The Happiness Hypothesis
“We have to stop thinking about the world as being composed of these separate little atoms, and then each atom has to somehow work on itself. And rather see happiness or wellbeing flourishing as something that emerges when a system is properly configured, and all the parts are deeply engaged and enmeshed.
“That’s the happiness hypothesis.”
Jonathan Haidt (from Shrink Rap Radio interview).
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“An intellectual tour de force that weaves into one fabric wisdom that is ancient and modern, religious and scientific, Eastern and Western, liberal and conservative—all with the aim of pointing us to a more meaningful, moral, and satisfying life.” — David G. Myers, Professor of Psychology, Hope College, author of Intuition: Its Powers and Perils
“For the reader who seeks to understand happiness, my advice is: Begin with Haidt.”
– Martin E. P. Seligman, Professor of psychology, University of Pennsylvania, author of Authentic Happiness: Using the New Positive Psychology to Realize Your Potential for Lasting Fulfillment
From Booklist: Using the wisdom culled from the world’s greatest civilizations as a foundation, social psychologist Haidt comes to terms with 10 Great Ideas, viewing them through a contemporary filter to learn which of their lessons may still apply to modern lives. He first discusses how the mind works and then examines the Golden Rule (“Reciprocity is the most important tool for getting along with people”). Next, he addresses the issue of happiness itself — where does it come from? — before exploring the conditions that allow growth and development.
Also see articles by Jonathan Haidt.
