The Happiness Hypothesis: 6 key ideas
The core ideas of The Happiness Hypothesis, each in under a minute, written in our own words. Want the full depth? Get the book.
- IDEA 1 OF 6
The rider and the elephant
The conscious mind is a rider on a powerful emotional elephant.
Lasting change means training the elephant, not lecturing it.
- IDEA 2 OF 6
Reciprocity
Mutual exchange underpins relationships and cooperation.
Use it to build trust, and beware those who exploit it.
- IDEA 3 OF 6
Happiness comes from between
It arises from the right relationships between you and others, your work, and something larger than yourself.
- IDEA 4 OF 6
Adversity can help
Many people grow after hardship, especially when they make sense of it and have support.
- IDEA 5 OF 6
Virtue is practical
Strengths of character cultivated through practice contribute to wellbeing.
- IDEA 6 OF 6
Divinity and elevation
People are moved by moral beauty.
Experiences of awe and goodness lift us.
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