The Happiness Hypothesis

By: Jonathan Haidt

Narrated by: Ryan Vincent Anderson

Length: 10 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

"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: Strategies of Human Mating

"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 ofThe Paradox of Choice: Why More Is Less

"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

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

"I really can't recommend this book enough. It's one of the best and most insightful books I've ever read."—Joe Rogan

"[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

"[An] inspiring nuanced study."—People

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.

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.

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!

Interesting and thought provoking

I found very interesting the hypotheses described in this book and will definitely study more some of the concepts that the author explained in order to improve my own “happiness level” and become more conscious of my own behavior. Having said that, the narration was incredibly plain and monotonous, almost as just using a text-to-voice program with zero inflection to recognize humor or irony as intended by the author. Aside from that, i fully recommend this book.

Academic at times, but still absolutely worth it

Academic at times, but still absolutely worth the time spent on it. Performance could be turned up a bit from time to time to stop it from being monotonous.

Pick up!!

Great book this can help anyone find there way to being happier! I’m happy I read this!

Much needed reading

I find the author’s words very current and applicable to those of us who are trying to find answers to some of the most basic questions of today’s society. It appears to be very well researched and evidence based. Well done!!

A book that changed my life

I have listened to it before, now doing it for the second time it just confirmed how good it is. I did a great impact in my life.