Positive Sociology

I recently came across a great little quote by Martin Luther, the 15th century German professor/priest and leader of the Protestant Reformation.  Luther wrote, "Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree." Martin Luther authored the 95 Theses What a beautiful quote!  It's an optimist's creed, a reminder that no matter what happens in the world, we still have the power to find meaning, purpose, and beauty in everyday life. We can  choose to live with hope and joy, or we can choose to live with dread. This is something that the film, Life is Beautiful , so poignantly captures and it's a hallmark in the world of self-help and psychology. Look for the mundane miracles I know what you're probably thinking: That's easier said than done, particularly at this moment in history.  As an American living in Canada, I am genuinely concerned about the present and future of the US. There are days when I...

I'm reading Norman Mailer's "The Spooky Art: Some Thoughts on Writing," and came across a great little passage.  Mailer, who wrote great books like The Fight (a nonfiction account of "The Rumble in the Jungle"), Executioner's Song , and  The Naked and the Dead , writes: Before we can talk about lore, skill, or practice, it may prove of use to discuss the most common occupational hazard of the writer--a bad mood. What a wonderful little piece of advice!  Mailer was a divisive figure in the literary world, but he's a gifted and bold writer who has some wonderful writing tips for us fledgling academics. Mailer has good ideas about writing Anyways, back to good moods. Have you ever noticed that you are way more productive on days where you feel happy and relaxed?  Have you also noticed that anxiety cripples your ability to sit down and crank out some pages?  I've tried to pay more attention to my writing mood lately, and have noticed that ...

I've always been struck by how little Torontonians smile during the winter.  As a native Californian, smiling/grinning/laughing is a default emotional setting in everyday life.  It's quite common for strangers to exude positive vibes at the grocery store, in line at the movies, or while riding around on public transit.  Of course, one big exception is the bottleneck traffic along the 405 in LA, but I digress... Anyways, I've always felt that Torontonians are somewhat cold in their outward affect, particularly when it gets cold, dark, and slushy.  It's not that people are scowling or frowning.  It's more that they have this serious, morose look on their faces.  For whatever reason, I'm very sensitive to this and feel the general emotional energy of settings whenever I enter into them.   Today, I decided to do an on the spot survey of people's emotional expressions within a Sobey's near my apartment.  I know you social scientists out there are ...