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The Happiness Hypothesis

Finding Modern Truth in Ancient Wisdom

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About this listen

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.
Personal Development Personal Success Philosophy Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Happiness Mental Health Health Human Brain Elephant Affective Neuroscience

What the critics say

"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

"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, 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. . . 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."

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I wish the author had read the book, he had narrated his other works and I loved them.

I prefer Jonathan Haidt's voice

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Interesting book, but not for the tired. If your focus is low you will wake up halfway through this one.

Caution: Narrator can lull you to sleep

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I have thoroughly enjoyed digesting this book for 20min at a time for the last month.
Each chapter brings great insight into ancient philosophers (including some background and context) and applies it to our current understanding of the world.
It is best taken in small bites and then discussed with a close friend.

Chew slowly and enjoy this meal.

Ps: the narrator is dry. But his voice picks up a bit at the end, or maybe I just got used to it.
I will be purchasing this book in hardcover.

Excellent discussion

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Most enjoyable audio listen of my audible membership. Share listen with a friend. Would listen again.

Ishmael with footnotes.

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This is one of the books that resonated with me...I loved every part of it. thanks!

Great book!

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