The Happiness Hypothesis - by Jonathan Haidt (Paperback)

About the Book

An award-winning psychologist examines the world s philosophical wisdom through the lens of psychological science"

Book Synopsis

The author of the #1 New York Times bestseller The Anxious Generation shows how a deeper understanding of the world's philosophical wisdom can enrich and transform our lives

The Happiness Hypothesis is a book about ten Great Ideas. Each chapter is an attempt to savor one idea that has been discovered by several of the world's civilizations--to question it in light of what we now know from scientific research, and to extract from it the lessons that still apply to our modern lives and illuminate the causes of human flourishing. Award-winning psychologist Jonathan Haidt shows how a deeper understanding of the world's philosophical wisdom and its enduring maxims--like "do unto others as you would have others do unto you," or "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger"--can enrich and transform our lives.

Review Quotes

"Haidt is a fine guide on this journey between past and present, discussing the current complexities of psychological theory with clarity and humor ... Haidt's is an open-minded, robust look at philosophy, psychological fact and spiritual mystery, of scientific rationalism and the unknowable ephemeral -- an honest inquiry that concludes that the best life is, perhaps, one lived in the balance of opposites."

--Bookpage

"In our quest for happiness, we must find a balance between modern science and ancient wisdom, between East and West, and between 'left brain' and 'right brain.' Haidt has struck that balance perfectly, and in doing so has given us the most brilliant and lucid analysis of virtue and well-being in the entire literature of positive psychology. For the reader who seeks to understand happiness, my advice is: Begin with Haidt."

--Martin E.P. Seligman, author of Learned Happiness

"A delightful look at the anatomy of happiness, and the myriad ways we humans have hunted for it throughout history.... A disarming, original book."--Seattle Times

"A fresh, serious, elevating guide to living everyday life better.... No modern reader should be without this carefully considered demystification of life."--Library Journal

"A hearty dish of conventional wisdom accompanied by a selection of psychological science of excellent vintage.... This book not only offers practical suggestions to help us succeed in these efforts, but also discusses why we should reexamine much of what we have been taught in the light of new psychological knowledge."--Philadelphia Inquirer

"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

"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."--Joe Rogan

"Psychologist Haidt exposes traditional received wisdom to scientific scrutiny. And learns that virtue is often not its own reward, extroverts really are happier than introverts, and conscious thought is not as important as we might like to think. Engaging and thought-provoking."--Bookseller

"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

"This is a delightful book ... Haidt's writing embraces spiritual and mystical viewpoints while retaining scientific and rational coherence."--Nature

"This is my most gifted book."--Damian Hughes, co-host, The High Performance Podcast

"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 (UK)

"You know what? Reading it did actually make this reviewer happier."--Arena (UK)

"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."

--David M. Buss, author of The Evolution of Desire

"In this beautifully written book, Jonathan Haidt shows us the deep connection that exists between cutting-edge psychological research and the wisdom of the ancients. It is inspiring to see how much modern psychology informs life's most central and persistent questions."

--Barry Schwartz, author of The Paradox of Choice

About the Author

Jonathan Haidt is the Thomas Cooley Professor of Ethical Leadership at New York University's Stern School of Business. He is a social psychologist whose research examines morality and the moral emotions. He is the author of three New York Times bestsellers: The Righteous Mind, The Coddling of the American Mind, and, most recently, The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness. He lives in New York.