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The Happiness Hypothesis

Putting Ancient Wisdom to the Test of Modern Science

Author: Jonathan Haidt  

A brilliantly original exploration of what we can learn about the meaning of human life and how we should live our lives, drawing both on the wisdom of the great thinkers and on the insights of modern science. For all readers of Alain de Botton.

Drawing on the inspiration of both philosophy and science, this book exposes traditional wisdom to the scrutiny of modern science, delivering many insights. It tells that virtue is often not its own reward, why extroverts really are happier than introverts, and why conscious thought is not as important as we might like to think.

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Summary

A brilliantly original exploration of what we can learn about the meaning of human life and how we should live our lives, drawing both on the wisdom of the great thinkers and on the insights of modern science. For all readers of Alain de Botton.

Drawing on the inspiration of both philosophy and science, this book exposes traditional wisdom to the scrutiny of modern science, delivering many insights. It tells that virtue is often not its own reward, why extroverts really are happier than introverts, and why conscious thought is not as important as we might like to think.

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Description

Every culture rests on a bedrock of folk wisdom handed down through generations. The pronouncements of philosophers are homespun by our grandmothers, and find their way into our common sense- what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Do unto others as you would have done unto you. Happiness comes from within.But are these 'truths' really true? Today we all seem to prefer to cling to the notion that a little bit more money, love or success will make us truly happy. Are we wrong?In THE HAPPINESS HYPOTHESIS, psychologist Jonathan Haidt exposes traditional wisdom to the scrutiny of modern science, delivering startling insights. We learn that virtue is often not its own reward, why extroverts really are happier than introverts, and why conscious thought is not as important as we might like to think...Drawing on the rich inspiration of both philosophy and science, THE HAPPINESS HYPOTHESIS is a remarkable, original and provocative book - ancient wisdom in our time.

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Critic Reviews

“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.”

"Riveting... Brilliantly synthesising ancient cultural insights with modern psychology and even holding out some faint hope that your happiness, if not your tallness, might be marginally adjustable after all." Sunday Times "Marvellous... Haidt...takes us on an extraordinary journey... I don't think I've ever read a book that laid out the contemporary understanding of the human condition with such simple clarity and sense." -- James Flint Guardian "A superbly argued, crystal clear and intelligent blend of new directions in contemporary experimental psychology with traditional philosophical thought... And you know what? Reading it did actually make this reviewer happier." Arena "A delightful book... By some margin the most intellectually substantial book to arise from the 'Positive Psychology' movement." Nature "With singular gusto, Haidt measures ten 'Great Ideas' against past/present research in psychology and science. "LJ" 's verdict: Dr. Phil et al. don't have diddly on the old-school sages. No man is an island, indeed, and no modern reader should be without this carefully considered demystification of life" Library Journal Best Books 2006

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About the Author

Jonathan Haidt teaches psychology at the University of Virginia. This is his first book for the general reader.

Visit the website at http-///

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Back Cover

'A wonderful and nuanced book that provides deep insight into 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 brightest. His highly original work on elevation and awe - two long neglected emotions - adds a new weave to the tapestry. A truly inspiring book.' David M. Buss Every culture rests on a bedrock of folk wisdom handed down through generations. The pronouncements of philosophers are homespun by our grandmothers, and find their way into our common sense: what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Do unto others as you would have done unto you. Happiness comes from within. But are these 'truths' really true? 'Jonathan Haidt leaves no doubt about the importance of emotion in the creation of personal meaning... This is a delightful and courageous book.' Antonio Damasio 'This fresh and original book goes to the heart of what people have found out about happiness, across cultures and times. Enjoyable, important, and eminently readable.' Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

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Product Details

Publisher
Cornerstone | Arrow Books Ltd
Published
5th April 2007
Pages
320
ISBN
9780099478898

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