Rating: 
Summary: Calming, Reflective, Worthwhile
Review:
Although I agree with some reviewer's who feel that this book is mostly about Howard Cutler's efforts to draw out the Dalai Lama, I also feel that the Dalai Lama is a full party to this effort, is no fool, and understands that lending his name to this book could be helpful in reaching many many more people than would every give a hoot about anything Howard Cutler, MD, might have to say. On that basis, I give the book a solid four stars.
Although Peter Drucker and I have both written about "work as a calling" and the importance of finding joy in what you do, and that could serve as a one-sentence summary of the book, there is more to this book than that. Taken with patience, and used as a mind-calming exercise to slowly read a chapter or two and then apply it to one's own (presumably uncalm) work environment, the book could serve as a touchstone for "backing off" and reflecting. There are a number of books on Zen Buddhism, and my very own all time favorite, not by a Zen Buddhist, on Zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance, and they all seem to boil down to fulfillment within the circumstances, making the most of what you have, treating everyone as an equal, and being glad you are not in a Turkish jail on drug charges--life could be worse. I bought the book, the Dalai Lama lent his name to it, it can't be any worse for you that a diet drink loaded with Nutra-Sweet.
Rating:
Summary: A Book That Leaves You With Lots To Think About
Review: Are you struggling to climb the corporate ladder? Have a seemingly dead-end job? Or are you in a position to manage and influence others in the workplace? Then pick up this insightful look into an ever-changing workforce and how you can find happiness in it. For anyone who is interested in self improvement, putting a new perspective on life, or interested in understanding how to derive enjoyment from their work I highly recommend this book. I'm tired of self-help books that tell the reader what to think not allowing him to formulate his own opinion. The author has candid discussions with the Dalai Lama and offers insightful statistics and facts. In summary one of those books you read and then walk away with something
Rating: 
Summary: Howard Cutler a.k.a. His Hokiness
Review: Dr. Cutler's writing may be sound modern analysis of living and working and the psychological and emotional mechanisms we employ in doing both, but the book does NOT successfully present HH Dalai Lama's foundational views. Like Cutler's first book, this one smacks of self-help and, irritatingly, the Dr.'s self-service as well. My impression is that Cutler's name should be on this book and it should be sold as a popular analysis of the words of HH Dalai Lama. It is CLEARLY not a joint project as suggested by the author credits. I won't go so far as to say I am offended at how this book (and the series) has been marketed, but I do feel it has been misrepresented. Surely, readers of HH Dalai Lama's works will realize this at page one and take from this presentation whatever value they can with that awareness. Better wisdom from HH can be found in numerous other titles sold here at Amazon, or even online for free at places like buddhanet.net or snowlionpubs.com.
Rating:
Summary: Evidently Buddhist books are popular!
Review: For someone who has made an attempt to promote so much peace in the world, I find it strange how he promotes so many books. They aren't cheap either. I think the Dalai has pulled a fast one on everyone who has bought one of his numerous titles. I have noticed that his books have been printed on non-recyclable paper. He always knocks the Chinese communists in his books as if he has some gut-wrenching hatred. He is selling himself out for his own religion. It is a very holier than thou type of writing. I recognize he is not the sole author. However, pumping out books on a monthly basis promotes consumerism which contradicts his harmonious style of teaching. Come on, doesn't anyone else feel this way?
Rating:
Summary: Sadly 95% filler.
Review: Howard Cutler's first book with the Dalai Lama, "The Art Of Happiness," was packed with wonderful and accessible teachings from the Dalai Lama. We owe Mr. Cutler much thanks for the work he put into his efforts on his first book when it was not sure thing anyone would either publish or read his collection of interviews with the Dalai Lama. This new book falls short however. The Dalai Lama doesn't have much of interest to say about the subject in general. Mr. Cutler, in what seems like an ego play, inserts himself into the book at every available opportunity, unlike his first book where he was much more a reporter. The conversations are endlessly boring and sophomoric. What we do gain is an appreciation of how brilliant a thinker the Dalai Lama is even when he is being hassled by nit picking questions from someone who seems to think there is a sure thing going on. I do hope Mr. Culter gets back on track, becomes a reporter instead of subject, and focuses on topics that are more compatible with the Dalai Lama's keen intelligence. Or perhaps the interviews have played themselves out and it is time to stop and appreciate the contributions made in the first book.
Rating:
Summary: Sadly 95% filler.
Review: Howard Cutler's first book with the Dalai Lama, "The Art Of Happiness," was packed with wonderful and accessible teachings from the Dalai Lama. We owe Mr. Cutler much thanks for the work he put into his efforts on his first book when it was not sure thing anyone would either publish or read his collection of interviews with the Dalai Lama. This new book falls short however. The Dalai Lama doesn't have much of interest to say about the subject in general. Mr. Cutler, in what seems like an ego play, inserts himself into the book at every available opportunity, unlike his first book where he was much more a reporter. The conversations are endlessly boring and sophomoric. What we do gain is an appreciation of how brilliant a thinker the Dalai Lama is even when he is being hassled by nit picking questions from someone who seems to think there is a sure thing going on. I do hope Mr. Culter gets back on track, becomes a reporter instead of subject, and focuses on topics that are more compatible with the Dalai Lama's keen intelligence. Or perhaps the interviews have played themselves out and it is time to stop and appreciate the contributions made in the first book.
Rating: 
Summary: Attitude, interdependence and serving others
Review: I give this book 3 stars primarily because it could have been "tighter" as a result of more rigorous editing. However, there are good ideas here and they can be engaged immediately. As the title states, this book is about happiness at work. What are its attributes, what conditions are most important to assure happiness most of the time, how it impacts performance and the other dimensions of life. All, important topics. The book is written in the form of a long conversation between Howard Cutler and The Dalai Lama. There are a whole host of interesting ideas. For example, the Dalai Lama comenting "By engaging opposition, a deeper understanding of one's own standpoint emerges." Putting a premium on debate to sharpen one's mind and to foster growth and improvement. But the most powerful elements of this book are the realization that it's wisdom is quite simple in the end. It's simplicity, however, is complex and difficult to execute each and every day. We need a balanced life. A life that recognizes the interdependence between all aspects of our lives (work, family, hobby, meditation time etc.) We must "reduce the gap between who we are and what we do". The things on which we spend time must have meaning and ideally have some connection with creating a "greater good" and service to others. Most of all, however, a common theme emerges that suggests that the most important aspect of happiness at work (and for that matter in anything) is one's own "attitude" and outlook. How an individual sees the world is the critical aspect in shaping attitude and therefore "happiness". The elements of a positive attitude seem to include a realistic grasp of one's self (self understanding), a desire to serve others, to creatively achieve and contribute, to have confidence in one's own judgment, "right livelihood" ("best to choose work that does not cause harm to others, that does not exploit or deceive others...."). The key is to recognize the fusion between one's self and one's work. They are not separate ideas but one. Moreover, as it relates to happiness, "the primary determinant of one's happiness is the state of one's mind." Attitute, attitude, attitude. A meaningful contribution even though it could have been shorter and tighter.
Rating:
Summary: Attitude, interdependence and serving others
Review: I give this book 3 stars primarily because it could have been "tighter" as a result of more rigorous editing. However, there are good ideas here and they can be engaged immediately. As the title states, this book is about happiness at work. What are its attributes, what conditions are most important to assure happiness most of the time, how it impacts performance and the other dimensions of life. All, important topics. The book is written in the form of a long conversation between Howard Cutler and The Dalai Lama. There are a whole host of interesting ideas. For example, the Dalai Lama comenting "By engaging opposition, a deeper understanding of one's own standpoint emerges." Putting a premium on debate to sharpen one's mind and to foster growth and improvement. But the most powerful elements of this book are the realization that it's wisdom is quite simple in the end. It's simplicity, however, is complex and difficult to execute each and every day. We need a balanced life. A life that recognizes the interdependence between all aspects of our lives (work, family, hobby, meditation time etc.) We must "reduce the gap between who we are and what we do". The things on which we spend time must have meaning and ideally have some connection with creating a "greater good" and service to others. Most of all, however, a common theme emerges that suggests that the most important aspect of happiness at work (and for that matter in anything) is one's own "attitude" and outlook. How an individual sees the world is the critical aspect in shaping attitude and therefore "happiness". The elements of a positive attitude seem to include a realistic grasp of one's self (self understanding), a desire to serve others, to creatively achieve and contribute, to have confidence in one's own judgment, "right livelihood" ("best to choose work that does not cause harm to others, that does not exploit or deceive others...."). The key is to recognize the fusion between one's self and one's work. They are not separate ideas but one. Moreover, as it relates to happiness, "the primary determinant of one's happiness is the state of one's mind." Attitute, attitude, attitude. A meaningful contribution even though it could have been shorter and tighter.
Rating:
Summary: Don't waste your time!
Review: I read lot's of books on business, improving your performance on your job, and the like. I found this book to be void of any meaningful content, to the point of lameness. While I sincerely respect the Dalai Lama and his philosophies, this book comes across as a make work assignment dreamt up by Howard Cutler because he ran out of things to do for a while. Don't bother with this one - there are many other books out there that will help you to improve your outlook and performance on your job and career.
Rating: 
Summary: Didn't Read But....
Review: I read the first Art of Happiness book, actually I listened to it while In the hospital recovering from spinal cord surgery, and I found it a truly life changing experience. The teachings in that book have stayed with me ever since (2000) and I still try to incorporate them into my daily life. Now comes a topic that effects almost every single adult not only in the United States but the world. How many of us hate our jobs? I mean hate in every sense of the word? So much so that just the thought of Sunday night knowing that you have to go to "that place" literally makes you sick? We've probably all been there at one time or another, some still there right now. Now how many of us like our jobs? I don't mean tolerate our jobs, I mean enjoy going to and look forward to going to work? Probably a small number. Lately I've been struggling with the "what do I really want to do with my life" question as well as the "I have to do something more meanigful and enjoyable than this." Face it, we spend more time with our co-workers then we do with our own children and family. This is a very, very sad statement. Anywhere between 8-11 hours per day are work related, not counting the tarvel time to and from the office which could add an additional 1-3 hours to the total depending on where one lives and the commute. Shouldn't we truly enjoy what we do during this time? Why do most of us hate our jobs, hate our career choices and hate our career direction? I guess alot has to do with the choices we made when we were too young and inexperienced to make a choice that would become so important in our lives. Face facts, most of decide on a career direction by the time we're 17-18-19 years old. I knew nothing at this age although I thought I did. And here we are, making life altering decisions, mostly on our own? How ridciculous. No wonder we're all messed up by the time we hit 40 or 50 years old. It is not burn out, which I assume contributes greatly to the condition, but a realization that there is more to this precious life then work, making money for someone else and having nothing to show for it except a nice house a fat mortgage. To those who actually read this book I hope to hear from you. I am very curious to see if this book is as fulfilling a one as the first one was for me. To see if there truly are answers to these questions and can we do more than just earn a paycheck for someone else, someone who can use us and fire us at the drop of a hat. I look forward to reading your comments. Sincerely, muzikman3161@yahoo.com
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