Happiness: Lessons from a New Science

An illuminating road map—founded on groundbreaking scientific research—pointing the way to a better, happier life

From a distinguished economist and leading figure in the new field of happiness studies comes this revolutionary work addressing the elusive concept of happiness and how we can have more of it. Based on sophisticated, cutting-edge scientific research, Happiness integrates insights gleaned from psychology, neuroscience, sociology, and applied economics to draw surprising conclusions about the true causes of happiness and the means we have to effect it. (Hint: It probably isn't wealth or fame.) BACKCOVER: “Impressive . . . An excellent job of recounting the collective findings of much of this new science.”
—The Wall Street Journal

“His lively new book . . . will not make conventional economists happy, but it should cause all of us to reflect more deeply on what really makes life worth living.”
—Robert D. Putnam, author of Bowling Alone

Library Journal

Layard, a leading British economist and member of the House of Lords, draws on research in economics, history, medicine, philosophy, psychology, and public life to answer the question of what happiness is, exactly, and how to get more of it. He offers insights into the roles of income, health, and values before concluding that happiness is worth pursuing on the personal and the global community level. To that end, suggestions are offered, e.g., introduce more family-friendly practices at work, eliminate high unemployment, and prohibit advertising to children. Concise and engaging, this makes an ideal purchase for both public and academic libraries. Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.