STOP CHASING HAPPINESS by Frank Martela is a non-fiction bestseller!

We are excited to let you know that Stop Chasing Happiness: A Pessimist’s Guide to a Good Life, the latest non-fiction title by Frank Martela, PhD, has sold close to 8,000 copies in Finland! The title has also stayed in the top 20 list in all formats since its publication.

In Stop Chasing Happiness, Frank Martela sets out to show that the true secret to happiness is to stop trying to find it. Instead of trying to learn new tricks, it’s better to unlearn the ways of thinking that are holding you back. Instead of chasing happiness, one should stop obsessing about what others think about them, stop caring too much about how they feel, and stop making sacrifices for personal success.

Relying on latest scientific research, ancient traditions, and the author’s personal encounters with people across the world, Frank Martela shows that living with purpose and contentment is much more beneficial than striving to be happy.

Already published in Finland and in the UK. Next up Germany, where Knesebeck will publish Das Happiness Paradox: Wie man Sinn und Zufriedenheit im Leben findet, ohne nach dem Glück zu suchen on June 19th.

The rights are still available in the Netherlands, France, Italy, Estonia and Asian territories.

Request materials for STOP CHASING HAPPINESS here!

STOP CHASING HAPPINESS publication info:
Stop Chasing Happiness: A Pessimist’s Guide to a Good Life
Allen & Unwin, 2025, 215 pp.

READING MATERIALS
English edition

RIGHTS SOLD:
UK & US: Allen & Unwin (orig.)
FINLAND: Gummerus
GERMANY: Knesebeck

About author


Frank Martela

Professor Frank Martela, PhD, is a philosopher and researcher of psychology specializing in the question of meaning in life. His articles have appeared in Scientific American Mind, Harvard Business Review, Salon, CNBC and his work has been featured on Quartz and on the BBC. His research has been published extensively in numerous academic journals such as Nature Human Behaviour, Perspectives on Psychological Science, Journal of Personality, Metaphilosophy, Southern Journal of Philosophy, and Academy of Management Review. He has spoken to more than one hundred audiences worldwide, including invited lectures in universities on five continents, including Stanford University and Harvard University. He’s been interviewed by the New York Times, Discover Magazine, New Scientist, Vice News, Fox News,and Monocle Observer among others. He is Assistant Professor at Aalto University in Finland. Outside of work, Frank is a father to three lovely children, an amateur-level soccer player, with an occasional skiing trip in the winters. He is made in Green Bay, so Packers holds a special place in his heart.

Bibliography


2025, Personal Growth & Lifestyle

Stop Chasing Happiness: A Pessimist’s Guide to a Good Life

Frank Martela


2023, Personal Growth & Lifestyle

The Meaning Manifesto: Why Work Needs to Have a Purpose

Frank Martela


2020, Personal Growth & Lifestyle

A Wonderful Life: Insights on Finding a Meaningful Existence

Frank Martela