The Conquest of Happiness (Bertrand Russell)

A thoughtful book on why we make ourselves unhappy and how we can live better. Russell argues that much of our unhappiness comes from comparison, worry, competition, and being overly focused on ourselves. His advice is refreshingly practical: develop a variety of interests, find meaningful work, nurture relationships, and look beyond your own problems. Some examples feel dated, but the central message remains relevant. Happiness, he suggests, isn’t something we chase directly; it grows out of a life filled with curiosity, purpose, and connection.