4.3
The Happiness Hypothesis Finding Modern Truth in Ancient Wisdom
Jonathan Haidt skillfully combines two genres-philosophical wisdom and scientific research-delighting the reader with surprising insights. He explains, for example, why we have such difficulty controlling ourselves and sticking to our plans; why no achievement brings lasting happiness, yet a few changes in your life can have profound effects, and why even confirmed atheists experience spiritual elevation. In a stunning final chapter, Haidt addresses the grand question "How can I live a meaningful life?," offering an original answer that draws on the rich inspiration of both philosophy and science.
Ê
"The Happiness Hypothesisis a wonderful and nuanced book that provides deep insight into the some of the most important questions in life--Why are we here?Ê What kind of life should we lead?Ê What paths lead to happiness?Ê From the ancient philosophers to cutting edge scientists, Haidt weaves a tapestry of the best and the brightest.Ê His highly original work on elevation and awe--two long-neglected emotions--adds a new weave to that tapestry.Ê A truly inspiring book."Ê -David M. Buss, author ofThe Evolution of Desire:Ê Strategies of Human Mating Ê ÒIn this beautifully written book, Jonathan Haidt shows us the deep connection that exists between cutting-edge psychological research and the wisdom of the ancients.Ê It is inspiring to see how much modern psychology informs life's most central and persistent questions -Barry Schwartz, author ofThe Paradox of Choice: Why More Is Less Ê ÊÒIn our quest for happiness, we must find a balance between modern science and ancient wisdom, between East and West, and between Ôleft brainÕ and Ôright brain.Õ Jon Haidt has struck that balance perfectly, and in doing so has given us the most brilliant and lucid analysis ofÊvirtue and well-being in the entire literature of positive psychology.Ê For the reader who seeks to understand happiness, my advice is: Begin with Haidt.Ó -Martin E.P. Seligman, Director, Positive Psychology Center at the University of Pennsylvania and author ofAuthentic Happiness Ê ÒHaidt is a fine guide on this journey between past and present, discussing the current complexities of psychological theory with clarity and humor. . . HaidtÕs is an open-minded, robust look at philosophy, psychological fact and spiritual mystery, of scientific rationalism and the unknowable ephemeral Ð an honest inquiry that concludes that the best life is, perhaps, one lived in the balance of opposites.Ó -BookpagePsychologyEmotionsPhilosophyHistory & SurveysAncient & Classical
RELEASED2006
PUBLISHERBasic Books
LENGTH297
LANGUAGEEN
Jonathan David Haidt (/haɪt/; born October 19, 1963) is an American social psychologist, Professor of Ethical Leadership at New York University Stern School of Business,[1] and author. His main areas of study are the psychology of morality and moral emotions. Haidt's main scientific contributions come from the psychological field of moral foundations theory,[2] which attempts to explain the evolutionary origins of human moral reasoning on the basis of innate, gut feelings rather than logical reason.[3] The theory was later extended to explain the different moral reasoning and how they relate to political ideology, with different political orientations prioritizing different sets of morals.[4] The research served as a foundation for future books on various topics. Haidt has written three books for general audiences, including: The Happiness Hypothesis: Finding Modern Truth in Ancient Wisdom (2006) explores the relationship between ancient philosophies and modern science;[5] The Righteous Mind: Why Good People are Divided by Politics and Religion (2012) examines how morality is shaped by emotion and intuition more than by reasoning, and why differing political groups have different notions of right and wrong;[6] and The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas Are Setting Up a Generation for Failure (2018), co-written with Greg Lukianoff, explores the rising political polarization and changing culture on college campuses, and its effects on mental health. Haidt has attracted both support and criticism for his critique of the current state of universities and his interpretation of progressive values.[7] He has been named one of the "top global thinkers" by Foreign Policy magazine, and one of the "top world thinkers" by Prospect magazine.[8][9] He is among the most cited researchers in political and moral psychology, and is considered among the top 25 most influential living psychologists
4.3
The Happiness Hypothesis Finding Modern Truth in Ancient Wisdom
Jonathan Haidt skillfully combines two genres-philosophical wisdom and scientific research-delighting the reader with surprising insights. He explains, for example, why we have such difficulty controlling ourselves and sticking to our plans; why no achievement brings lasting happiness, yet a few changes in your life can have profound effects, and why even confirmed atheists experience spiritual elevation. In a stunning final chapter, Haidt addresses the grand question "How can I live a meaningful life?," offering an original answer that draws on the rich inspiration of both philosophy and science.
Ê
"The Happiness Hypothesisis a wonderful and nuanced book that provides deep insight into the some of the most important questions in life--Why are we here?Ê What kind of life should we lead?Ê What paths lead to happiness?Ê From the ancient philosophers to cutting edge scientists, Haidt weaves a tapestry of the best and the brightest.Ê His highly original work on elevation and awe--two long-neglected emotions--adds a new weave to that tapestry.Ê A truly inspiring book."Ê -David M. Buss, author ofThe Evolution of Desire:Ê Strategies of Human Mating Ê ÒIn this beautifully written book, Jonathan Haidt shows us the deep connection that exists between cutting-edge psychological research and the wisdom of the ancients.Ê It is inspiring to see how much modern psychology informs life's most central and persistent questions -Barry Schwartz, author ofThe Paradox of Choice: Why More Is Less Ê ÊÒIn our quest for happiness, we must find a balance between modern science and ancient wisdom, between East and West, and between Ôleft brainÕ and Ôright brain.Õ Jon Haidt has struck that balance perfectly, and in doing so has given us the most brilliant and lucid analysis ofÊvirtue and well-being in the entire literature of positive psychology.Ê For the reader who seeks to understand happiness, my advice is: Begin with Haidt.Ó -Martin E.P. Seligman, Director, Positive Psychology Center at the University of Pennsylvania and author ofAuthentic Happiness Ê ÒHaidt is a fine guide on this journey between past and present, discussing the current complexities of psychological theory with clarity and humor. . . HaidtÕs is an open-minded, robust look at philosophy, psychological fact and spiritual mystery, of scientific rationalism and the unknowable ephemeral Ð an honest inquiry that concludes that the best life is, perhaps, one lived in the balance of opposites.Ó -BookpagePsychologyEmotionsPhilosophyHistory & SurveysAncient & Classical
RELEASED2006
PUBLISHERBasic Books
LENGTH297
LANGUAGEEN
Jonathan David Haidt (/haɪt/; born October 19, 1963) is an American social psychologist, Professor of Ethical Leadership at New York University Stern School of Business,[1] and author. His main areas of study are the psychology of morality and moral emotions. Haidt's main scientific contributions come from the psychological field of moral foundations theory,[2] which attempts to explain the evolutionary origins of human moral reasoning on the basis of innate, gut feelings rather than logical reason.[3] The theory was later extended to explain the different moral reasoning and how they relate to political ideology, with different political orientations prioritizing different sets of morals.[4] The research served as a foundation for future books on various topics. Haidt has written three books for general audiences, including: The Happiness Hypothesis: Finding Modern Truth in Ancient Wisdom (2006) explores the relationship between ancient philosophies and modern science;[5] The Righteous Mind: Why Good People are Divided by Politics and Religion (2012) examines how morality is shaped by emotion and intuition more than by reasoning, and why differing political groups have different notions of right and wrong;[6] and The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas Are Setting Up a Generation for Failure (2018), co-written with Greg Lukianoff, explores the rising political polarization and changing culture on college campuses, and its effects on mental health. Haidt has attracted both support and criticism for his critique of the current state of universities and his interpretation of progressive values.[7] He has been named one of the "top global thinkers" by Foreign Policy magazine, and one of the "top world thinkers" by Prospect magazine.[8][9] He is among the most cited researchers in political and moral psychology, and is considered among the top 25 most influential living psychologists
