Episode 18: Harvard scientist Dr. Arthur Brooks unpacks the science of happiness

Dr. Arthur Brooks is the world’s leading expert on the topic of human happiness. As a social scientist, he teaches a class at Harvard on the subject and has studied happiness for many years. In the fall of 2023, Arthur released a book with Oprah Winfrey the science of happiness, which immediately debuted at #1 on the New York Times bestseller list.

Today's conversation is a masterclass on the topic of happiness, in which Arthur debunks all the myths around the subject. Breaking down all of the latest discoveries of social science, he gives us a roadmap to a happier life.

Chapters:

0:00 - 1:07 - Intro

1:07 - 3:19 - Why are we obsessed with happiness?

3:19 - 4:53 - What does happiness even mean?

4:53 - 7:15 - Did people always want to be happy?

7:15 - 8:12 - Is happiness a good goal in life?

8:12 - 10:39 - The macronutrients of happiness

10:39 - 16:49 - What role do circumstances have in happiness?

16:49 - 20:57 - Money / fame / power / pleasure = happiness?

20:57 - 23:58 - Let’s play a game: what’s your idol?

23:58 - 25:57 - Success & beauty = happiness?

25:57 - 31:30 - Arrival fallacy

31:30 - 39:22 - Money & success are launching pads

39:22 - 44:47 - The Four Pillars of happiness

44:47 - 50:28 - Envy is a happiness killer

50:28 - 53:58 - Caring what others think of you

53:58 - 59:59 - The Four Pillars: Family

59:59 - 1:05:42 - The Four Pillars: Friendship

1:05:42 - 1:09:54 - The Four Pillars: Meaningful Work

1:09:54 - 1:15:25 - The Four Pillars: Faith

1:15:25 - 1:18:17 - How to frame our emotions

1:18:17 - 1:21:27 - Negative emotions are not bad

 

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