«Elpidorou presents a thoughtful, thorough review of the cognitive concepts of frustration, anticipation, and boredom. The author argues that these cognitive concepts help humans persist, solve problems, and experience a sense of accomplishment and that these experiences lead to happiness. Each chapter begins with a specific example from psychology or classical literature—e.g., a woman unable to experience fear, a man unable to form or retain memories, the appeal of highly frustrating video games-that is then carefully explained by studies of the phenomenon. Elpidorou illustrates how these purportedly negative experiences push humans to create, solve problems, and achieve. One of the appeals of the book is the author's skill at weaving together a broad range of references. This book makes a compelling case for why unhappiness is necessary to achieving contentment and happiness.»

D. L. Loers, Akoan Consulting, CHOICE

«In every section of every chapter, Elpidorou is rigorously thoughtful and quotably readable as he discusses unpalatable emotions that most people want to avoid...The cumulative effect is a strong and ultimately persuasive case that when life gives you lemons, you should simply value the lemons — a counterintuitive argument, to be sure, but one that the author convincingly backs up over the course of his book."»

Kirkus

«In an age in which people are hungry for happiness, Elpidorou offers a provocative thesis: that some unpleasant emotional experiences such as frustration and boredom are central to the good life. He illustrates his points with examples from pop culture icons such as Christopher Nolan and Ariana Grande. The foundation of his book, however, is an expert reporting of research from psychology, economics, and philosophy.»

Robert Biswas-Diener, author of The Upside of Your Dark Side

«An astute and lively investigation, as Elpidorou delicately locks together the puzzle pieces of boredom, frustration and anticipation to reveal their vital roles in the pursuit of happiness.»

Mary Mann, author of Yawn: Adventures in Boredom

«Engaging, erudite, instructive, and abounding with insight, Propelled takes a fresh look at unloved emotions and demonstrates their key roles in a life worth living. Essential reading for anyone interested in emotions, and for all of us who suspect that there is more to the good life than good cheer»

Jesse Prinz, Distinguished Professor of Philosophy, The City University of New York, Graduate Center