ABSTRACT
Beyond the contribution positive psychology can have to one's enduring happiness and well-being, Schmid's work on an art of living concept Lebenskunst, which unfortunately has not been translated into English language. It needs to be pointed out again that Schmid's approach is focused on the development of an individual art of living, which means that a judgement about one's life as a good or beautiful one is only relevant for a person if done by himself or herself. A relation to the notion of postindustrialism is intended, as well as an escalating notion from modernity to postmodernity. Being successful in life is too narrow in its meaning and too focused on accomplishments in life, whereas the term "good life" is used too widely in its interpretations and meanings. Schmid names the amount of freedom in modern and postmodern societies, and the resulting demands, as reasons for pursuing an art of living.
