Introduction

Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) is agnostic with regard to the purpose of life. It agrees with such existential philosophers as Martin Heidegger, Albert Camus, and John Paul Sartre, who argue that there may very well be no overarching purpose to life. Similarly, leaders of great as opposed to merely good companies adhere to their “sacred principles” as they go about making their critical business decisions. The principle of Enlightened Self-Interest positions one with the best chance to create a happy life. This principle starts with the conviction that no one is placed on this earth to look after the authors happiness. In the short run, acting unethically may provide us short-range gratification, but it almost always leads to unhappiness in the long run. The chapter also provides an overview of the key concepts discussed in this book.