In this book, Haidt draws on 10 ancient ideas and blends them with modern research findings to identify what makes us happy. Does happiness come from getting what we want? Does it come from within? Perhaps happiness comes from without, from external conditions? Haidt investigates all of these ideas and provides his own happiness hypothesis: happiness comes from "between".
From ancient philosophers to modern positive psychologists, the debate about the source of happiness has not diminished with time. The Happiness Hypothesis is one of the latest additions to that debate, convincingly arguing that happiness is found "between".
"Love and work are crucial for human happiness because, when done well, they draw us out of ourselves and into connections with people and projects beyond ourselves. Happiness comes from getting these connections right. Happiness comes not just from within, as Buddha and Epictetus supposed, or even from a combination of internal and external factors. The correct version of the happiness hypothesis.... is that happiness comes from between."
The 10 ancient ideas are explored in each chapter of the book. From an analysis of how the human mind works to discussions of our social lives, Haidt persuasively addresses the sources of happiness and our need to live meaningful and fulfilling lives.
The 10 ancient ideas are:
The divided self - This is the core idea behind the book, that the mind is divided into two parts which sometimes conflict, the conscious reasoning part and the sub-conscious or automatic part;
Changing your mind - This is Shakespeare's "thinking makes it so" idea. Why do we have a bias to seeing threats and engaging in useless worry?;
Reciprocity - The Golden rule is found in most religions. Reciprocity is the most important tool for getting along with people, but it is more than that... ;
The faults of others - Why is it always easy to see faults in others and not in ourselves? How can you become less biased, less moralistic and therefore less inclined towards conflict?;
The pursuit of happiness - Where does happiness come from? Several perspectives are discussed to answer this question.
Love and attachments - The power and importance of relatedness. We need others to complete us.
The uses of adversity - Where does adversity fit into any happiness hypothesis? Does facing adversity make you stronger?;
The felicity of virtue - What place should virtue have in our pursuit of happiness? Recent research into positive psychology is presented and along with its link to happiness.
Divinity with or without God - Finding meaning, purpose and fulfilment in life
Happiness comes from between - The main argument of the book is that happiness is found "between". Not simply from looking inside or looking without, but between relatedness and a sense of a greater purpose.
Acclaim for the Happiness Hypothesis:
"At first glance this looks like one of those limp pieces of lifestyle philosophy that us cynics are programmed to bin on sight. But do not be deceived. Haidt's...book is a superbly argued crystal clear and intelligent blend of new directions in contemporary experimental psychology and traditional philosophical thought." (Arena, book publicity)
How does the happiness hypothesis relate to work? Haidt suggests that people thrive under certain conditions, and that what's needed is the coming together of love and work to create "vital engagement". Vital engagement doesn't reside in the person or in the environment. Rather "it exists in the relationship between the two."
So how do you find happiness? It's not an easy place to find, arising from a balance of the internal and the external. From managing our genetic predisposition to happiness, our attitudes, and our external environment. As Haidt says, it comes from "between". How do you do that? You try to create the right conditions in your life. By thinking about happiness information and ideas, and seeking appropriate ways to happiness.
"Just as plants need sun, water, and good soil to thrive, people need love, work, and a connection to something larger."
The Happiness Hypothesis? Happiness Comes From Between
The Happiness Hypothesis is not a self-help book. It offers an excellent marriage of old with new, and a fresh insight into happiness in general. For the Happy Managr, the sections on love, work and meaning provide valuable perspectives on how we might craft a happier life. From improving how we think about work, to becoming better at relating to others, Haidt holds out the hope that we can create the conditions for all to be happier. Ourselves, and the people we manage.
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