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The Science of Happiness

Seven Lessons for Living Well

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The Science of Happiness

By: Bruce Hood
Narrated by: Chris Harper
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About this listen

 ‘The high priest of happiness’ SUNDAY TIMES

‘A fantastic guide to getting out of our own heads and finding more connection, presence, and joy’ LAURIE SANTOS, Professor of Psychology at Yale University and host of The Happiness Lab podcast
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We all want to be happier, but our brains often get in the way. When we’re too stuck in our heads we obsess over our inadequacies, compare ourselves with others and fail to see the good in our lives.

In The Science of Happiness, world-leading psychologist and happiness expert Bruce Hood demonstrates that the key to happiness is not self-care but connection. He presents seven simple but life-changing lessons to break negative thought patterns and re-connect with the things that really matter.

Alter Your Ego
Avoid Isolation
Reject Negative Comparisons
Become More Optimistic
Control Your Attention
Connect With Others
Get Out of Your Own Head

Grounded in decades of studies in neuroscience and developmental psychology, this book tells a radical new story about the roots of wellbeing and the obstacles that lie in our path. With clear, practical takeaways throughout, Professor Hood demonstrates how we can all harness the findings of this science to re-wire our thinking and transform our lives.
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‘A rare bird – a book that is grounded in the best new science, written with wit and wisdom, and provides clear and valuable lessons for living your best life. Highly recommended!’ DANIEL GILBERT, author of the New York Times bestseller Stumbling on Happiness

‘A wonderful guide to what actually makes people happier – full of wisdom backed by a wealth of scientific evidence’ ROBERT WALDINGER, author of The Good Life: Lessons from the World's Longest Study on Happiness

‘The most erudite, thoughtful, and original take on this important subject I have ever encountered’ MICHAEL SHERMER, author of Why People Believe Weird Things Developmental Psychology Mental Health Personal Development Personal Success Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Happiness Health Inspiring Human Brain

Critic reviews

‘Do yourself a favour and grab this fantastic guide to the science of happiness! Hood nicely explains practical strategies for getting out of our own heads and finding more connection, presence, and joy’ (Laurie Santos, Professor of Psychology at Yale University and host of The Happiness Lab podcast)
‘The Science of Happiness is a rare bird—a book that is grounded in the best new science, written with wit and wisdom, and provides clear and valuable lessons for living your best life. Highly recommended!’ (Daniel Gilbert, Edgar Pierce Professor of Psychology, Harvard University & author of the New York Times bestseller 'Stumbling on Happiness')
‘This is a wonderful guide to what actually makes people happier – full of wisdom backed by a wealth of scientific evidence. If you want practical ideas that you can use right now to boost your wellbeing, this is your book’

(Robert Waldinger, Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School & author of The Good Life: Lessons from the World's Longest Study on Happiness)
‘In my work as a social scientist, magazine publisher, and book author I have read all the books on happiness since the 1990s, so I was surprised - shocked really - to discover in Bruce Hood’s book The Science of Happiness the most erudite, thoughtful, and original take on this important subject I have ever encountered. I learned something new in every chapter, and as a bonus it’s a page-turning read. Bravo Professor Hood’

(Michael Shermer, author of 'Why People Believe Weird Things')
'The high priest of happiness' (Michael Odell)
'A roadmap to better wellbeing'
All stars
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Really enjoyed this. Great book with great narration. I listened to it in 24 hours and will definitely be listening to it again .

Simple but effective tools

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I finished Bruce Hood’s happiness book in under a week, he did an excellent job of compiling the latest research with explanations of our evolutionary past. For anyone who wants to understand themselves and have practical ways to live a happier more empowered life I highly recommend this book.

A must read

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I found it particularly interesting to hear the science behind the suggested practices. Who knew bats are so caring?

Altogether the book flowed nicely and I came away with practical tips to implement in my own life.

A must listen for anyone looking to raise their baseline happiness

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Interesting and helpful book on understanding happiness - some great techniques for fostering a healthier happier mindset.

Delightful

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An interesting book. I wonder though if those unhappy are able to sign up to a choir, go dancing, and smile at successes of others after reading this book or they will carry on being unhappy. PS correct name of Marie Curie is Maria Skłodowska-Curie (check her noble prize and see how she wished her name to be written, so time to follow her wishes (not the linguistic limitations or a bias that caused shortening it to her husband’s part of her last name only)

An interesting read

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