The Happiness Hypothesis

By: Jonathan Haidt

Narrated by: Ryan Vincent Anderson

Length: 10 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's summary

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

Jonathan Haidt skillfully combines two genres-philosophical wisdom and scientific research-delighting the listener with surprising insights. He explains, for example, why we have such difficulty controlling ourselves and sticking to our plans; why no achievement brings lasting happiness, yet a few changes in your life can have profound effects, and why even confirmed atheists experience spiritual elevation. In a stunning final chapter, Haidt addresses the grand question "How can I live a meaningful life?," offering an original answer that draws on the rich inspiration of both philosophy and science.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2006 Jonathan Haidt (P)2018 Hachette Audio

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

"[T]he psychologist Jonathan Haidt shows in his wonderfully smart and readable The Happiness Hypothesis: Finding Modern Truth in Ancient Wisdom [that] modern science and history have a lot to say to each other."—Darrin McMahon, The Washington Post

"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

A message our divided culture needs

This is one of the most fair-minded and intellectually honest books I have read. The author does an excellent job of laying out his thesis without ever becoming dogmatic or didactic. The content is well researched and academically sound yet engaging and easy to read. Throughout the book, Jonathan Haidt hits the nail on the head again and again and again.

I feel happier already

I really enjoyed the way this book chose a few main topics to focus on from ancient ideas, then brought forth evidence for or against these ideas from scientific literature. Haidt is truly brilliant and I could stop and think about every few sentences in his writing and get so much out of it. I’m sure I will keep listening to this one in the future.

Shots of intrigue to wet your mind’s lips

Overall this was a very insightful book with many tidbits of information. Haidt does a remarkable job linking many concepts and theories from different disciplines. This is a heavy subject which involves some advanced understanding of the topic. If you’re relatively green to the subject matter, some of what he talks about may be difficult to grasp. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone who’s got a tamed elephant and an open rider. The narrator was a little dry (hence the 4 stars)

Good book - Narrator's voice tone too much bass

I bought this on a recommendation. So far I like the book (when I'm able to hear it). My issue with this audiobook is that the narrator's voice tone is very deep and is very hard to hear clearly on speakers. The bass tone tends to distort the sound and his words are extremely difficult to understand. I listen to many books in the shower, and this one becomes even more unintelligible when you add the shower noise. It's frustrating....

Thank You Anthony Robbins! (for the suggestion)

I wasn't even to chapter 2 and I ordered a hard copy. I seriously enjoy this book. I plan to relisten and read.

What a wealth of information! I recommend to anyone...truly, ANYONE. HELL, EVERYONE,actually, so many would benefit from reading/listening to this particular piece of Jonathan's work.

Well done sir. ;)

One of the best books I have listened

This is not the chicken soup for the soul type of self help book. It’s a combination of psychology, philosophy and ethics together. It tries to use science based reasoning to answer the most fundamental questions of the meaning of life, how to be happy etc. I think I gained a lot of knowledge and understanding of how our mind works and got some practical lessons on how to live a better and happier life at the same time. I like the author’s non extremist views by acknowledging the value of science And religion, liberal values And conservative view points. To many people these extremes seem like water and fire that cannot coexist, but the author saw the wisdom in both rationality and belief, liberalism and conservatism. I like that.

Great book, horrendous performance.

A great book by Mr. Haidt, but the narrator is horrible. It almost sounds as if it is being read by A.I. Mr. Haidt's other works that are read by himself are very listenable; this is a struggle at times even though it may well be Haidt's best work.

one of the greatest non fiction books i read

Great book, covers broad range of topics. Will probably read it again in the future.
Quality of recording suboptimal

Wonderful book! I would reccomend 100%

A new different plethora of information in each chaper all equally interesting and convincing.

A practical and in-depth look into happiness

I enjoy the first half of this book very much, with much scientific and philosophical reference and insight. I had a bit of trouble with the second half, when more abstract matters of culture and religion enters into the conversation. the conclusion is a very practical one, and carry much truth. I was also very impressed by the amount of research went into writing this book. Highly recommended