Dr. Florian Langenscheidt - My Beloved SELF

Dr. Florian Langenscheidt - My Beloved SELF

Dr. Florian Langenscheidt, in the photo it looks like you are meeting your dejected twin. Are you, the happiness expert, a sad person? No. But I carry both within me. Happiness and unhappiness cannot be separated from each other. It is nonsense to believe that pure happiness lives behind the beautiful facade on the other side of the street. Happiness alone does not exist. So, are you also an expert on unhappiness? I am becoming more and more one. If I were always happy, life would be dull. It is suffering that gives us depth, emotion, humility, character, and the ability to empathize. Being happy is like a bonus that I earn daily. And even you, who have been researching the topic of happiness for decades, cannot hold onto it? I can increase the chance of happiness by being grateful, mindful, and maintaining a wise approach to my expectations. But I cannot hold onto it. Why not? Life has repeatedly knocked me down when I least expected it. Whether it was a betrayal, the sudden death of a friend, or a health crisis. What about self-actualization theories like "Live in the present"? I have often neglected the here and now, as memories tormented me, as I lived too much in the past. I have also often planned too much or only worried about the future. I know that all existence flows together in the present. But I am certainly determined by my history as well as my imagination. And beyond surrendering to the present moment, like most of us, I want to create something, leave a better future for our children. This principle of hope distinguishes us humans, especially in politically dark times. Do you really believe that your books help people? Of course, I notice that from thousands of emails. I see my books as "thicker letters to friends," like Jean Paul did.

A column by Alexandros Stefanidis (interview) and Frank Lübke (photo).

  For more information about Dr. Florian Langenscheidt, visit: http://www.excellente-unternehmer.de/redner/florian-langenscheidt-deutsche-verlag-standards-glueck-familienunternehmer.html