Considering I’ve been working on reading this book for the better part of two years, that should tell you something. I definitely have the ability to give up and not finish a book. This was slightly better. This probably would have made better as an a lengthy article in, say, The New Yorker. Thanks to NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

I quite enjoyed this book and the way it frames suffering as almost a necessity. Without suffering, we cannot fully understand joy. Definitely thought-provoking. I've told several people about this book and had some great discussions about its concepts. Well done!

The lack of structure and cohesiveness in this book made it a pretty rough read. While there were a few great little snippets, overall there was nothing mind-blowing or thought-provoking. It's not one I would recommend.

This was not exactly inspiring or groundbreaking but it made for an entertaining read.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I feel like I've read quite a few books in this wheelhouse and this one simply did not stand out in any way to me. I could understand how people would have strong feelings over this one either way and I would say it was simply an okay read.

Paul Bloom, a well-known Canadian cognitive psychologist, has added a third popular science book to his body of work, <i>The Sweet Spot</i>. It makes for a great addition to his prior books on the innate, evolved moral systems of the brain (<i>Just Babies</i>) and the social limitations of empathy (<i>Against Empathy</i>), fitting well thematically with little overlapping content. <i>The Sweet Spot</i> is "an extended argument that chosen suffering can generate and enhance pleasure, and that it is an essential part of meaningful activities and a meaningful life." While the work is somewhat light on profundity (purposefully so in some ways), Bloom writes lucidly on the topical empirical research (and its limitations) and provides careful reflection on these insights by drawing on relevant literary theory, philosophy, and general commentary on the human condition. Bloom brings a balanced humility to this topic and is gentle with his prescriptions, which seems appropriate given the methodological and epistemic limitations to the available science.

Bloom's central claim builds on a sort of syllogism. First, certain ways of struggling or hurting can be sources of pleasure. Second, living a meaningful requires more than hedonic pleasure, including some sort or morality and worthwhile pursuits. And finally, the conduit to achieving a well lived life will require struggle and adversity. Some readers will find this argument axiomatic (or otherwise unoriginal) and may think a book length discussion of these ideas are unwarranted, but I think Bloom's succinctness and ability to draw expertly from multiple disciplines and bodies of literature justifies the work. However, I am a bit concerned that the self-evident nature of these claims may have lulled me into a less critical space as a reader. After finishing the book, I was still somewhat left with a feeling that some aspect of this topic was being overlooked or not considered (despite Bloom's thoroughness and thoughtfulness).

Overall, <i>The Sweet Spot</i> is an engaging, short read that only briefly loses a bit of focus and punch in its middle-late chapters. I found the portions drawing on literary theory to be especially edifying and thought provoking. There is also an interesting and somewhat poignant contrarianism to the work. Bloom is bold enough to argue for the necessity of suffering and the good it can do, while otherwise immersed in a zeitgeist that looks increasingly receptive to and on the precipice of <i>Brave New World</i> type transformation.

I liked the premise of this book, but it was a little bit long for me. I would be interested in further books by this author or on this topic! I would recommend if I knew a friend for whom this book would resonate.

Very interesting book Hope the author Look at different situations and book related to Real l LIFA. I think you're interested in about work relationships. How do you know what difficult situation to make any positive. The title's sweet spot is a good choice for this book Because everybody has that moment when you realize OKI mean it's gonna be fine

If we have to sit down and do nothing for a long period of time, we might like it at the beginning. Having nothing keeping our brain and/or hands occupied should be nice for a change. But then probably after couple of hours of “hedonism”, we will start fidgeting. If not our body, our mind will start to go from nice and quiet to let’s think about all the things we could be doing right now or work the next day. So even when we are given the option not to stress ourselves, we still end up asking for it. Because we, humans, like certain level of pain, displeasure and struggle in our lives. Otherwise, what are we going to whine about all day?

Paul Bloom talks about that “necessary” level of struggle that we bring onto ourselves to find meaning and sense of accomplishment. No one likes to talk about “I took x number of breaths today” or “my heart circulated blood x times”. Although these are accomplishments and very necessary things that we need to do ongoing basis 😅, there is nothing heroic about it. We treat them as lifting a plate and dropping it in the sink. If we get what we want with “sweat and blood”, then it’s meaningful.

The most important question is where do we cross the line. Where is the sweet spot? What level of pain and suffering is good and what is exaggeration? This book gives you enough food for thought to make that decision for yourself.

A very interesting book on pain and its role in humans. I enjoyed reading this book. The tone is more conversational than academic, though the topics covered are quite heavy at times. The author explores the purposes of pain from evolutionary, psychological, and philosophical perspectives. The role of pain in religion and in human cultures is also covered. Highly recommended.

While an interesting subject: exploring why we sometimes seek out pain/suffering and how it can lead to pleasure. I must admit the book never completely clicked with me. As I said, I found the actual subject fairly interesting, but I think the way in which it was written was the issue for me. I don’t want to say it was ‘too clinical’ but it did feel a bit more like a textbook than I’d have preferred and reading felt more like a chore than enjoyment if you know what I mean. But as I said, it’s an interesting subject and I’m sure the author’s style might hold more appeal to others.
I’d like to thank Ecco and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an eARC of The Sweet Spot.

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-sweet-spot-paul-bloom/1138730510?ean=9780062910561&bvnotificationId=9cb8c58f-3c39-11ec-86b4-0e1cd19eaa27&bvmessageType=REVIEW_APPROVED&bvrecipientDomain=gmail.com#review/189949302

https://www.amazon.com/review/R367WZGDRH8G97/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

With THE SWEET SPOT, Paul Bloom has laid out an aspect of being human we don't like to think about: the role of pain in our lives and what we make of challenges, hardships, and terrible times. The book felt like sitting down with an erudite, thoughtful friend who tells great stories, examines all the sides of an issue, and draws you to see things their way. I feel smarter and more informed about living life, more motivated to be selective about how I see the events in my life, and amazed at how readable and enjoyable this book was while discussing things I'd rather not think about. I did not always agree with what Bloom had to say, but I always respected an intelligent, well-considered view. A wonderful, heart-opening read. I received an early reader copy of this book and this review is my unbiased, honest opinion.

Not a good fit for me, so I’m abandoning it at 10%. Impressed that in these few pages, the author quoted both Viktor Frankl and Eminem.

The Sweet Spot by Paul Bloom has an interesting premise. While no one relishes being in pain, balancing any pain you experience with pleasure can lead to a happy life. Seeking out painful experiences is not my thing though, and I'm sure many would not subscribe to searching for painful experiences. Interesting book. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy.

Paul Bloom’s “The Sweet Spot” is a wonderful book that explores the intersections of pleasure, suffering, meaning, and purpose. As a theist, I don’t believe the Divine relishes in suffering, however, it is hard to imagine a life full of life and vitality without it. An excellent read!

Interesting but meandering discussion of the science relevant to pain and pleasure, particularly the pleasure some might experience with pain. Not my favorite Bloom book, but certainly worth the read if you are fascinated by the topic. However, I found this book more painful than pleasurable.