Dr. Florian Langenscheidt - My Beloved SELF

Dr. Florian Langenscheidt - My Beloved SELF

Dr. Florian Langenscheidt, in the photo it looks as if you are encountering 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 so. 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, are unable to hold onto it? I can increase the chance of happiness by being grateful, being mindful, and managing my expectations wisely. But I cannot hold onto it. Why not? Life has repeatedly knocked me down when I least expected it. Whether it was a breach of trust, the sudden death of a friend, or a health crisis. How do you deal with self-realization theses such as "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 always worried about the future. I know that all being 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 truly believe that you are helping people with your books? Of course, I can tell from thousands of emails. I see my books as "thicker letters to friends," as Jean Paul said.

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