The Quest for Happiness: An Analysis of Joshua Loth Liebman's Peace of Mind

Research output: Types of ThesisDoctoral thesis

Abstract

In 1946, Simon and Schuster published Joshua Loth Liebman's bestselling book Peace of Mind . His self-help manual explained how psychiatry and religion together could help achieve emotional and spiritual maturity, ultimately leading to individual happiness. Liebman theorized that if individuals were happy, it would then have a profound effect on the social, political, and economic problems of the day, believing that "happy people created a happy society." Peace of Mind remained on the bestseller list for three years, earned accolades from clergy and psychiatrists, and reached readers on six continents. In depth analysis of its place within religious, psychological, and self-help cultures alongside readers' use and interpretation provides insight into its contributions to those cultures. This assessment proves that Peace of Mind marked an important point in the definition and contribution to happiness in the immediate postwar era.
Original languageAmerican English
QualificationDoctor of Philosophy
Supervisors/Advisors
  • Greenwald, Richard, Advisor, External person
StatePublished - May 2011
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • books and reading
  • happiness
  • philosophy
  • psychology
  • religion and theology
  • social sciences

EGS Disciplines

  • United States History
  • Philosophy
  • Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion

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