The Happiness Hypothesis

Finding Modern Truth in Ancient Wisdom

By: Jonathan Haidt

Narrated by: Ryan Vincent Anderson

The author of the #1 New York Times bestseller The Anxious Generation shows how a deeper understanding of the world’s philosophical wisdom can enrich and transform our lives.

“Wonderfully smart and readable.” —Washington Post

In The Happiness Hypothesis, social psychologist Jonathan Haidt skillfully combines philosophical wisdom and scientific research to explore ten “Great Ideas” that have been discovered by several of the world’s civilizations. In each chapter, Haidt questions a Great Idea in light of what we now know, and extracts from it the lessons that still apply to our modern lives, thereby illuminating the causes of human flourishing.

Now with a new preface, The Happiness Hypothesis expertly unravels the world’s philosophical wisdom and its enduring maxims—such as “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you” and “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger”—and tackles the eternal question “How can I live a meaningful life?”

Critic reviews

"The Happiness Hypothesis is a wonderful and nuanced book that provides deep insight into the some of the most important questions in life -- Why are we here? What kind of life should we lead? What paths lead to happiness? From the ancient philosophers to cutting edge scientists, Haidt weaves a tapestry of the best and the brightest. His highly original work on elevation and awe -- two long-neglected emotions -- adds a new weave to that tapestry. A truly inspiring book."—David M. Buss, author of The Evolution of Desire

"In this beautifully written book, Jonathan Haidt shows us the deep connection that exists between cutting-edge psychological research and the wisdom of the ancients. It is inspiring to see how much modern psychology informs life's most central and persistent questions."—Barry Schwartz, author of The Paradox of Choice

"In our quest for happiness, we must find a balance between modern science and ancient wisdom, between East and West, and between 'left brain' and 'right brain.' Haidt has struck that balance perfectly, and in doing so has given us the most brilliant and lucid analysis of virtue and well-being in the entire literature of positive psychology. For the reader who seeks to understand happiness, my advice is: Begin with Haidt."—Martin E.P. Seligman, Director, Positive Psychology Center at the University of Pennsylvania and author of Authentic Happiness

"Haidt is a fine guide on this journey between past and present, discussing the current complexities of psychological theory with clarity and humor. . . Haidt's is an open-minded, robust look at philosophy, psychological fact and spiritual mystery, of scientific rationalism and the unknowable ephemeral -- an honest inquiry that concludes that the best life is, perhaps, one lived in the balance of opposites." —Bookpage

A remarkable book from 2006

I reviewed an earlier audio book version (no longer available) of THE HAPPINESS HYPOTHESIS here at Audible three years ago. This version is better because the narrator is better and this one has a PDF file of the exhibits. Three of social psychologist Jonathan Haidt's books are available at Audible. The most important is The Righteous Mind which was published in 2012. The second most important is The Coddling of the American Mind published in 2018 and coauthored by Greg Lukianoff (founder of FIRE). This book is important but less so than the other two.

I tend to be critical of republication of audio books but there is enough of an improvement here to justify it.

Exceptional content

The research and writing is exceptional throughout the book. It changed the way I think about politics, religion/spirituality, morality, ideas found within the self-esteem movement of the 90’s and the field of positive psychology. Haidt does an amazing job weaving a variety of concepts together in an intelligent, insightful, and engaging manner that exceeded my expectations. This is my first book by Haidt and I am looking forward to reading/listening to his other books. Overall, the book is well worth a credit.

Most Impactful Book I Have Ever Read

I have been going through a bit of a quarter-life crisis over the past year and a half and this was exactly the book I needed.

The Happiness Hypothesis is pure content. Jonathan Haidt never ceases to amaze me with his ability to pack so much knowledge into a handful of paragraphs.

I don’t usually write book reviews, but I just feel so passionately about this one. Part of me feels like going out and buying a copy for everyone I know.

I feel grateful to have discovered this book and have already started listening to the audiobook for the second time. Do yourself a favor and get yourself a copy!

A book worth taking seriously

audiobook is well- voiced. the content of the work itself is important and well-presented in a manner which I would consider accessible to anyone with even a passing interest in psychology. This is a book that I will be recommending to many people in my life, and I think that anyone who is struggling to come to terms with a loved one's differing point of view in this highly politicized climate would do well to take the time to explore this work.

Great book

I read along with the audio book and this book gave me such create insights into creating a richer more fulfilling life. The author digs Into many subjects for creating happiness but the formula is the most simple and effective to apply.