Do Not Paint the House

About the Book

The Doomsday Clock is a symbolic clock that represents the end of the world at midnight. In 2026, it was set to eighty-five seconds to midnight. Still, few of us worry about the end of the world. In an inspirational guide, Solveig Abrahamsen describes the Western world's pursuit of happiness as an eternal race that never lets the runner cross the finish line. As one goal is reached, another is set, maintaining the anxiety that accompanies meaninglessness. By comparing life to a construction project, Dr. Abrahamsen provides a framework for building a happy life and helping to move the hands of the Doomsday Clock further away from midnight. Through her innovative insights, others will learn how to create a good building plan, avoid the process of aimlessly chasing new goals, build a solid foundation, discover their unique ability, and then construct a fulfilling life using that ability. Don’t Paint the House shares a sharp reflection on our endless chase for happiness and a blueprint for creating a meaningful life, even in a tumultuous world.

About the Author

Solveig Abrahamsen holds a PhD in psychology. Her doctoral thesis, titled ‘Biopsychosocial Risk Factors for Criminal Behaviour’, examined the role of personality, environmental, and biological factors in the development of antisocial behaviour. She has also practised as a therapist and currently works as a researcher. Abrahamsen’s expertise, combined with her experience as a therapist, mother, spouse, daughter and employee in a resourceful part of society—in a country that has repeatedly been ranked among the happiest in the world—has enabled her to write this guide to living a meaningful life and counteracting growing evil.