
Secrets of Adulthood
Simple Truths for Our Complex Lives - the inspiring new book from the multi-million copy bestselling Queen of Self-Help
Gretchen Rubin(Author)
John Murray One (Publisher)
Published on 3. April 2025
Book
Hardback
176 pages
978-1-3998-2300-5 (ISBN)
Description
The #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Happiness Project and Better Than Before distills her key insights into simple truths for living with greater satisfaction, clarity and happiness.
The right idea, invoked at the right time, can change your life. Drawing from her long studies of happiness, and also from the challenges she's faced herself, writer Gretchen Rubin has discovered the "Secrets of Adulthood" that can help us manage the complexities of life. To convey her conclusions, she turned to the aphorism - the ancient literary discipline that demands that a writer convey a large truth in a few words.
Perhaps you're paralyzed by indecision, struggling to navigate a big change, fighting a temptation, or puzzled by the behaviour of someone you love; whatever you face, the right aphorism can help. From procrastination to the pursuit of happiness, Secrets of Adulthood is filled with witty and thought-provoking reflections such as:
* "Recognize that, like sleeping with a big dog in a small bed, things that are uncomfortable can also be comforting"
* "Accept yourself, expect more from yourself"
* "Easy children raise good parents"
* "What can be done at any time is often done at no time"
For anyone undergoing a major life transition, such as graduation, career switch, marriage, or moving, or for those just encountering everyday dilemmas, these disarming aphorisms will inspire you by articulating truths that you may never have noticed but instantly recognize.
The right idea, invoked at the right time, can change your life. Drawing from her long studies of happiness, and also from the challenges she's faced herself, writer Gretchen Rubin has discovered the "Secrets of Adulthood" that can help us manage the complexities of life. To convey her conclusions, she turned to the aphorism - the ancient literary discipline that demands that a writer convey a large truth in a few words.
Perhaps you're paralyzed by indecision, struggling to navigate a big change, fighting a temptation, or puzzled by the behaviour of someone you love; whatever you face, the right aphorism can help. From procrastination to the pursuit of happiness, Secrets of Adulthood is filled with witty and thought-provoking reflections such as:
* "Recognize that, like sleeping with a big dog in a small bed, things that are uncomfortable can also be comforting"
* "Accept yourself, expect more from yourself"
* "Easy children raise good parents"
* "What can be done at any time is often done at no time"
For anyone undergoing a major life transition, such as graduation, career switch, marriage, or moving, or for those just encountering everyday dilemmas, these disarming aphorisms will inspire you by articulating truths that you may never have noticed but instantly recognize.
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
United Kingdom
Publishing group
John Murray Press
Product notice
Trade binding
Illustrations
N/A
Dimensions
Height: 203 mm
Width: 134 mm
Thickness: 22 mm
Weight
260 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-3998-2300-5 (9781399823005)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Gretchen Rubin
Secrets of Adulthood
Simple Truths for Our Complex Lives - the inspiring new book from the multi-million copy bestselling Queen of Self-Help
E-Book
04/2025
John Murray One
€8.49
Available for download
Person
Gretchen Rubin is one of today's most influential observers of happiness and human nature. She's the author of many books, including the blockbuster New York Times bestsellers The Happiness Project, The Four Tendencies, Better Than Before, and Life in Five Senses. Her books have sold more than 3.5 million copies worldwide, in more than thirty languages. She hosts the top-ranking, award-winning podcast Happier with Gretchen Rubin, where she explores practical solutions for living a happier life. Raised in Kansas City, she lives in New York City with her family.