1. Have the courage not to be loved
This groundbreaking book by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga explores the principles of Adlerian psychology, a school of thought that emphasizes personal freedom and self-affirmation. Through a dialogue between a philosopher and a young man, he teaches that true happiness lies in self-acceptance and the courage to free oneself from the expectations of others. Read if you are looking to detach yourself from external judgments and make decisions in accordance with your deep values. It also helps to manage our social relationships and develop our emotional autonomy. It is aimed at those in search of meaning, who wish to understand how to free themselves from the influence of social norms and focus on what truly makes them happy.
“Have the courage not to be loved” by Ishiro Kishimi and Fumitake Kog, Guy Trédaniel publisher, €19.90
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2. The power of the present moment
In this worldwide bestseller, Eckhart Tolle invites us to put the brakes on our mad rush after the past and the future. The message? True happiness is only found in the present. No more ruminations, make way for mindfulness! It is a must-read for those who want to get rid of stress and cultivate true inner serenity. Practical for calming the mind and regaining mental balance, this book is a gift for those who want to enjoy every moment and escape the spiral of anxious thoughts.
“The power of the present moment” by Eckhart Tolle, J’ai lu editions, €7.50
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3. Living: the psychology of happiness
This reference book by Mihály Csíkszentmihályi is a guide to understanding what truly makes you happy, beyond the clichés. The author, a pioneer of positive psychology, talks to us about the concept of “flow”: this magical state where we lose all sense of time by being completely absorbed by an activity. It explains how to find happiness in commitment, personal fulfillment and optimizing our experiences, rather than in the incessant search for material goods or social validation. Read if you want to understand how to make your daily life a source of lasting satisfaction.
“Living: The psychology of happiness” by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, Pocket, €8.60
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4. The day I loved myself for real
This little gem of personal development invites us to reflect on our relationship with ourselves. Through simple and accessible writing, mental health specialist Serge Marquis tells us how, by taking a step back from our thoughts and learning to accept ourselves, we can change the way we live. This book encourages us to let go of the pressure of social expectations and to cultivate a form of kindness towards ourselves. It is perfect for those who often feel overwhelmed by their own demands or external judgments. Read if you are looking to find inner balance and free yourself from the weight of self-criticism, and finally say to yourself: “I am ok as I am”.
“The day I loved myself for real” by Serge Marquis, Points editions, €8.40
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5. The Influence of the smell of hot croissants on human kindness
This captivating essay by Rowen Ogien makes us think about how seemingly insignificant details can affect our behaviors. The French philosopher explores social psychology using simple but revealing experiments to show how things like the smell of a freshly baked croissant can awaken spontaneous acts of kindness in us. This book questions our actions in society, what pushes us to be altruistic, and how trivial contexts influence our generosity. Worth reading for those interested in the psychology of influence and the small mechanics of everyday ethics. An accessible and enriching read to better understand what guides our moral decisions.
- “The influence of the smell of hot croissants on human kindness: And other questions of experimental moral philosophy” by Rowen Ogien, Pocket, €8.90
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6. The subtle Art of not giving a damn
This true bestseller shakes up the codes of personal development by rejecting the idea that one must be constantly positive or ambitious. Manson invites us to accept that life is not always perfect and that it is normal not to achieve everything. The book explores the idea that, to be happy, we must know how to focus on what really matters and let go of what does not deserve our energy. This is not a manual for becoming more “positive”, but a guide for detaching ourselves from unrealistic expectations and finding what truly makes us fulfilled. Read if you’re tired of “ultra-motivating” advice and want a little realism in an ever more demanding world.
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7. The emptiness within us
Hélène l’Heuillet looks at this feeling of inner emptiness that many experience at one point or another in their lives. The author explores the idea that this void, far from being a simple absence, is a fertile space for reflection, reinvention and the quest for meaning. Rather than fleeing it, she suggests taming it to better understand our desires, our fears and our deep aspirations. This book invites us not to consider this feeling of lack as a failure, but as an invitation to go further, to find what truly fulfills us. Read if you are looking to overcome inner obstacles and understand what lies behind this emptiness that inhabits us.
“The void within us” by Hélène L’Heuillet, Albin Michel, €21.90
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8. The Book of Comfort
“The Book of Comfort” by Matt Haig is a sort of intimate companion for those who are going through difficult times or who are looking for a little light in their daily lives. The author, who has struggled with depression himself, shares his thoughts, advice, and experiences to help us find hope in the little things in life. Between personal stories, philosophical thoughts and practical meditations on mental health, happiness and resilience. This book is for those who are going through a period of doubt or difficulty, or who are simply looking to nourish their mind with positive and calming thoughts. A true balm for the soul, accessible and sincere, which accompanies you in moments of vulnerability.
“The Book of Comfort” by Matt Haig, Philippe Rey editions, €23.21
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