Instant Happiness

The Happiness Hypothesis Finding Modern Truth in Ancient Wisdom

The Happiness Hypothesis Finding Modern Truth in Ancient Wisdom

Starred Review. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak, lamented St. Paul, and this engrossing scientific interpretation of traditional lore backs him up with hard data. Citing Plato, Buddha and modern brain science, psychologist Haidt notes the mind is like an “elephant” of automatic desires and impulses atop which conscious intention is an ineffectual “rider.” Haidt sifts Eastern and Western religious and philosophical traditions for other nuggets of wisdom to substantiate—and sometimes critique—with the findings of neurology and cognitive psychology. The Buddhist-Stoic injunction to cast off worldly attachments in pursuit of happiness, for example, is backed up by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s studies into pleasure. And Nietzsche’s contention that what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger is considered against research into post-traumatic growth. An exponent of the “positive psychology” movement, Haidt also offers practical advice on finding happiness and meaning. Riches don’t matter much, he observes, but close relationships, quiet surroundings and short commutes help a lot, while meditation, cognitive psychotherapy and Prozac are equally valid remedies for constitutional unhappiness. Haidt sometimes seems reductionist, but his is an erudite, fluently written, stimulating reassessment of age-old issues. (Jan.)
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User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars So good I bought it twice
I lent my copy to a friend and ended up getting another one.

I’ve read a dozen or so happiness books and I think this one has been the best one for me.

I kind of identify with him as a no nonsense atheist scientist trying to deal with being spitritual in life, something I’ve had confusion over myself.

5 Stars Inspirational
It’s as though Haidt covers everything that has ever troubled my mind and it puts a smile on my face to know that most humans throughout history have struggled with the same internal conflicts between reason and emotion. Very moving!

5 Stars Excelent book
One of the best book which is enjoyable and useful. Really made a difference in my life.

5 Stars A open door to unfortunately unkown aspects of one’s life
This is an excellent book. It has allowed me to view my own life in such a way that it makes me rethink various aspects of my psychology. I believe that today’s society forces us to drift away from the beauty of our own person. This book allows us to reclaim the awareness of the beauty in our individuality and it helps us understand ourselves better so that we may live a more conscious and self-revealing life.

5 Stars Very Good
More than other good authors, Haidt really invests in his topics. The book is pregnant with insights which can only come from someone who by nature observes human beings, and takes joy in it. I also recommend watching Dr. Haidt on bloggingheads.tv where he is interviewed by Will Wilkinson (a favorite blogger of mine)–Dr. Haidt’s enthusiasm radiates off of him. I will buy any book this man writes.

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