The Happiness Hypothesis

About this book

Every culture hands wisdom down through generations. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger. What you do not wish for yourself, do not do to others. Happiness comes from within. Can these 'truths' hold the key to a happier, more fulfilled life?In The Happiness Hypothesis, social psychologist Jonathan Haidt examines ten Great Ideas which have been championed across centuries and civilisations and asks: how can we apply these ideas to our twenty-first century lives? By holding ancient wisdom to the test of modern psychology, Haidt extracts lessons on how we can train our brains to be more optimistic, build better relationships and achieve a sense of balance. He also explores how we can overcome the obstacles to well-being that we place in our own way. in this uplifting and empowering book, Haidt draws on sources as diverse as Buddha, Benjamin Franklin and Shakespeare to show how we can find happiness and meaning in life.'I don't think I ever read a book that laid out the contemporary understanding of the human condition with such simple clarity and sense.' Guardian Review I really can't recommend this book enough. It's one of the best and most insightful books I've ever read . . . this book is just amazing for helping you recognize errors in thinking and personal biases that we all experience. It really gets to the roots of what makes people happy and unhappy rather than being some sort of a positive thinking, motivational book. Just outstanding stuff that you can really apply in day to day life. Examining the ideas of thinkers like Plato, Buddha and Jesus in light of modern research . . . Haidt, a social psychologist, provides practical advice for parenting, romance, work and coping with the political and cultural divisions. ― Psychology Today The Happiness Hypothesis is a wonderful and nuanced book that provides deep insight into the some of the most important questions in life - Why are we here? What kind of life should we lead? What paths lead to happiness? From the ancient philosophers to cutting edge scientists, Haidt weaves a tapestry of the best and the brightest. His highly original work on elevation and awe - two long-neglected emotions - adds a new weave to that tapestry. A truly inspiring book. This is a delightful book . . . Haidt's writing embraces spiritual and mystical viewpoints while retaining scientific and rational coherence. ― Nature This unusual book sets itself apart from the self-help category with its extensive scientific references, and intelligent, neutral prose, while the author's illuminating illustration of how the human mind works is both educational and refreshing. ― Sunday Times Psychologist Jonathan Haidt shows in his wonderfully smart and readable The Happiness Hypothesis [that] modern science and history have a lot to say to each other ― Washington Post You know what? Reading it did actually make this reviewer happier. ― Arena This is my most gifted book. -- Prof Damien Hughes, co-author of HIGH PERFORMANCE About the Author Jonathan Haidt is the Thomas Cooley Professor of Ethical Leadership at New York University's Stern School of Business. He received his Ph.D. in social psychology from the University of Pennsylvania in 1992 and then did post-doctoral research at the University of Chicago and in Orissa, India. He taught at the University of Virginia for 16 years before moving to NYU-Stern in 2011. He was named one of the 'top global thinkers' by Foreign Policy magazine, and one of the 'top world thinkers' by Prospect magazine. His research focuses on morality - its emotional foundations, cultural variations and developmental course.