The Pursuit of Happiness and the American Regime

Political Theory in Literature

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, Politics, History & Theory, Fiction & Literature, Literary Theory & Criticism
Cover of the book The Pursuit of Happiness and the American Regime by Elizabeth Amato, Lexington Books
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Elizabeth Amato ISBN: 9781498554206
Publisher: Lexington Books Publication: February 28, 2018
Imprint: Lexington Books Language: English
Author: Elizabeth Amato
ISBN: 9781498554206
Publisher: Lexington Books
Publication: February 28, 2018
Imprint: Lexington Books
Language: English

The Declaration of Independence claims that individuals need liberty to pursue happiness, but provides little guidance on the “what” of happiness. Happiness studies and liberal theory are incomplete guides. Happiness studies offer insights into what makes people happy but happiness policy risks becoming doctrinaire. Liberal theory is better on personal liberty, but weak on the “what” of happiness. My argument is that American novelists are surer guides on the pursuit of happiness. Treated as political thinkers, my book offers a close reading of four American novelists, Tom Wolfe, Walker Percy, Edith Wharton, and Nathaniel Hawthorne, and their critique of the pursuit of happiness. With a critical and friendly eye, they present the shortcomings of pursuing happiness in a liberal nation but also present alternatives and correctives possible in America. Our novelists point us toward each other in friendship as our greatest resource to guide us towards happiness.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

The Declaration of Independence claims that individuals need liberty to pursue happiness, but provides little guidance on the “what” of happiness. Happiness studies and liberal theory are incomplete guides. Happiness studies offer insights into what makes people happy but happiness policy risks becoming doctrinaire. Liberal theory is better on personal liberty, but weak on the “what” of happiness. My argument is that American novelists are surer guides on the pursuit of happiness. Treated as political thinkers, my book offers a close reading of four American novelists, Tom Wolfe, Walker Percy, Edith Wharton, and Nathaniel Hawthorne, and their critique of the pursuit of happiness. With a critical and friendly eye, they present the shortcomings of pursuing happiness in a liberal nation but also present alternatives and correctives possible in America. Our novelists point us toward each other in friendship as our greatest resource to guide us towards happiness.

More books from Lexington Books

Cover of the book American Political and Cultural Perspectives on Japan by Elizabeth Amato
Cover of the book The Rule of Law and Governance in Indigenous Yoruba Society by Elizabeth Amato
Cover of the book Honor in America? by Elizabeth Amato
Cover of the book Defining Sport by Elizabeth Amato
Cover of the book Envisioning Black Feminist Voodoo Aesthetics by Elizabeth Amato
Cover of the book Social Media by Elizabeth Amato
Cover of the book The Commercial Society by Elizabeth Amato
Cover of the book Friends, Lovers, Co-Workers, and Community by Elizabeth Amato
Cover of the book FDR's Republicans by Elizabeth Amato
Cover of the book Racism, Latinos, and the Public Policy Process by Elizabeth Amato
Cover of the book Dangerous Democracies and Partying Prime Ministers by Elizabeth Amato
Cover of the book The History of Futurism by Elizabeth Amato
Cover of the book The Forest in Medieval German Literature by Elizabeth Amato
Cover of the book Internet Policy in China by Elizabeth Amato
Cover of the book Wealth, Health, and Hope in African Christian Religion by Elizabeth Amato
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy