The Happiness Hypothesis: Finding Modern Truth in Ancient Wisdom

Jonathan Haidt skillfully combines two genres-philosophical wisdom and scientific research-delighting the reader with surprising insights. He explains for example why we have such difficulty controlling ourselves and sticking to our plans; why no achievement brings lasting happiness yet a few changes in your life can have profound effects and why even confirmed atheists experience spiritual elevation. In a stunning final chapter Haidt addresses the grand question "How can I live a meaningful life? " offering an original answer that draws on the rich inspiration of both philosophy and science. "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: Strategies of Human Mating 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 lifes most central and persistent questions-Barry Schwartz author of The Paradox of Choice: Why More Is Less 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. Jon 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 Director Positive Psychology Center at the University of Pennsylvania and author of Authentic Happiness Haidt is a fine guide on this journey between past and present discussing the current complexities of psychological theory with clarity and humor. . . Haidts 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