The Science of Happiness: How Our Brains Make Us Happy - and What We Can Do to Get Happier

excellent & fascinating book (though it can be a little redundant at times)...if you like: *steven pinker *kay redfield jamieson *peter whybrow *carl sagan *richard dawkins *evolutionary psychology *neuroscience you'll enjoy this book. i breezed through it in a few hours - simply because i couldn't put it down since it's such a light enjoyable read.

XXXXX Consider these questions: (1) Is happiness more than simply the opposite of unhappiness? (2) Is happiness genetic? (3) Does the feeling of anger pass if you vent it? (4) Is it possible to prolong the good moments in one's life? (5) Does money make people happy? (6) Can we stay in love with the same person all our life? (7) What is the greatest happiness? These are just some of the questions answered in this interesting, comprehensive, scientifically-based, and easy-to-read book, an "international bestseller," by German science and freelance writer Dr. Stefan Klein. This book was well translated from German by Stephen Lehmann. What is happiness? This question, as Klein tells us, was the "catalyst" for this book. Klein continues: "My own search for positive feelings...played a role in my hope that we could find happiness if we only knew where to look for it. I was also motivated by curiosity, which is an occupational disease of scientists and journalists--and I am both." The book itself mentions both current and historical happiness research as well as case studies. Klein also delves into literature resources on happiness. I feel that this book is strongest when it deals with the neuroscience of happiness. The reason for this is mentioned in the book's acknowledgements section: "I have been fortunate in getting to know many of the leading researchers in the study of the brain and emotions, and they have been generous with their time and insights." Finally, there are two things I question regarding this book: (1) Is the scientific measurement of positive or pleasurable feelings really an adequate basis for an understanding of happiness and how to attain it? (2) Klein presents a plethora of animal research and extrapolates the conclusions of this research to humans. Is this extrapolation really justified especially when dealing with the complex feeling of happiness? Despite these queries, I still learned much from this book. In conclusion, an anonymous person once said, "Much happiness is lost in the pursuit of it." Perhaps, but thanks to the discoveries of neuroscience presented in this book, we can all learn to be happy. (first published 2002; translation published 2006; introduction; 3 parts or 15 chapters; epilogue; main narrative 260 pages; notes; bibliography; acknowledgements; index) > <br /> <br />XXXXX <br />

This is a great book. Everyone has an opinion, but science attempts to analyze the facts to determine the truth. This book is easy to read, but it cites many scientific studies to shows how our everyday behavior can alter our brain chemistry for the better or worse. It does not rely on dogmatic opinion unsupported by scientific data. The translation from German is superb. One would never know from reading this book that it was originally written in another language. The reader who objected to the last chapter just objects to the truth. Scientific research sometimes turns up facts that are not politically correct in some circles. A quick Goggle search of the Internet for "happiness nations" yields many web sites supporting the observations of the last chapter of this book. Again - If you are to read one book on this subject, this would be the one to read. There are several other good books on happiness. I have half a dozen. This is the best of the bunch. Jim Fuqua

As the title says, this books discusses the research of what happens in the brain when we experience different feelings (or runs amuck in depression or addiction) and what we can do to increase the positive feelings. I was surprised by a chapter discussing societal factors. It does not read like a translation, there are references to lots of American locations and icons. While I knew much of the advice (such as the good effects of exercise), I learned a good bit (such as income equality brings greater happiness). The book also refutes some 'common sense' adages. All in all, an enjoyable read that I found very interesting.