Beyond Happy by Mark Fabian

In Beyond Happy, Mark Fabian, a public policy scholar with academic roots in wellbeing, presents a resolutely refreshing and intellectually grounded approach to personal and societal fulfilment. This book does not peddle quick-fix positivity. Instead, it offers a comprehensive rethink of happiness, grounded in science and ancient wisdom alike, to guide readers toward a more meaningful, collective wellbeing.

Fabian challenges the familiar notion of the "hedonic treadmill" - the psychological trap where our evolution has wired us to keep happiness just out of reach, constantly chasing new desires without lasting satisfaction. Rather than attempting to escape this rat race, he argues that we can learn to make the treadmill itself a place worth inhabiting. True wellbeing, he asserts, arises from embracing our emotional complexity, nurturing intrinsic motivation and aligning with our deepest values.

What distinguishes Fabian's approach is its multi-layered foundation. He blends cutting-edge psychological research and public policy insight with folk wisdom and philosophical reflection. Drawing on examples as diverse as Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter and the film Everything Everywhere All at Once, he draws readers into discussions that range from cognitive science to existentialism. This makes the text both accessible and intellectually stimulating, engaging the mind while retaining the warmth of personal conversation.

A particularly compelling section tackles the spectre of nihilism, an increasingly common undercurrent in contemporary collective discourse. Fabian offers a way out by emphasising the importance of moral compass and solidarity. He argues that rebuilding our shared sense of purpose and the joy of communal celebration offers a counterweight to political and cultural fragmentation.

What may resonate most deeply for readers is how Fabian insists that wellbeing is not a solo project. He weaves a persuasive vision of wellbeing as something we cultivate together - in community, in love, and in shared purpose. This social dimension enriches the book’s emotional reach and positions it as a timely antidote to the individualism often found in self-help culture.

Fabian’s writing style is a significant strength. Informed yet informal, it balances academic clarity with the storytelling flair of a seasoned podcaster. His tone feels both wise and conversational, striking a rare balance that makes rigorous content feel personable and immediate.

One minor quibble might be the sheer breadth of the material; readers unused to weaving among philosophy, psychology, public policy and cultural commentary may sometimes feel their attention stretched. Yet this very scope is part of the book’s ambition and charm.

In sum, Beyond Happy is far more than a self-help guide. It is a thoughtful, humane manifesto for living well in a world that often seems designed to undermine our sense of meaning. Whether you seek emotional resilience, personal authenticity or a clearer moral compass for times that feel directionless, Mark Fabian offers both the insight and the encouragement we need.

Reviewer: Chris Reed

Bedford Square Publishers