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The Happiness Hypothesis: Putting Ancient Wisdom to the Test of Modern Science [Paperback]

Jonathan Haidt (Author)
4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (37 customer reviews)
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Book Description

Publication Date: 5 April 2007

Every culture rests on a bedrock of folk wisdom handed down through generations. The pronouncements of philosophers are homespun by our grandmothers, and find their way into our common sense: what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Do unto others as you would have done unto you. Happiness comes from within.

But are these 'truths' really true? Today we all seem to prefer to cling to the notion that a little bit more money, love or success will make us truly happy. Are we wrong?

In The Happiness Hypothesis, psychologist Jonathan Haidt exposes traditional wisdom to the scrutiny of modern science, delivering startling insights. We learn that virtue is often not its own reward, why extroverts really are happier than introverts, and why conscious thought is not as important as we might like to think...

Drawing on the rich inspiration of both philosophy and science, The Happiness Hypothesis is a remarkable, original and provocative book - ancient wisdom in our time.

(20040927)

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Product details

  • Paperback: 320 pages
  • Publisher: Arrow (5 April 2007)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0099478897
  • ISBN-13: 978-0099478898
  • Product Dimensions: 19.6 x 13 x 2 cm
  • Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (37 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 7,694 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Jonathan Haidt
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Review

"Riveting... Brilliantly synthesising ancient cultural insights with modern psychology and even holding out some faint hope that your happiness, if not your tallness, might be marginally adjustable after all." (Sunday Times )

"Marvellous... Haidt...takes us on an extraordinary journey... I don't think I've ever read a book that laid out the contemporary understanding of the human condition with such simple clarity and sense." (James Flint Guardian )

"A superbly argued, crystal clear and intelligent blend of new directions in contemporary experimental psychology with traditional philosophical thought... And you know what? Reading it did actually make this reviewer happier." (Arena )

"A delightful book... By some margin the most intellectually substantial book to arise from the 'Positive Psychology' movement." (Nature )

"With singular gusto, Haidt measures ten 'Great Ideas' against past/present research in psychology and science. "LJ" 's verdict: Dr. Phil et al. don't have diddly on the old-school sages. No man is an island, indeed, and no modern reader should be without this carefully considered demystification of life" (Library Journal Best Books 2006 )

Book Description

A brilliantly original exploration of what we can learn about the meaning of human life and how we should live our lives, drawing both on the wisdom of the great thinkers and on the insights of modern science. For all readers of Alain de Botton. (20040927)
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Inside This Book (Learn More)
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
87 of 90 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Genuine insight 20 Aug 2007
By M. J. Mooney
Format:Paperback
This, in many ways, is the "self-help" book for people who don't read self-help books.

Its conclusions probably won't surprise anyone - the way to find happiness is mostly just what Socrates, Jesus, Buddha et al suggested - be nice to people, do a job that satisfies you, stop chasing after material wealth, etc.

All of which might lead you to think there's no point in reading it. But there is. Haidt is that rare beast, a serious academic who can write engagingly for the general (educated) readership. Somehow, seeing his synthesis of many, many areas of psychological research creates a real feeling of enlightenment, and I would be very surprised indeed at anyone who didn't find some serious "food for thought" within its pages.

Did reading it make me happier? Well, this is where I'm supposed to say "Well, no, but...", but - to my own surprise - the answer is actually "yes"! Just a little, but enough to justify making the book a "keeper".

Read it, and think about the way you live. Highly recommended.
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58 of 60 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting and important 15 Jan 2007
By Peter Jackson
Format:Hardcover
This was my best non-fiction book of 2006. Haidt is an academic of genuine flair. In the Happiness Hypothesis he has produced for the general reader a synthesis of robust thinking and research around happiness. It is expressed in an accessible style, using some very simple metaphors to hold the reader's attention on key themes, as the author reviews the best of the philosophy, psychology and neurology of happiness.

To put it another way, this was accessible enough to read in bed, and robust enough to fill over 24 pages of references.

My only caveat, I thought the subtitle - 'Putting ancient wisdom and philosophy to the test of modern science' - did not get to the heart of the book. This makes it sound like a series of tests of famous aphorisms. In face, Haidt is primarily interested in evidence, but uses literary and philosophical sources to illustrate and enliven his science; to ask questions of it, and to keep an open mind. But then I think that's just good science.
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33 of 34 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars A 'Self Help' Book for Anyone who is Too Smart for "Self Help Books" 5 Feb 2009
By Mr. T. White TOP 500 REVIEWER
Format:Paperback
This book is an underrated masterpiece and should be proudly occupying all thinking persons' bookshelves. Haidt couldn't have written this book better, and he is most certainly to be commended for producing a guide to finding happiness which trumps all others.

His narrative meanders a most cerebrally scenic course via ancient philosophy, comparative religion, science and modern day psychology and literally tests the paradigms of happiness. Thus e.g. : Was Buddhism right to preach the renouncing of all material things? Or, just partly right? What part does gossip really play in our lives? What should the depressed do about their condition? What is the best way to find true happiness in your life, assuming such a thing can be found at all?

These and many other thought engaging questions are analysed with no stone unturned by a most gifted thinker. This reviewer cannot recommend this book more highly (and I normally can't be bothered with the so called "self help section"), buy it you must! A brilliant book. I am left wondering what Haidt will write about next.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars One of my favourites
This is one of my favourite books of all time. The sub title to this book is `Putting ancient wisdom and Philosophy to the test of modern science. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Rod Matthews
5.0 out of 5 stars who is the rider ?
I enjoyed this book very much .The analogy of the will and the mind as rider and elephant is insightful and helpful ( better than the ancient Greek charioteer and chariot -... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Pedroza
5.0 out of 5 stars The Happiness Hypothesis by Jonathan Haidt
So good I read it twice, and then bought another copy to lend to friends. A scholarly but very accessible whizz through ancient philosophical wisdom, bringing it up to date via... Read more
Published 4 months ago by Lesley O'Neal
5.0 out of 5 stars A COOKBOOK FOR AN HAPPIER SELF
Jonathan Haidt knows what he's writing about (this doesn't happen so often, lately) and his book is full of great insight. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Carlo Muttoni
5.0 out of 5 stars The Happiness Hypothesis - a book to keep and re-read
This is a very readable and enjoyable book which contains many interesting and thought-provoking ideas. Read more
Published 6 months ago by D. LAMBERT
4.0 out of 5 stars Brings a smile to your face
What does Haidt mean by happiness? It means finding meaning within life, even if one cannot find the meaning of life. Read more
Published 6 months ago by F Henwood
5.0 out of 5 stars Truly Life-changing
I read this book a couple of years ago and found it had a profound effect on my outlook and beliefs. Read more
Published 10 months ago by G. Brock
4.0 out of 5 stars Very thought provoking
I enjoyed this book and it made me think a great deal. I think the author has some odd views about Prozac, and I suspect his soft approach to religion (is there anything else in... Read more
Published 15 months ago by J. B. Bridge
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic book
Buy this book - you will not be disappointed. An easy, enthralling and illuminating read full of brilliant insights. Read more
Published 17 months ago by Nelson
5.0 out of 5 stars A very enjoyable read
9.50 / 10. A simple, but deep and effective book. Extremely interesting, covers many schools of thought that you may have encountered but in an ever so slightly different way that... Read more
Published 17 months ago by ReviewMan
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