Product Description

The Phenomenal #1 International Bestseller--An Enthralling Exploration of the How and Why Behind the Science of Happiness
We all know what it feels like to be happy, but what mechanisms inside our brains trigger such a positive emotion? What does it really mean to be happy, and why can’t we feel that way all of the time? Psychologists and neuroscientists have been studying negative emotions for decades, but until recently few have focused on the subject of happiness.

Now, in The Science of Happiness, leading science journalist Stefan Klein ranges widely across the latest frontiers of neuroscience and psychology to explain how happiness is generated in our brains, what biological purpose it serves, and the conditions required to foster the "pursuit of happiness." A remarkable synthesis of a growing body of research that has not heretofore been brought together, The Science of Happiness is, ultimately, a book that helps us understand our own quest for happiness—and is certain to help make you happier.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #66826 in Books
• Published on: 2006-03-28
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 320 pages

From Publishers Weekly
A leading German science journalist explores the nature of happiness through the latest research in brain science in this instructive study. Positive and negative feelings, he says, are generated by different mental systems; thus, people whose right frontal lobe dominates tend to be more pessimistic, while those with a stronger left lobe are predisposed to optimism and self-confidence. Despite genetic programming, the author says, the brain is "malleable," and anyone with a desire for happiness is able to perceive and experience more pleasurable emotions. Drawing on complex experiments with animals, he suggests specific strategies to overcome depression, including engaging in activities, especially physical activities or simple tasks that easily offer a sense of success; and writing down negative thoughts, then marshaling the evidence against them. Klein looks at the complex relationship between income and satisfaction and the importance of self-determination and social connections. The surest path to happiness, Klein is convinced, is to know oneself. (July)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Review
"An extremely well-written, easy-to-read and expertly researched book on a theme which has long been begging for pop-science treatment."

From the Publisher
Published in more than 25 countries
"Thrilling and entertaining. Stefan Klein convinces us with his profound knowledge." —Bert Sakmann, Nobel Prize Laureate in Medicine, Max Planck Institute
"An extremely well-written, easy-to-read and expertly researched book on a theme which has long been begging for pop-science treatment."—Alison Abbott, Nature magazine

Customer Reviews

Very Interesting
As the title says, this books discusses the research of what happens in the brain when we experience different feelings (or runs amuck in depression or addiction) and what we can do to increase the positive feelings. I was surprised by a chapter discussing societal factors.

It does not read like a translation, there are references to lots of American locations and icons. While I knew much of the advice (such as the good effects of exercise), I learned a good bit (such as income equality brings greater happiness). The book also refutes some 'common sense' adages. All in all, an enjoyable read that I found very interesting.

I'm happy I read this book!!
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Consider these questions:

(1) Is happiness more than simply the opposite of unhappiness?
(2) Is happiness genetic?
(3) Does the feeling of anger pass if you vent it?
(4) Is it possible to prolong the good moments in one's life?
(5) Does money make people happy?
(6) Can we stay in love with the same person all our life?
(7) What is the greatest happiness?

These are just some of the questions answered in this interesting, comprehensive, scientifically-based, and easy-to-read book, an "international bestseller," by German science and freelance writer Dr. Stefan Klein. This book was well translated from German by Stephen Lehmann.

What is happiness? This question, as Klein tells us, was the "catalyst" for this book. Klein continues:

"My own search for positive feelings...played a role in my hope that we could find happiness if we only knew where to look for it. I was also motivated by curiosity, which is an occupational disease of scientists and journalists--and I am both."

The book itself mentions both current and historical happiness research as well as case studies. Klein also delves into literature resources on happiness.

I feel that this book is strongest when it deals with the neuroscience of happiness. The reason for this is mentioned in the book's acknowledgements section:

"I have been fortunate in getting to know many of the leading researchers in the study of the brain and emotions, and they have been generous with their time and insights."

Finally, there are two things I question regarding this book:

(1) Is the scientific measurement of positive or pleasurable feelings really an adequate basis for an understanding of happiness and how to attain it?

(2) Klein presents a plethora of animal research and extrapolates the conclusions of this research to humans. Is this extrapolation really justified especially when dealing with the complex feeling of happiness?

Despite these queries, I still learned much from this book.

In conclusion, an anonymous person once said, "Much happiness is lost in the pursuit of it." Perhaps, but thanks to the discoveries of neuroscience presented in this book, we can all learn to be happy.

(first published 2002; translation published 2006; introduction; 3 parts or 15 chapters; epilogue; main narrative 260 pages; notes; bibliography; acknowledgements; index)

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Great book
This is a great book. Everyone has an opinion, but science attempts to analyze the facts to determine the truth.

This book is easy to read, but it cites many scientific studies to shows how our everyday behavior can alter our brain chemistry for the better or worse. It does not rely on dogmatic opinion unsupported by scientific data.

The translation from German is superb. One would never know from reading this book that it was originally written in another language.

The reader who objected to the last chapter just objects to the truth. Scientific research sometimes turns up facts that are not politically correct in some circles. A quick Goggle search of the Internet for "happiness nations" yields many web sites supporting the observations of the last chapter of this book.

Again - If you are to read one book on this subject, this would be the one to read. There are several other good books on happiness. I have half a dozen. This is the best of the bunch.

Jim Fuqua