ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book establishes the interpretation of the basic terms that are relevant for philosophical and psychological considerations. It reviews recent positive psychology research in relation to the art of living. The book engages more closely with parallels and differences between positive psychology and philosophical concepts of the art of living, especially with Schmid's concept Lebenskunst. It marks a turning point in this study from establishing a philosophical and psychological background to the development of an educational approach to the art of living. The book explores the relations between education, schooling and the art of living on the basis of the German understanding of education, which is a combination of Erziehung [upbringing], Bildung [self-formation] and Entfaltung [flourishing]. It argues that, although predominant in public discourse, schooling is only a part of education, and not necessarily the most important one.
