It’s time for positive politics

Positive Politics draws on the success of the recent “positive psychology” movement. Positive psychology has enhanced the well-being of millions around the world by helping people to recognise and utilise their so-called “signature strengths” (such as integrity, street smarts and perseverance), rather than focusing on negative human traits which characterised conventional psychology.

The architect of positive psychology, Professor Martin Seligman of the University of Pennsylvania, wrote in his best-selling work, Authentic Happiness (Random House, 2002), that “people want more than just to correct their weaknesses. They want lives … with meaning, and not just to fidget until they die.”

Positive psychology has demonstrated that psychology can successfully help people live in the higher reaches of happiness.

Positive Politics would demonstrate that politics can truly help all Australians, from whatever background, to unlock their strengths and fulfil their dreams.

Accordingly, in the next five years we should embrace the ideals underpinning Positive Politics, rather than waste time and energy continuing to be distracted by Left and Right.