Christophe André, is a French psychiatrist and author of Vivre Heureux (”How to lead a happy life”) and L’Art du Bonheur (”The art of happiness”). There’s an interview with him on Huffington Post that makes interesting reading (”The Professor Of Happiness“).

André works two and a half days a week in Paris’ Sainte Anne Hospital as a psychiatrist and teaches half a day each week at the University of Paris X, Nanterre. His books are based heavily on discussions with his patients. Here are some extracts to give you a flavor of the interview:

Do you think people are naturally happy?
“We tend to be naturally gloomy. Melancholy is la condition humaine. Biologically oriented psychologists agree there’s a good evolutionary reason for this. When we were all still hunters and gatherers, a certain degree of concern was useful. It was prudent to remain alert to dangers and problems, which is why we’re geared to focus on the negative. . .”

Do you experience moments of happiness?
“It’s hard work but it’s pleasant. You’ve got to put your mind to it. Working on happiness acts as an anti-depressant. . .”

Happiness can be learned. It’s within reach. When I get too nervous, too excited, too eager, then I know I need to rest and take a walk. When I walk, I need to stop occasionally and look around. Look and be open; absorb nature. . .”

Many people think happiness is a right — and get angry when it is “denied” to them. Others see it as a duty — and feel bad when they “fail” to be happy.

It’s refreshing to find someone who sees happiness for what it is: a choice which gives you a more interesting life. “We don’t live for happiness,” André says, “but life is possible, beautiful and rich because it exists. When we’re happy, we don’t think about tomorrow; we enjoy it here and now. And we’re only able to do that because we know that there could be more suffering tomorrow.”

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