This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Yobot(talk | contribs) at 20:53, 21 December 2015(WP:CHECKWIKI error fixes / Fix ISBN format, replaced: | isbn = ISBN → | isbn = using AWB (11759)). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.
Revision as of 20:53, 21 December 2015 by Yobot(talk | contribs)(WP:CHECKWIKI error fixes / Fix ISBN format, replaced: | isbn = ISBN → | isbn = using AWB (11759))
Against Happiness: In Praise of Melancholy is a nonfiction book by Eric G. Wilson that examines the benefits of being sad. The author denotes in the book that diagnosable conditions should be treated accordingly, and is in no way saying it is "normal" or "good" to be depressed. Rather, he seeks to point out that melancholy, or as he dubs it "generative melancholy" can be a powerfully creative force that has motivated the likes of Virginia Woolf, John Keats, Vincent van Gogh, and Ludwig van Beethoven to produce some of the greatest artistic masterpieces of their respective genres. Further, he expresses concern that America's aggressive diagnosis of any negative mood, however slight, as bad, abnormal, or dangerous will lead to an eradication of one of the most powerfully inspirational and motivational forces and its potential products.