is hard to ignore the large number of books written over the past few years on the nature of happiness. In the past year, I had an opportunity to read over a dozen of these "positive psychology" books and glance through quite a few more. Most of them summarize the same set of research studies on what makes people happy, why it is difficult to attain and sustain happiness, who is most and least likely to find happiness, and how these positive experiences can be cultivated. This led me to read Robert Emmons' latest book with some degree of trepidation. I wondered if "Thanks!" would offer anything new to my growing fascination of these topics. Even though I already knew a great deal about Emmons' work and the study of gratitude, I found this book to be remarkably interesting and a reservoir of compelling insights and practical tips. Let me detail a few reasons why this book offers something new and why it belongs on people's bookshelves.

First, many "positive psychology" books are written by therapists, counselors, teachers, journalists, and other people who read and summarize the writings of scientists. Their books often lack the enthusiasm, creativity, and wisdom that can only be found by those devoting their lives to a topic. Robert Emmons is the world's leading authority on gratitude. His research is responsible for much of what we know about gratitude. It becomes readily apparent that Robert Emmons has spent years thinking about gratitude, studying gratitude, talking to people about gratitude, and trying to understand how gratitude fits into the "big picture" of achieving lasting happiness in a world fraught with moments of pain, stress, and adversity. His passion and wisdom are evident on nearly every page. I could not imagine reading a book on gratitude written by anyone else.

Second, the information in this book is backed by scientific research. This is not a book based on the musings of one person or a few people who believe that gratitude is a good thing. It is also not based on a few studies conducted by one researcher. The information in this book is based on a careful summary of research conducted on thousands of people by a number of different researchers around the world. Taken together, these studies show that gratitude is one of the strongest contributors to happiness and meaning in life. But more than that, gratitude has been shown to strengthen people's social relationships, improve people's physical health, and motivate people to act in ways that enhances the quality of their moments, days, and lives. In addition to discussing his own research, Robert Emmons reviews and integrates the work of other researchers, philosophers, and literary minds. In a little more than 200 pages, "Thanks!" has quickly become the essential source of everything there is to know about gratitude (so far).

Third, it is spiritually uplifting. Emmons weaves in stories of real people sharing how gratitude played (or failed to play) a role in their lives. These stories add flesh, blood, and feeling to the wealth of science and wisdom in each chapter; they capture the true value of gratitude and the beauty of humanity. With these narratives and the easygoing writing style, it is easy to enjoy reading this book while outside in the grass on a lazy summer afternoon.

Whether your goal is intellectual stimulation, self-enhancement, or something in between, this book will make an immediate positive impact on your life.

Author of Curious?: Discover the Missing Ingredient to a Fulfilling Life

In his latest book, "Thanks!: How the New Science of Gratitude can Make you Happier," Dr. Robert Emmons shares his expertise about the personal and interpersonal benefits of gratitude. While gratitude has a long history among philosophers and theologians, it was not until the turn of the 21st century that psychology finally began to give gratitude its deserved empirical homage. The individual largely responsible for the scientific advancement of gratitude is Dr. Emmons. In its simplest terms, gratitude is a positive response to a benefit. But its related outcomes reach well beyond those associated with being polite. Indeed, pioneering research conducted and reviewed by Dr. Emmons shows that gratitude improves emotional and physical health, as well as bolsters relationships and communities. "Thanks!" ends by providing readers with 10 practical strategies for becoming more grateful. Some strategies include keeping a gratitude journal, learning prayers of gratitude, and using visual reminders. Following the advice of Dr. Emmons, my screensaver now reads: "Life is a Gift--Thanks!" Cultivating an attitude of gratitude is tough. It is, according to Dr. Emmons, a "chosen attitude." We must be willing to recognize and acknowledge that we are the recipients of an unearned benefit. If we roll up our sleeves and commit ourselves to becoming grateful, we will see that with gratitude comes abundance. "Thanks!" is a highly readable, colorful, and downright fun book. Personal anecdotes and gratitude essays written by research participants bring to life Dr. Emmon's research program demonstrating the strong and enduring benefits of gratitude. So with patience and persistence, happiness, health, and stronger relationships await you. It just comes down to one simple, yet highly complex word--thanks!

Robert Emmons is a professor of psychology at UC Davis whom I've had the pleasure of meeting and listening to and is known as the "world's leading authority on gratitude." His new book, subtitled How the New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier, is one that I've been looking forward to reading as I've heard him lecture about his research in the area of gratitude and its effect on people's lives. It was from his talk that I was inspired to start keeping a "gratitude journal" -- a simple daily listing (3-5 things) of things that I am truly grateful for -- a habit that I've mostly kept (with occasional breaks) for the past ten years.

In Thanks, Emmons shares some of the findings of his research. Some of the results contradict the current psychological theory that each person has a "set point" of happiness determined by genetics -- that no matter what happens to you, you always return to the same level of happiness. Emmons found that people who kept a consistent gratitude journal were actually able to raise their level of happiness over time. Interestingly, he also found that in contrast to people who wrote down five things they felt hassled by, the people who wrote down blessings they were thankful for slept better, had more energy, suffered less illness, exercised more, were more optimistic about their future, and felt better about their lives. In another study that examined the autobiographies of nun novitiates, it was found that the nuns whose autobiographies expressed more positive emotions outlived the least happy nuns by seven years!

Emmons ties together scientific research and the writings of philosophers and theologians throughout history to present a very compelling case that gratitude may be one of the biggest keys to living a happier and fulfilling life. He also addresses hard questions and topics, such as "how can you be grateful when bad things happen to you?" and "does being grateful lead to complacency because you're content with the way things are?" The last chapter of the book presents ten exercises and habits that you can develop to encourage a grateful attitude.

Thanks! is an easy read while providing a lot of information that you won't want to just skim over. Emmons has a dry sense of humor which can't be suppressed by "science" and "research." I found this a personally uplifting challenge to continue to try to cultivate an attitude of gratitude. This is a book I would recommend for any personal library -- and as an added bonus, the book has a nice cover.

No modern author/scientist has done more for advancing the power of Gratitude than Dr. Robert Emmons whose latest book is a treasure trove of information on just how maintaining an attitude of gratitude can enhance our life. Not only is this book worthy of 5 stars, but so too is Emmons' career which has left such a mark through his work on Gratitude...a mark on all of us who have benefited from his work and writings, as well as a mark on him. He closes the book expressing his gratitude "It's highly unlikely that I will ever find again a topic as satisfying and inspiring to devote my research energy to. For the opportunity to learn about gratitude and inform others of my findings in the hope that this knowledge will produce for them the best life they are capable of, I am deeply grateful." Now, that is walking the talk!

This book came out at about the same time as Deborah Norville's book, "Thank You Power." I highly recommend that book as a companion read so as to get a double dose of the power of Gratitude. I found the two to be delightfully reinforcing of one another...yet with enough difference to justify the time invested in reading both.

This book's closing ten prescriptions for practicing gratitude are, without doubt, a roadmap for a better life, when implemented and maintained. The challenge as the book makes clear is to maintian an attitude of gratitude even in the face of hitting some of the potholes of life.

"Thanks" by Robert Emmons has had a profound impact on my life. I found this easy and fun to read book absolutely fascinating, I literally had a hard time putting it down. And I now find it impossible not to tell everyone in my life to read "Thanks" for themselves.

I found it very empowering to read that Emmons and other scientists have collected empirical evidence that tells us if we choose to live gratefully we will live longer, happier and healthier. Through experience and faith I have always believed this, but find myself very happy and grateful to have actual scientific data to back up those beliefs.

It was equally empowering to read that science has proven that giving of ourselves to others is a physically and psychologically healthy activity and has made me vow to do more for others.

I also found great hope while reading Emmons' finding about religion. The fact that all faiths share a belief in the need to give thanks for our lives and the many blessings we have gives me hope for the future.

I give "Thanks" my strongest recommendation.

The seemingly silly simplicity of the title gave me pause, and the subtitle was a bit too New Age for me, but I went ahead and bought the book on the advice of a trusted friend (see Discover Your Inner Economist: Use Incentives to Fall in Love, Survive Your Next Meeting, and Motivate Your Dentist And boy, am I grateful for the recommendation. <grin>

Is there a science to gratitude? I'm still not sure.

But is this book worth the price and the read, absolutely! I had the cliche drummed into me for years, that "gratitude is an attitude." You'll be amazed to learn how expressions of gratitude can offer an extraordinarily positive effect on behavior, on decision-making, and on attitude...and health.

Emmons is very persuasive. And he also offers you a quick read. You can really get this and be done with it in an hour or so...

Dr. Emmons (and Dr. McCullough) have done extensive research on the benefits of gratitude, culminating in a professional book on the subject in 2004: "The Psychology of Gratitude." Now "Thanks!: How the New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier," is an easy-to-read and enjoyable book that makes this information and relevant techniques available to everyone. Gratitude is not merely a positive emotion; it also improves your health if cultivated. Reading this book will possibly make it easier to become more emotionally and physically healthy. --Dr. Fred Gallo, author of Energy Tapping and Energy Tapping for Trauma: Rapid Relief from Post-Traumatic Stress Using Energy Psychology

Reading this book left me grateful in a big way! First, to the person who so thoughfully gave the book to me, second to Dr. Emmons for writing it, third to all the people who lead and participated the rigorous research that is cited in the book, and lastly to all the people I am now inspired to touch with this message as a result of reading this book!

While I certainly see the application of this material to myself and my young family, as an executive coach and organization consultant I am eager to use the learnings professionally as well. Many of the leaders I work with struggle to retain top talent and develop an engaged and resilient workforce. I see the cultivation of gratitude within corporate settings as a timely and valuable investment.

Robert Emmons has written a wonderfully readable, important and inspiring book. I wholeheartedly recommend it.

I've encountered Emmon's work in my study of positive psychology and positive emotion. In Thanks, he examines the actions and feeling of Gratitude as a powerful force in our lives. On the spectrum of activities that have proven to enhance one's experience of positive emotion, practicing gratitude consistently rises to the top as the most effective. I found Emmons' study of this phenomenon fascinating.
Note: Emmons is an academic so he spends much time detailing his research, which may or may not interest you. I encourage you, however, to pay special attention to Chapters 1 (The new science of gratitude) and 2 (Gratitude and the psyche) and the final Chapter, 7, in which Emmons details nine practices that have proven effective in building a feeling of gratitude - leading to increased happiness!

The social sciences have investigated positive attributes, and research on gratitude is emphasized in Emmons' book. He clearly states his purpose: "This book showcases the new science of gratitude. Woven into the narrative is a discussion of how the great religious leaders, philosophers, theologians, and writers have written about gratitude in different cultures and historical periods. To encourage the reader to begin the journey of gratitude practice, I include a discussion of practical techniques that will increase readers' gratitude and happiness. I intend this book to provoke intellectual interest as well as self-examination..."

Emmons clearly identifies difficulties in examining gratitude from a scientific perspective. First, it defies easy classification. Gratitude is an attitude, but also a mood, an emotion, a personality trait, a motive, a moral virtue, a resource for coping and a way of life. Acknowledging the complexity of the concept, he identifies two fundamental components of gratitude: acknowledging goodness in one's life, and recognizing that the source of this goodness is at least partially outside the self. Emmons also acknowledges that, "The tools of science seem to come up short when we try to understand people living lives of gratefulness in extraordinarily difficult situations." Subsequently, his book is a narrative, a narrative that interweaves classical and popular writings with brief descriptions of research from the social sciences. Excerpts from "gratitude journals," written by research subjects, illustrate key concepts.

Emmons is true to his stated purpose. Thanks! is not a review of the literature on research from the social sciences. It is a book of insights, some from research, some from personal experiences, and some from ancient or popular writers. I found myself nodding in recognition or using his insights to re-frame situations in my own life. My own journey of gratitude motivated me to read this book. I enjoyed it. Reading Thanks! generated a list of books by other authors that I will pursue.