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

by Jonathan Haidt

riches and fame bring anxiety and avarice, not peace and happiness.

“Nothing is miserable unless you think it so; and on the other hand, nothing brings happiness unless you are content with it.”

Happiness can only be found within, by breaking attachments to external things and cultivating an attitude of acceptance.

Happiness comes from within, and happiness comes from without.

Suffering often makes people more compassionate, helping them find balance between self and others.

Happy people are kinder and more helpful than those in the control group.

Some constraint is good for us; absolute freedom is not.

The final version of the happiness hypothesis is that happiness comes from between. Happiness is not something that you can find, acquire, or achieve directly. You have to get the conditions right and then wait.

people need love, work, and a connection to something larger.