Review: 'Against Happiness' by Eric G. Wilson

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

'Against Happiness' by Eric G. Wilson, 166 pages - Instagram @c_reads_books

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Against Happiness by Eric G. Wilson argues against the societal and especially American addiction to happiness. Wilson instead argues in favor of melancholia, a feeling that he contends is absolutely necessary, and leads to some of every culture’s greatest and most beautiful pieces of art, literature, and innovation. Creativity often stems from darkness in unique ways. Melancholia is a state that is 100% human, and it is meaningful, even if it is not always pleasurable. Wilson encourages people to lean into this darkness, rather than try to expunge it, because it will lead to a more meaningful and full life.

I am not exaggerating when I say Against Happiness is now one of my absolute favorite (maybe even number one) books. I agree with essentially everything that Wilson discusses and argues for in this book. Using examples ranging from John Keats to Ludwig Van Beethoven to John Lennon, Wilson explores the beauty and art that often stems from darkness and despair, which fascinated me. I have always been interested in and intrigued by the connection that often arises between mental illness/depression and creativity, and this book explored that in a very engaging and interesting way. I overall loved Wilson’s argument in favor of leaning into our depressive sides rather than shying away from them and retreating back to superficial happiness (he makes it clear though that he is not against medication/treatment for those who are seriously depressed). This book is essentially my exact thoughts on Americans’ addiction to happiness, and I would recommend Against Happiness to anyone who is interested in the effects of our addictions to happiness or just the importance of experiencing every emotion fully!