The Collected Works of Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

A Hungarian psychology professor, who emigrated to the United States at the age of 22. Now at Claremont Graduate University, he is the former head of the department of psychology at the University of Chicago and of the department of sociology and anthropology at Lake Forest College. He is noted for both his work in the study of happiness and creativity and also for his notoriously difficult name, in terms of pronunciation for non-native speakers of the Hungarian language, but is best known as the architect of the notion of flow and for his years of research and writing on the topic. He is the author of many books and over 120 articles or book chapters. Martin Seligman, former president of the American Psychological Association, described Csikszentmihalyi as the world's leading researcher on positive psychology. Csikszentmihalyi once said "Repression is not the way to virtue. When people restrain themselves out of fear, their lives are by necessity diminished. Only through freely chosen discipline can life be enjoyed and still kept within the bounds of reason." His works are influential and are widely cited.

''Professor Mihaly Csikzentmihalyi has made numerous contributions to the field of psychology. For instance, he is known as one of the founders of positive psychology. He has also developed one of the most insightful methodological tools, the “Experiencing sampling technique”. However, he is probably best known for his work on the concept of “Flow” where the person becomes one with the task that he or she is doing. I can’t think of no better place to find information on these and other issues than the “Complete work of Mihaly Csikzentmihalyi”. Enjoy the ride!''Prof. Robert J. Vallerand, Professor of Social Psychology and Human Development, McGill University and Past President of the International Positive Psychology Association."This collection is a well-deserved tribute to Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. Although he is prominently known as the author of Flow Theory, the contributions collected here provide readers with a broader view of his depth of knowledge and perspective. His eclectic approach to psychology is a brilliant example of synergy between humanism and scientific thought, in pursuit of a conceptualization of optimal functioning encompassing the manifold aspects of human complexity"."This collection is a well-deserved tribute to Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. Although he is prominently known as the author of Flow Theory, the contributions collected here provide readers with a broader view of his depth of knowledge and perspective. His eclectic approach to psychology is a brilliant example of synergy between humanism and scientific thought, in pursuit of a conceptualization of optimal functioning encompassing the manifold aspects of human complexity".Prof. Antonella Delle Fave, University of Milano, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation "Luigi Sacco" Hospital, Italy, and PastPresident of the International Positive Psychology Association. Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Happiness Studies.‘’Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi is the true founder of positive psychology, who has devoted his full life to studying and understanding the life worth living, and whose writing has changed the destinies of millions. This set is a real treasure to keep and to read over and over.’’Dr. Ilona Boniwell, Director - Positran / Associate Professor - Ecole Centrale Paris, France