The Happiness Hypothesis

Putting Ancient Wisdom to the Test of Modern Science

Format:

Buy the book from:

Amazon Blackwells Bookshop.org Foyles Hive TGJones Waterstones

An uplifting exploration of ancient wisdom for our modern lives and how it can make us happier from the author of the #1 Sunday Times bestseller The Anxious Generation.

For millennia, humans have handed down lots of nuggets of wisdom: What doesn't kill you makes you stronger. What you do not wish for yourself, do not do to others. Happiness comes from within.

But, do these 'truths' actually hold the key to a happier, more fulfilled life? And if so, can we apply these ideas to our twenty-first century lives?

In The Happiness Hypothesis, social psychologist Jonathan Haidt examines ten Great Ideas which have been championed across civilisations. 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.

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.

Riveting... Brilliantly synthesising ancient cultural insights with modern psychology.
THE TIMES

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

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

About Jonathan Haidt

Jonathan Haidt (pronounced ‘height’) is a social psychologist and the Thomas Cooley Professor of Ethical Leadership at New York University's Stern School of Business. He is the author of The Righteous Mind and co-author of The Coddling of the American Mind.

Learn more

Details