The Autumn Statement in November 2011 indicated that standards of living in Britain will remain low and even falling for several years to come. Traditional thinking aligns economic growth with happiness. Conclusion: we’re in for a long dose of unhappiness. But the outlook for Britain need not be depressing. If governments, organisations and individuals responded with a new way of thinking, it would boost happiness and well-being.

The Politics of Optimism examines that new thinking, and shows how the government’s stalled Big Society programme can be revivified by being erected upon four key principles: optimism, trust, goodness and proactive policy. If it does so, Britain will come through the current economic difficulties a stronger and more cohesive society, as well as a happier and healthier one.