Confident, kind, knowledgeable, Everett puts his psychiatric and philosophic tools in the hands of his readers. He sets an example of that aspect of human nature called "instrumental," devoted to improving the world and making people happier in the process. "It is contagious, and it gets stronger with exercise."

It takes nerve to distill the wisdom of William James, Albert Schweitzer, Karen Horney, Jesus, Buddha, the Dalai Lama and a dozen others into a page or two each; Everett does it admirably. Though he must oversimplify, his treatment is both serious and enthusiastic and should whet...