Saturday, February 27, 2010

Get Happy


I recommend The Happiness Hypothesis: Finding Modern Truth in Ancient Wisdom by Jonathan Haidt. I read the first chapter a couple of years ago and then let it sit on the shelf, but the first chapter is not the best chapter. When I resumed my read after the long hiatus, I was impressed by the careful attention Haidt pays to a range of pcychological studies that address various aspects of happiness and fulfillment. This book is part of the larger movement called Positive Psychology, "founded on the belief that people want to lead meaningful and fulfilling lives, to cultivate what is best within themselves, and to enhance their experiences in love, work and play." A little positivity can probably do a lot of good.