Tag Archives: "assay"

Assay: Yesterday, I posted a quotation from Virginia Woolf for my weekly quotation. I often quote from Woolf, because she’s one of my very favorite writers. And, as has happened before, I got a few comments from readers saying, in effect, “Why are you quoting Virginia Woolf about happiness? She committed suicide — what can she know about happiness?” This … →

Assay>: On the importance of choosing the right vocabulary. As I’ve talked to people about their happiness projects, I’ve realized that the specific words people choose are very important. Using the right vocabulary makes a surprising difference. For instance, for my happiness project, I try to identify and make concrete, manageable resolutions that will bring about change in that area, … →

Assay: A few years ago, I consciously decided that I’d no longer worry much about expressing my “personal style” through decisions such as my choice of clothes or the way our apartment was decorated. It was quite a relief. (I didn’t actually do much of this kind of self-expression, but I thought that perhaps I should.) Now I choose clothes … →

Assay: I’m surprised by how often people say to me something like, “Well, of course, you think people should be blissfully happy every minute of every day” or “You argue that people should aim never to experience negative emotions.” But I never argue that. I don’t believe that. For me, at least, the aim of a happiness project is not … →

During my parents’ last visit to New York City, my mother pointed out a limitation of my blog. “On your blog, it’s easy to find certain things, like tips and quotations,” she began. “They’re set off and labeled, so you know exactly where they are.” “Right,” I said. “I try to make it easy.” “I like those, but the posts … →