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Stumbling on Happiness

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( 63,266 ratings, 3,233 reviews)
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
Stumbling on Happiness by Daniel Gilbert explores the science of happiness, focusing on how people perceive and misperceive their future emotional states. Gilbert delves into psychological and neurological research to explain why humans often misjudge what will make them happy. This engaging book combines humour and insight to reveal how our minds sometimes lead us astray in our pursuit of happiness.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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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're curious about the science of happiness and enjoy exploring how our minds work to predict future satisfaction. It's packed with engaging humour and insightful research, making complex psychological concepts accessible and entertaining.

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In this fascinating and often hilarious work – winner of the Royal Society of Science Prize 2007 – pre-eminent psychologist Daniel Gilbert shows how – and why – the majority of us have no idea how to make ourselves happy.

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

In the captivating and frequently hilarious Stumbling on Happiness, esteemed psychologist Daniel Gilbert delves into the enigmatic science of happiness. Winner of the Royal Society of Science Prize in 2007, this book offers an eye-opening exploration into why the majority of us struggle to understand what will truly make us happy.

We all desire happiness, but how often do we make choices that actually lead us there? Gilbert explains that when it comes to improving our future at the expense of our present, we are notoriously bad at predicting what our future selves will actually enjoy. Interweaving insights from psychology, neuroscience, economics, and philosophy, Gilbert uses his trademark wit and irreverence to investigate how the human brain envisions its future and the accuracy (or lack thereof) of these predictions.

The book reveals astonishing secrets about human motivation and decision-making, answering thought-provoking questions along the way. Why do dining companions order different meals instead of just choosing what they genuinely want? Why do shoppers report higher satisfaction when they are unable to return items? And why do couples often feel less satisfied after having children, even as they claim their offspring bring immense joy?

Renowned for his engaging writing style, Professor Gilbert expertly dissects these paradoxes, making us question the reliability of our desires and expectations. Stumbling on Happiness challenges our preconceived notions about happiness and provides a profound new perspective on what it means to live a fulfilling life.

Engrossing and enlightening, Gilbert's work is a must-read for anyone interested in the complex, often baffling pursuit of happiness. With thought-provoking insights and plenty of humour, Stumbling on Happiness offers readers not just a glimpse into the science of future forecasting but also practical wisdom to apply in their everyday lives.

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?

Stumbling on Happiness by Daniel Gilbert receives high praise for its entertaining and insightful exploration of psychological research into happiness. Reviewers commend Gilbert's engaging writing style, likening it to a mix of Malcolm Gladwell and David Sedaris, and highlight his ability to challenge readers' preconceptions about what makes them happy. This book is celebrated for its depth, usefulness, and the joy it brings to readers, making profound psychological concepts accessible and enjoyable.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780007183135

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 05 February 2007

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: HarperPerennial

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 20.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 220g

Pages: 352

About the Author

Daniel Gilbert was born in 1957, attained his Ph.D. in 1985 from Princeton University, and since 1996 has served as Professor of Psychology at Harvard University. In 2002, he was listed by Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin as one of the fifty most influential social psychologists of the decade, and is now considered the world's foremost authority on the psychological concepts of 'fundamental attribution error' and 'affective forecasting'.

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