On Human Flourishing

Great literature is more often praised for compelling depictions of conflict and tragedy than for moving portrayals of happiness and well-being. This collection of verse brings together poems of felicity, capturing what it means to be well in the fullest sense. Presented in 14 thematic sections, these works offer inspiring readings on wisdom, self-love, ecstasy, growth, righteousness, love and lust, inspiration, oneness with nature, hope, irreverence, awe, the delights of the senses, gratitude and compassion, relation to the sacred, justice, and unity. At times elegant, at others blunt, these poems reflect on what it means to live a rich, fulfilling life.

Instructors considering this book for use in a course may request an examination copy here.

D.J. Moores is an associate professor of literature at National University in San Diego, California.

James O. Pawelski, a University of Pennsylvania senior scholar, is the founder of its Master of Applied Positive Psychology program.

Adam Potkay is the William R. Kenan Professor of Humanities at the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia.

Emma Mason is a professor of English and comparative literary studies at the University of Warwick in Coventry, England.

Susan J. Wolfson is a professor of English at Princeton and former president of the Association of Literary Scholars and Critics.

James Engell is the Gurney Professor of English and a professor of comparative literature at Harvard and former president of the Association of Literary Scholars and Critics.

Edited by D.J. Moores, James O. Pawelski, Adam Potkay, Emma Mason, Susan J. Wolfson and James Engell
Format: softcover (6 x 9)
Pages: 308
Bibliographic Info: notes, bibliography, indices
Copyright Date: 2015
pISBN: 978-0-7864-9580-1
eISBN: 978-1-4766-2135-7
Imprint: McFarland

Acknowledgments vi
About the Editors xiii
Introduction by D.J. Moores 1
Cycle 1. Wisdom 29
Cycle 2. Pride, ­Self-Love and Resilience 40
Cycle 3. Ecstasy, Elevation and Rapture 50
Cycle 4. Consciousness Expansion, Growth and Engagement with Unconscious Depths 67
Cycle 5. Romantic Love and Lust 84
Cycle 6. Language, Inspiration and the Imagination 103
Cycle 7. Relatedness to the Environment, Flora and Fauna 126
Cycle 8. Hope, Optimism and Idealism 155
Cycle 9. Childhood, Innocence, Wonder and Awe 167
Cycle 10. Sensory Delights, Vitality and Mindfulness 185
Cycle 11. Love, Gratitude, Compassion and Relatedness to Others 212
Cycle 12. Relatedness to the Sacred 234
Cycle 13. Justice, Righteous Anger and ­Self-Determination 248
Cycle 14. Unity, Meaning, Serenity and Enchantment 262
Notes and Bibliography 279
Index of First Lines 289
Index of Poets 293