Could it be that our attempts to eliminate the negative parts of life are causing us to feel so anxious, insecure, and unhappy? Exploring a philosophical lineage ranging from Stoicism to Buddhism, Oliver Burkeman offers a witty subversive message for those of us who don't believe that positivity equals success. In this thought-provoking guide to the flipside, Burkeman contends that the changes we've made to airport security since the 9/11 attacks have actually made us less safe, and he interviews "backwards" business gurus who suggest not having any goals at all.