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Born to Be Good

The Science of a Meaningful Life
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Born to Be Good by Dacher Keltner explores how positive emotions like compassion, gratitude, and awe play a crucial role in building human connections and creating a fulfilling life. The book offers insights into the science of emotion, advocating for the importance of kindness and empathy in personal and societal growth, all supported by research and engaging storytelling.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$3199
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you are intrigued by how emotions influence our relationships and contribute to our sense of goodness and compassion. It offers insights into the power of kindness and the science behind positive human interaction, inviting readers to explore the innate qualities that drive altruistic behaviour.

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β€œA landmark book in the science of emotions and its implications for ethics and human universals.”—Library Journal, starred review

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description
"A landmark book in the science of emotions and its implications for ethics and human universals." β€” Library Journal, starred review.

In this startling study of human emotion, Dacher Keltner investigates an unanswered question of human evolution: If humans are hardwired to lead lives that are "nasty, brutish, and short," why have we evolved with positive emotions like gratitude, amusement, awe, and compassion that promote ethical action and cooperative societies?

Illustrated with more than fifty photographs of human emotions, Born to Be Good takes us on a journey through scientific discovery, personal narrative, and Eastern philosophy. Positive emotions, Keltner finds, lie at the core of human nature and shape our everyday behaviour β€” and they just may be the key to understanding how we can live our lives better.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Born to Be Good by Dacher Keltner is praised for its engaging exploration of human behaviour, blending scientific facts with charm and insight. Critics find it both refreshing and captivating, with a particular emphasis on its broad appeal and entertaining presentation. The book is noted for offering a fascinating look into emotional intelligence and the positive aspects of human nature.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780393337136

Publisher: WW Norton & Co

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 09 February 2010

Country: United States

Imprint: WW Norton & Co

Illustration: 60 photos

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 25.0mm

Width: 140.0mm

Height: 211.0mm

Weight: 300g

Pages: 352

About the Author

Dacher Keltner is a professor of psychology at the University of California, Berkeley, director of the Greater Good Science Center, and coeditor of Greater Good magazine. His research focuses on pro-social emotions, power, and moral reasoning.

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