One of the most important psychologists alive today tells the story of the transformation of modern psychology through the lens of his own career and change of heart.

Martin E. P. Seligman is one of the most decorated and popular psychologists of his generation. When he first encountered the discipline in the 1960s, it was devoted to eliminating misery: the science of how past trauma creates present symptoms. Today, thanks in large part to Seligman's own work pioneering the Positive Psychology movement, it is ever more focused on the bright side; gratitude, resilience, and hope.

In this his memoir, Seligman recounts how he learned to study optimism; including a life-changing conversation with his five-year-old daughter. In wise, eloquent prose, Seligman tells the human stories behind some of his major findings. He recounts developing CAVE, an analytical tool that predicts election outcomes (with shocking accuracy) based on the language used in campaign speeches, and the canonical studies that birthed the theory of learned helplessness - which he now reveals was incorrect. And he writes at length for the first time about his own battles with depression at a young age.

All the while, Seligman works out his theory of psychology, making a compelling and deeply personal case for the importance of virtues like hope, anticipation, gratitude, and wisdom for our mental health. You will walk away from this book not just educated but deeply enriched.

"Dr. Seligman learned how to be optimistic, and ... leaning on many of the ideas he explores in his book The Hope Circuit ... you can, too." - GQ magazine

"A noted psychologist charts a life spent in service to positivity. The brass-tacks account of how positive psychology came into being, and Seligman's openness in discussing some of its problems, is a rewarding read." - Kirkus Reviews

"A fascinating read for anyone interested in learning more about the history of psychology and the personality of one of the most prominent psychologists of all time." - Scientific American

"In his new book, The Hope Circuit: A Psychologist's Journey from Helplessness to Optimism, he makes a compelling case for looking forward, in every sense... We Brits might not care for happiness hyperbole, but Seligman might just be right - an injection of optimism never goes amiss." - The Telegraph

"I think Seligman has a point ... The worse it is, the happier we are...there is a British form of optimism: hope for the best and prepare for the worst. And if it happens, go for a therapeutic pint in the pub..." - The Times

"...a set of ideas focused on positive experience, civic fulfilment and positive traits that would permeate into popular culture and government policy." - The Psychologist

"an invaluable source for anyone interested in the politics and sociology behind scientific change...[a] fascinating book... I highly recommend it." - Private Practice