Happiness The Science behind Your Smile

by Nettle, Daniel

• ISBN13: 9780192805591
• ISBN10: 0192805592
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2006-09-07
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

Throughout the ages people have thought about happiness, argued about its nature, and, most of all, desired it. Here, Daniel Nettle uses the latest scientific insights to explore the origins and purpose of our pursuit of happiness. Looking at psychological studies, brain systems, and mind-altering drugs, he shows that while lasting happiness may be beyond all of us, it is our evolved desire for happiness that drives us to achieve much that is worthwhile in itself. Book jacket.

Author Biography

Daniel Nettle is Lecturer in Biological Psychology at the Open University. He is the author of Strong Imagination: Madness, Creativity, and Human Value and co-author of Vanishing Voices (with Suzanne Romaine). He lives in the U.K.

Table of Contents

Introduction	p. 1
Comfort and joy	p. 7
Bread and circuses	p. 45
Love and work	p. 65
Worriers and enthusiasts	p. 91
Wanting and liking	p. 115
Panaceas and placebos	p. 141
A design for living	p. 161
Further reading	p. 185
Notes	p. 187
References	p. 198
Index	p. 213
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