Do you ever wonder why dogs seem so darn happy?
Tuesday 25th November 2025 @ 8pm UK time - The Happiness of Dogs by Mark Rowlands
After finally tracking down a digital copy (I just couldn’t lay my hands on a physical copy in Mexico), I’ve started reading The Happiness of Dogs and I’m already caught by Rowlands’ question: what if philosophy isn’t something you think about, but something to practice through living—the way dogs do?
It’s irreverent and counterintuitive—a philosophy professor making the case that philosophy isn’t about thinking harder. This feels safe (Rowlands clearly knows his stuff) and stretching (it is philosophy after all!). And as we close out our trilogy of books around resilience , it makes me think that perhaps part of resilience is simply noticing and appreciating the good things available to us, rather than getting stuck in loops of thinking and reflecting (shock horror; reflection is a big part of what I do professionally!).
There’s still plenty of time to track down a copy (wherever you are!) and give it a read before our discussion on Tuesday 25th November—the third conversation in our autumn trilogy exploring aspects of resilience.
In September with Lessons in Chemistry, we explored resilience as keeping your integrity intact while navigating flawed systems—and recognizing the unexpected allies along the way. In October, Slow Productivity reframed resilience as sustainable rhythm: choosing quality and steady craft over the exhaustion of constant output. The Happiness of Dogs completes the trilogy, turning to what might be the most fundamental form of resilience: staying present to what’s actually here.
--> Sign up for the discussion here - 8pm UK time on Tuesday 25th November (and I’m excited to road-test a new sign up system; you’ll also get a sneak peek at upcoming books too):
https://airtable.com/apphn3WLs3BjxlVsR/pagiyZXDHxzYjwUf3/form
If you’d like to get a feel for this book’s themes before diving in:
Quick read: University of Miami interview - Rowlands explains the core ideas in 5-7 minutes
Short listen: RNZ Radio conversation - 15-minute interview on what dogs can teach us about loving life
Deep dive: The One You Feed podcast - Extended 50-minute conversation exploring meaning, reflection, and why dogs might be natural philosophers (referencing the author’s follow-on book)
I’d love to hear what you think of the book, or any ideas you have for future discussions.
Happy reading and speak soon,
Richard @ Not Another Book Club