30 Top Quotes From 59 Seconds
In this eye-opening and practical book, Richard Wiseman takes a refreshing approach to self-improvement, debunking popular myths and offering evidence-based advice to enhance various aspects of life. With the aim of sharing quick and effective methods to boost happiness, motivation, and decision-making, "59 Seconds" delves into the realm of psychology and behavioral science to reveal practical tips that can be implemented in less than a minute.
Wiseman empowers readers to make meaningful changes in their lives by presenting research-backed techniques to improve relationships, creativity, and well-being. By emphasizing the importance of taking small, manageable steps, the book encourages readers to break free from common self-help misconceptions and embrace scientifically proven strategies to achieve lasting positive change. (59 Seconds Summary).
59 Seconds Quotes
"Buy Experiences Not Goods. Want to buy happiness? Then spend your hard-earned cash on experiences. Go out for a meal. Go to a concert, cinema or theatre. Go on holiday. Go and learn how to pole dance. Go paintballing. Go bungee jumping. In fact, get involved in anything that provides an opportunity to do things with others, and then tell even more people about it afterwards. When it comes to happiness, remember that it is experiences that represent really good value for money.”
"Materialism takes root in early childhood, and is driven mainly by low self-esteem.”
"Happiness doesn't just flow from success; it actually causes it.” (Meaning)
"When you gossip about another person, listeners unconsciously associate you with the characteristics you are describing, ultimately leading to those characteristics’ being “transferred” to you. So, say positive and pleasant things about friends and colleagues, and you are seen as a nice person. In contrast, constantly complain about their failings, and people will unconsciously apply the negative traits and incompetence to you.”
"We do not love people so much for the good they have done us, as for the good we do them.”
"Visualize Yourself Doing, Not Achieving.”
"The message from this type of work is simple – if you want to cheer yourself up, behave like a happy person.”
"The results from both studies clearly indicated that in terms of short- and long-term happiness, buying experiences made people feel better than buying products.”
"The message is that people are more likely to agree with you when they have already said something positive.”
"When it comes to happiness, remember, it is experiences that represent really good value for the money.”
"Thinking and writing are very different. Thinking can often be somewhat unstructured, disorganized, and even chaotic. In contrast, writing encourages the creation of a story line and structure that help people make sense of what has happened and work toward a solution. In short, talking can add to a sense of confusion, but writing provides a more systematic, solution-based approach.”
"The message is clear – those who do not feel in control of their lives are less successful, and less psychologically and physically healthy, than those who do feel in control.”
"In short, when it comes to an instant fix for everyday happiness, certain types of writing have a surprisingly quick and large impact. Expressing gratitude, thinking about a perfect future, and affectionate writing have been scientifically proven to work—and all they require is a pen, a piece of paper, and a few moments of your time.”
"When trying to write your way to a happier life, expressing gratitude is just the tip of the iceberg.”
"Researchers discovered that people who have just consumed caffeinated drinks were more likely to be swayed by arguments about various controversial topics.55 In short, good evidence that there really is no such thing as a free lunch or an innocent cup of coffee.”
"Compared to individuals, groups tend to be more dogmatic, better able to justify irrational actions, more likely to see their actions as highly moral, and more apt to form stereotypical views of outsiders.”
"When people can afford necessities in life, an increase in income does not result in a significantly happier life.”
"A woman’s flattery may inflate a man’s head a little, but her criticism goes straight to his heart, and contracts it so that it can never again hold quite so much love for her.”
"If you want to cheer yourself up, behave like a happy person.”
"Thanks to our capacity to adapt to ever greater fame and fortune, yesterday’s luxuries can soon become today’s necessities and tomorrow’s relics.””
"Researchers have speculated that those who fantasize about how wonderful life could be are ill prepared for the setbacks that frequently occur along the rocky road to success, or maybe they enjoy indulging in escapism and so become reluctant to put in the effort required to achieve their goal.”
"The message is clear—those who do not feel in control of their lives are less successful, and less psychologically and physically healthy, than those who do feel in control.”
"The next time you are trying to be creative in a meeting, gently lean forward and pull against the table. When the going gets tough, cross your arms to help perseverance in the face of failure. If that doesn’t work, lie down. If anyone accuses you of being lazy, quietly explain that you are employing your locus coeruleus in the war against rigid thinking.”
"Materialism takes root in early childhood, and is driven mainly by low self-esteem.”
"Compared to individuals, groups tend to be more dogmatic, better able to justify irrational actions, more likely to see their actions as highly moral and have a tendency to form stereotypical views of outsiders.”
"Thomas Gilovich from Cornell University and his colleagues undertook a series of studies in which they forced people to wear Barry Manilow T-shirts.7”
"Praising effort encourages people to stretch themselves, work hard, and persist in the face of difficulties.”
"If you set children to an activity that they enjoy and reward them for doing it, the reward reduces the enjoyment and demotivates them. Within a few seconds you transform play into work.”
"Telling a child that they are intelligent might make them feel good, but it can also induce a fear of failure, causing the child to avoid challenging situations because they might look bad if they are not successful. In addition, telling a child that they are intelligent suggests that they do not need to work hard to perform well. Because of this, children may be less motivated to make the required effort, and so be more likely to fail.”
― Quotes from the book 59 Seconds by Richard Wiseman
59 Seconds Author
As a renowned psychologist and author, Richard Wiseman has delved into the fascinating realms of psychology, magic, and quirky experiments. His captivating blend of science and entertainment has earned him global recognition. Wiseman's book, "The Luck Factor," challenges common beliefs about luck and convincingly demonstrates that luck is not a mystical force but a product of our attitudes and behaviors. Through extensive research and engaging storytelling, he reveals how luck can be cultivated and shares actionable tips for increasing fortunate outcomes in life. Furthermore, Wiseman's work goes beyond luck, as he explores the science of self-help in "59 Seconds," debunking popular self-help myths and offering evidence-based techniques for personal growth and happiness. His accessible and witty writing style makes complex psychological concepts understandable to a wide audience, solidifying his position as a leading voice in the psychology and self-improvement arena.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
