Philosophy : The Happiness Hypothesis Finding Modern Truth in Ancient Wisdom
Happiness: Unlocking the Mysteries of Psychological Wealth | 
 | 80% Recommended by our customers.
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Manufacturer: Basic Books
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- ISBN13: 9780465028023
- Condition: New
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 Insightful, but challenging
This book was recommended to me as a source for insight following a rather unpleasant life event. The book is interesting and well-written, but it is clinical in its tone although softened by using layman terminology. I have found it a very difficult book to read in parts. It requires some concentration and the time to read extensively so that the concepts which reinforce each other sink in. It is not anecdotal as much as reasoned in its approach to human interaction and the underlying scientific studies documenting the mechanics of relationships.
I like the book, but it's been tough to sit down and make a large dent in it. And I don't know that the clinical analysis of "why things happen between people" is as much what i was looking for as "how life can improve."
In fairness, I'm only 1/2 way through. I will finish and update the review.
 Connects a lot of dots few dare to see.
This is another book referenced in Tony Hsieh's book.
Very interesting connections across physiology, psychology and sociology centering on culture and the origins of morals, and, their inseparable connection to happiness.
By no means is this a book about religion or religious morals, although Haidt definitely discusses these topics since they play a role in the evolution (if you will) of human thought and philosophy and in how we live our lives (whether we practice a religion or not).
Treats several hot-button topics in a neutral way, with plenty of humor, and honesty. Among the many eye-popping narratives, one theme that was a highlight for me was how a professed atheist political liberal not only treats a topic full of religious conservative viewpoints with hard-to-find intellectual honesty (from any side of an issue), but is able to make a solid argument for why G-d, religion, and Conservative viewpoints are not only subjects to be treated with respect, but are essential elements to a fully functional strong society -- alongside a-religious, scientific, and liberal viewpoints. Think: Yin & Yang.
Fascinating stuff and highly recommended. I ran through the book to see how things wrapped up, but there's so much really strong material in it that I will be re-reading it pretty soon to take my time and take more notes.
stimulating!
This was recommended to me by a liberal professor/pastor friend. While I am an evangelical conservative, we both like philosophy and psychology and this book has plenty of both. The author appears very ambitious, seeking to tell us how to be happy and find meaning in life, by studying all the World's great religions and combining them with modern positive psychology to synthesize key lessons on happiness and well being.
I found the book very stimulating. I liked the many studies he cited, some of which confirmed my beliefs, while others extended my horizons. He is witty and winsome with sharing his personal experiences. In my mind the only flaws are hubris and some distracting material on evolution.
Loved It
The first few chapters contain one of the best explanations I've seen of the differences, and power struggle, between the conscious and subconscious mind.
What a great book!
After I read this book, I was so impressed that I passed it around the house, and pestered everyone in the family until they read it, which they were all very happy about in the end. Everyone agrees it is incredibly well-written, in a very clear and engaging style. It presents enough specifics and examples to support the larger points being made, and builds logically and seamlessly as it progresses. It illuminates so many interesting insights into how the mind really works and what really motivates us. The "rider on the elephant" metaphor for the relationship between the conscious mind and the automatic, largely subconscious mind is really so useful and powerful in so many contexts.
I have only one minor quibble, and this is because I was particularly interested in how the book deals with meditation practice. Haidt suggests that the Buddha was teaching people how to be "happy" by being "indifferent" to one's experiences. Actually, the Buddha encouraged people to be *liberated from suffereing*, not happy, by cultivating *equanimity*, which is not at all the same as indifference. This misunderstanding may be widespread in our society, and presenting Buddhism in this light worked in terms of the overall message, but it is still a misunderstanding. However, it's still a fantastic book.
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