The Happiness Hypothesis

by Jonathan Haidt
The Happiness Hypothesis cover
Good Books rating 4.31
Psychology and Human Behavior
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Paperback • £11.99
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  • ID: 3918
  • Added: 2025-10-20
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9780434013364
  • Published: 2006-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

The Happiness Hypothesis delves into the age-old wisdom passed down through generations, questioning its validity through the lens of modern science. Author Jonathan Haidt examines traditional sayings and philosophical insights, revealing surprising truths about human behavior and happiness. From the benefits of constraints to the nature of true love, this book challenges our conventional beliefs and offers a fresh perspective on what truly makes us happy. /n/nHaidt's exploration extends beyond personal happiness, touching on the broader human experience. He investigates why conscious thought may not be as pivotal as we think and why we seek to be part of something greater than ourselves. This book is a compelling blend of psychology and philosophy, offering readers a deeper understanding of their own happiness and the factors that influence it.

Reviews
Spirituality and Practice · 2025-10-21
fascinating 4.50

The book delves into the dual nature of happiness, exploring both its positive and negative aspects. It also examines love and attachments, providing a comprehensive view of human emotions.

The reviewer highlights Haidt's fascinating examination of the yin and yang of happiness, which they find particularly compelling. They appreciate the book's exploration of love and attachments, which adds depth to the understanding of happiness. The reviewer suggests that Haidt's insights can help readers navigate the complexities of human emotions and relationships. They also note that the book's interdisciplinary approach makes it a valuable resource for anyone interested in psychology, philosophy, or spirituality.

Quick quotes

    Midway through the book, Haidt hits high stride with a fascinating examination of the yin and the yang of happiness.

    Next up is a look at love and attachments;

    Haidt's insights are both profound and practical.

Uniformly Uninformative · 2021-04-30
fascinating 4.50

The book is praised for consolidating fascinating information from various sources, making it a great read. It is particularly noted for its exploration of happiness from both psychological and philosophical standpoints.

The reviewer highly recommends this book, stating it consolidates a lot of interesting information from other notable works. They find the exploration of happiness from psychological and philosophical angles particularly fascinating. The reviewer also appreciates how the book ties together different schools of thought, making it a unique and engaging read. However, they might have wished for more practical advice or exercises to apply the theories discussed.

Quick quotes

    This is a really great book which consolidated a lot of information I found really fascinating.

    It is particularly noted for its exploration of happiness from both psychological and philosophical standpoints.

    The book ties together different schools of thought, making it a unique and engaging read.

The Guardian · 2006-07-22
insightful 4.00

The book argues for a return to ancient wisdom, blending modern psychology with timeless philosophical insights. It challenges conventional metaphors of information processing, offering a fresh perspective on happiness.

The reviewer appreciates Haidt's approach to happiness, which draws from both ancient wisdom and modern psychology. They find the book's critique of traditional information processing metaphors particularly compelling, suggesting a more holistic view of human nature. The reviewer also highlights how the book bridges the gap between different schools of thought, making it a unique and valuable read. However, they might have wished for more practical applications of the theories discussed.

Quick quotes

    Forget metaphors of information processing.

    Psychologist Jonathan Haidt argues for a return to the wisdom of the ancients.

    The book offers a fresh perspective on happiness.

Greater Good Magazine · 2006-03-01
comprehensive 4.25

The book provides a detailed answer to the question of happiness by aligning philosophical, religious, and theoretical perspectives. It is praised for its comprehensive exploration of the subject.

The reviewer finds Haidt's hypothesis to be thorough and well-researched, integrating various perspectives on happiness. They appreciate how the book delves into philosophical, religious, and theoretical aspects, offering a multifaceted understanding of the topic. The reviewer also notes that the book is empowering, providing readers with a deeper sense of meaning and purpose. However, they might have found some sections dense, requiring careful reading to fully grasp the concepts.

Quick quotes

    Jonathan Haidt's book offers a detailed answer to this question.

    His 'happiness hypothesis' aligns philosophical, religious, and theoretical perspectives.

    The book is empowering, providing readers with a deeper sense of meaning and purpose.

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