Talk at the Library: Why Be Happy? The Japanese Way of Acceptance
VIEW EVENT DETAILSA Conversation With Author and Psychologist Dr. Scott Haas
What can Japan teach us about happiness? “A lot, as it turns out,” argues psychologist Scott Haas in his book Why Be Happy? The Japanese Way of Acceptance. “In Japan, happiness isn’t a private experience. And happiness isn’t really a goal. Acceptance is the goal.” In a pandemic world where mental health is more important than ever, Scott Haas offers insights into his experience in Japan – as a psychologist and as an individual trying to navigate between different cultures – and the concept of ukeireru, the act of accepting without resigning.
But how can a concept from a fundamentally different society be applied to our everyday lives? And how does an outsider write about different cultures without portraying them with a biased or one-sided view?
Join us for this members-only talk with Scott Haas, who will be physically present at our office, on how to work in a multi-cultural context, challenges he encounters as a writer, and how we can resolve conflicts more efficiently through improved intercultural understanding.
This event is for Asia Society Members only. How to become a member?
Participation at our office is limited to 20 people. Masks are mandatory. Contact details of all participants are collected during registration to allow contact tracing. If you have any symptoms, we kindly ask you to stay at home. Asia Society members can also join the event online on the Conference platform Zoom.
Attendance is free. In order to avoid no-shows for tickets at our office, a CHF 50 no-show fee will be charged if you do not cancel your registration until 24 hours before the event the latest.
Scott Haas is a writer and clinical psychologist. He authored the books Those Immigrants! Indians in America: A Psychological Exploration of Achievement, Back of the House, Are We There Yet?, Hearing Voices, as well as his newest work Why Be Happy? The Japanese Way of Acceptance. He divides his time between Boston, Massachusetts, and Braunwald, Switzerland.
Event Details
Asia Society Switzerland
Mühlebachstrasse 20
8008 Zurich
(Map)