The Happiness Hypothesis: Finding Modern Truth in Ancient Wisdom
by Jonathan Haidt
Rating: 5.0 / 5 · Read · Finished 2024-04-30
Pretty cool concept for a book: ten truths about human nature that have been discovered again and again throughout history, with evidence from psychology to help explain them.
I really enjoy Haidt’s writing. You tend to constantly hit on insights that are surprising but ring true.
Random tidbits
- Genetics explain at least 50% of the variation of happiness between people
- We feel good when we make progress toward a goal, not when we achieve it. That’s why it’s about the journey, not the destination.
- We can adapt to almost anything, good or bad. But here are things we don’t adapt to: variable noise (like at a traffic intersection), commuting in heavy traffic, lack of control over your life, shame, relationships or their absence, interpersonal conflict.
- Pleasures give more happiness if they are spaced out, varied and savored.
- post-traumatic growth comes from sense-making.
- To go vegetarian, watch video of factory farms rather than listen to logical arguments
- two ways altruism could evolve: kin altruism (help those who share your genes) and reciprocal altruism (help those who will likely help you back)
- love and work give you a feeling of purpose