An incisive social exploration of how various coaches, marathons and motivational speakers under the banner of the ubiquitous imperative of happiness make us not so much happy as obedient citizens, workers and employees. A study by one of the leading sociologists of our time. Eva Illouz deconstructs the phenomenon of “positive psychology” to its very basics, showing how easy it is to put it in the service of social institutions, corporations and political doctrines. This book is a model of healthy skepticism, offering a sober look at the endless “not sad, high nose, be happy" from every angle. The book shows exactly how this strange alliance between psychologists, economists and personal growth gurus arose - and created a new repressive form of control over the consciousness of modern people.