Dr. Charles Nemeth. Finding Happiness in a Complex World: Rules from Aristotle to Aquinas. Manchester, NH: Sophia Institute Press, 2022. Hardback $18.95. 256 pages. Available from the publisher.
It is ironic that, although happiness is our deepest desire, so few seem to attain it.
In Finding Happiness in a Complex World: Rules from Aristotle to Aquinas, Dr. Charles Nemeth—prolific writer and expert on professional ethics—unpacks the conclusions of history’s two greatest thinkers and presents a life plan that inevitably leads to a happy human existence.
In chapter after chapter, readers will discover wisdom on achieving happiness through select quotes from Aristotle and Aquinas with relevant applications to our lives and times. You will learn whether happiness is dependent upon your mood, performance, relationships, power, and prestige, or is rather a way of charitable living and state of being. Additionally, you will learn what is meant by a good and how it is acquired, along with the principle of just distribution.
Replete with extensive research and resources, these pages also contain tables synthesizing key aspects of Aristotle and Aquinas’ philosophies related to happiness and the correlation between spiritual belief, religion, prayer, and contentment. On the flip side, this book features figures with current data on trends that are antithetical to joy, such as drug overdoses, the correlation between early sexual activity and depression, and statistics regarding violent crime. Following each discussion, the chapter concludes with a summary of “Rules for a Happy Life.”
Readers will explore the meaning of authentic joy in contrast to the darkness of our destructive times. They will learn to flourish and navigate into a state of life that makes them genuinely happy.
Kevin H. Govern, Professor of Law, Ave Maria Law School, enthused: “Finding Happiness in a Complex World’s title portends splendidly clear, historical accounts of mankind’s eternal quest for happiness. Charles Nemeth deftly employs Aristotle’s and Aquinas’s logic to persuasively exhort the pursuit of truth to achieve happiness, and to have God within our souls while seeking a clear understanding of the world around us to foster peace and tranquility.”
Ronald J. Rychlak, Chair of Law & Government, University of Mississippi, reviewed: “Two of the greatest minds in history provide a timeless formula for anyone to achieve happiness. This is a wonderful book. Contemporary examples make it absolutely approachable, even by those who may struggle with philosophy. At the same time, the content is far more substantive than many ‘self-help’ books. Finding Happiness in a Complex World is a very worthwhile investment of your time. I highly recommend it.”
Members of the media may send an email to Sophia Institute Press’ Director of Publicity, Sarah Lemieux at slemieux@SophiaInstitute.com to receive a physical or digital copy of Finding Happiness in a Complex World, and/or to schedule an interview.
