Discover a new understanding of self-help and a better means to help yourself through the surprising histories behind some of society’s best ideas for living well.

Trying to become a better person, husband, and father, Matthew Israel always found the latest self-help trends captivating—but his experience as a historian led him to question the hype. Diving into the fascinating histories behind nine of the most well-known self-help ideas in American culture today—such as practicing gratitude, cultivating joy, and exercise as therapy—Israel guides readers through a wide range of wisdom, from ancient philosophy to Buddhism, Christianity, psychology, and twentieth-century Black and feminist thought. The result is a compelling case that our “new” ideas can be much more trustworthy when understood in their historical context.

The book is rich in takeaways we can all apply to our lives, including these nine best ideas for living well:

1. Exercise for your mind
2. Question productivity
3. Practice gratitude
4. Incorporate death reminders
5. Simplify your life
6. Explore Buddhism
7. Read philosophy
8. Find community and celebrate
9. Practice

As a result of this captivating deep dive that is part historical journey, part highly relatable autobiography, you will feel compelled to apply these lessons to your daily life, as the author does himself.