Originally published: New York : Knopf, c1990.

Includes bibliographical references (p. [293]-303) and index.

Two ways of looking at life -- Learning to be helpless -- Explaining misfortune -- Ultimate pessimism -- How you think, how you feel -- Success at work -- Children and parents: the origins of optimism -- School -- Sports -- Health -- Politics, religion, and culture: a new psychohistory -- Optimistic life -- Helping your child escape pessimism -- Optimistic organization -- Flexible optimism.

Known as the father of the new science of positive psychology, Martin E.P. Seligman draws on more than twenty years of clinical research to demonstrate how optimism enhances the quality of life, and how anyone can learn to practice it. Offering many simple techniques, Dr. Seligman explains how to break an I-give-up habit, develop a more constructive explanatory style for interpreting your behavior, and experience the benefits of a more positive interior dialogue. These skills can help break up depression, boost your immune system, better develop your potential, and make you happier. With generous additional advice on how to encourage optimistic behavior at school, at work and in children, Learned Optimism is both profound and practical--and valuable for every phase of life. --Publisher.