The courage quotient (hardback)
How Science Can Make You Braver

Praise for The Courage Quotient

'Robert Biswas-Diener represents the great promise of modern-day exploration. As a trained scientist, he travels the world not to bring us yet another mundane geographical 'first' but rather studied insights that illuminate the human condition. In this book, he fuses the history and science of courage with a worldwide exploration of the topic to distill a consummately useful handbook on the topic. It belongs on the bookshelves of companies seeking to cultivate more courageous employees, of parents who'd like to see smarter, braver kids, and indeed, of anyone wanting to understand and unleash their own inner courage.'*Dan Buettner, fellow, National Geographic, New York Times best-selling author, The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who've Lived the Longest

'A rare combination of rigorous scholarship and easy-to-follow recommendations, The Courage Quotient helps readers understand and cultivate one of the most understudied and underdeveloped virtues*courage. Robert Biswas-Diener's writing is witty, intelligent, accessible, you feel that you are sitting right there with him, having a fun and fascinating conversation about the causes, antecedents, and consequences of acting courageously and overcoming your fears.'*Sonja Lyubomirsky, PhD, professor of psychology, University of California, Riverside, author, The How of Happiness: A New Approach to Getting the Life You Want

'This is one of the finest statements made on what courage is, what obstacles get in the way, and how it can be cultivated. A perfect example of how meaningful, cutting-edge science can be translated into straightforward lessons on how to harness the strength of courage.'*Todd B. Kashdan, PhD, professor of psychology, George Mason University, author, Curious? Discover the Missing Ingredient to a Fulfilling Life and Designing Positive Psychology

Part 1: A crash course in courage

1 Your Courage Quotient

2 Measuring Courage

Part 2: Increasing courage by controlling fear

3 Ride the Emotional See-Saw

4 Think Magically

Part 3: Increasing courage by boosting the willingness to act

5 Try Defiance

6 Be Out of the "In Crowd"

7 Be Willing to Fail

Part 4: Conclusion

8 From the Research Laboratory to Real Life

Appendix 1: Test Your Courage Quotient

Appendix 2: Locate Your Own Brand of Courage

References

Acknowledgments

About the Author

Index