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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. People's perceptions are influenced by their ___________ and forces beyond their control in life.

2. _______ is another physical activity which relies on the rhythmic movement to produce flow.

3. Some are driven by ___________ and a sense of purpose, rather than the accumulation of wealth or public achievement.

4. To have happiness, to find _________, one must realize that changing one's reactions is simpler and more effective.

5. The author asks the reader to put aside the thought that ___________ can bring happiness to a person.

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens to the self during experience, according to the author?

2. What does the author think would happen if a person did not have a consciousness?

3. What is the question that the book says psychologists and philosophers are no closer to finding the answer to?

4. How does the author say that happiness can be achieved, as he does not believe it is an unattainable goal?

5. What is the difference between pleasure and enjoyment, according to the author of the book?

6. What does the author want people to realize about the idea of challenges?

7. What can the idea of flow teach a person to do in relation to his life and happiness?

8. Where does flow tend to occur most often in life, according to the author?

9. What is a person able to do as a result of having a consciousness, according to the author?

10. What does Csikszentmihalyi mean when he talks about the idea of an autotelic person?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author says that in order to change the world, one must change himself first.

Part 1: Do you agree with the statement of the author? Why or why not?

Part 2: How do you think people could begin to change themselves in order to change the world?

Part 3: Why do you think that some people believe that everyone else has to change for them?

Essay Topic 2

The author says that many enjoyable acts involve challenges too, which is not necessarily a bad thing.

Part 1: Do you agree with the author's statement about enjoyment being intertwined with challenges?

Part 2: How do you think life would be different if there weren't any challenges? Or wouldn't it be different?

Part 3: Why do you think that challenges are a part of enjoyment?

Essay Topic 3

According to the author, the idea of consciousness allows a person to create their own decisions and reactions to the world.

Part 1: How do you define the idea of consciousness in your own life?

Part 2: Do you believe the consciousness is inherent in life or is it something that you can cultivate? Why?

Part 3: Do you think it's better to react without thought or to take time when reacting to situations? Why?

(see the answer keys)

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