The Happiness Project

by Gretchen Rubin

The “fundamental attribution error” is a psychological phenomenon in which we tend to view other people’s actions as reflections of their characters and to overlook the power of situation to influence their actions, whereas with ourselves, we recognize the pressures of circumstance.

Forbearance is a form of generosity.

It is a sign of maturity not to be scandalized and to try to find explanations in charity.” “Find explanations in charity” is a more holy way of saying “cut people slack.”

What I say about other people sticks to me—even when I talk to someone who already knows me. So I do well to say only good things.

As Samuel Johnson said, “To hear complaints is wearisome alike to the wretched and the happy.”

Friendship thrives on interconnection, and it’s both energizing and comforting to feel that you’re building not just friendships but a social network.

Finely made tools help make work a pleasure.

Remembering happy times gives a big boost to happiness, and looking at photographs of happy times helps make those memories more vivid.