Chapter 9, Cheating Chaos Summary and Analysis

Despite all the study and conjecture, there are many people who still believe that it is possible to be happy as long as one is rich, handsome or famous. For the one who struggles every day simply to make ends meet and keep a roof over his head, analyzing and striving for flow may seem like a frivolous luxury. The author disagrees, believing that everyone deserves to have optimal experience, regardless of their needs or desires. Flow goes much deeper than the quest for riches; in fact, material possessions are merely the icing on the cake.

There are countless stories of people who have overcome adversity. Not only did these people survive, but they thrived and have gone on to lead successful and happy lives. If material possessions were the benchmark for happiness, how could this be...