Stumbling on Happiness

Can you become more happy? How would you do it? What does that even mean?

From Aristotle to Disney, culture low brow and high has put happiness at the top of the tree when it comes to life's prizes. For many, it is the ur-good, from which all other goods derive their instrumental worth. But often, too, the pursuit of happiness is dismissed as a mere frippery.

Bringing together what psychologists have to say on the subject, Gilbert tackles these big questions through engaging and entertaining prose. The book has plenty of practical techniques and insights that you could apply to try to become happier, but it is by no means your typical self-help nonsense. The author is a properly credentialed scientist and expert in the field, his statements are backed up by studies which are clearly explained and the book takes the time to explain. I have no background in the subject, so I can't speak to the accuracy of his presentation of the science, but I have heard the book praised by a number of different people who know more than I do, so I take that it is at least generally accurate.

A really interesting and easy read. I would definitely recommend this to anyone over pretty much any and all of the self-help shelves in your local bookstore.