The Happiness Hypothesis

by Haidt, Jonathan

• ISBN13: 9780465028016
• ISBN10: 0465028012
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2005-12-26
• Publisher: Basic Books

Summary

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.

Author Biography

Jonathan Haidt is an associate professor of psychology at the University of Virginia. His research examines the emotional basis of morality and the ways that morality varies across cultures, including the cultures of liberals and conservatives. He has been active in the positive psychology movement since 1999, and in 2001 he was awarded the Templeton Prize in Positive Psychology. He has received four awards for his teaching, including the 2004 Outstanding Faculty Award conferred by the Governor of the State of Virginia. He lives in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Table of Contents

Introduction: Too Much Wisdom	ix
The Divided Self	1	(22)
Changing Your Mind	23	(22)
Reciprocity with a Vengeance	45	(14)
The Faults of Others	59	(22)
The Pursuit of Happiness	81	(26)
Love and Attachments	107	(28)
The Uses of Adversity	135	(20)
The Felicity of Virtue	155	(26)
Divinity With or Without God	181	(32)
Happiness Comes from Between	213	(28)
Conclusion: On Balance	241	(4)
Acknowledgments	245	(2)
Notes	247	(18)
References	265	(26)
Index	291