Stumbling on Happiness

Daniel Gilbert

Recommended By

Book Synopsis

In "Stumbling on Happiness," Daniel Gilbert offers a fascinating exploration of the human pursuit of happiness. He challenges common assumptions and beliefs about what truly makes us happy, drawing from extensive research and psychological studies.

Gilbert delves into the concept of imagination and how it often leads us astray when it comes to predicting our future happiness. He argues that our minds are routinely flawed in imagining the future, often underestimating our resilience and ability to adapt to different circumstances.

The author also examines our tendency to focus on material possessions and achievements as sources of happiness, only to find that they offer only temporary satisfaction. Gilbert suggests that we should instead invest in experiences and relationships, as they have a far greater impact on our happiness in the long run.

Furthermore, Gilbert explores the idea of our "psychological immune system," a mechanism that helps us rationalize and find happiness even in difficult situations. He discusses how our ability to create stories and find meaning allows us to cope and move forward.

With wit and engaging storytelling, Gilbert guides readers through the complexities of human happiness. He challenges our assumptions and sheds light on the often unpredictable nature of what truly brings us joy. "Stumbling on Happiness" offers a thought-provoking and enlightening journey, encouraging readers to question their own notions of happiness and discover new ways to find fulfillment in life.

Explore More Books

See All
Of Wolves and Men
The Agile Gene
Leadership and Self-Deception
The Mythical Man-Month
Devouring Freedom
The War for Kindness
Changes in the Land
Childhood and Society
The Intel Trinity
What Do You Care What Other People Think?
Future Forward
Principles of Economics
Failure Is Not An Option
The Canceling of the American Mind
Richard Feynman
Consider Phlebas
Brave New Medicine
The Art of Manipulation
Diaspora
AI Superpowers
Keeping At It
Fooled By Randomness
Capitalism Without Capital
American Crusade
The Sixth Man
The Real Crash
The Billionaire Shell Game
On the Genealogy of Morals
The Fifth Season
Wanting
Kelly
Harry Potter
The Hunt for Red October
Now, Discover Your Strengths
The Evolution of Beauty
God's Debris
Maestro
The Story of Civilization
Bitcoin and Black America
The Promise of a Pencil
In Pursuit of Happiness and Good Government
Livewired
Beyond Entrepreneurship
Six Easy Pieces
The Minefield Girl
The Perfect Bet
To Kill a Mockingbird
Biography of the Dollar
The World Crisis
The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy
Factfulness
Indistractable
The German Generals Talk
The River of Doubt
Burn
Getting Things Done
More From Less
Rational Expectations
Living Within Limits
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
The Art of Travel
How Big Things Get Done
The Knowledge
Human Action
Complexity
The Path To Power
Drive
Elon Musk
Merchants of Doubt
Vitamania
Zurich International Chess Tournament, 1953
Mycelium Running
Restoring Our Republic
The Snow Leopard
Moab Is My Washpot
Dealers of Lightning
The Great Transformation
In Search of Lost Time
Liftoff
Obsession
The Golden Compass
Revolution from Within
Startups
Screw Business As Usual
The Story of Civilization: The Age of Napoleon
Creation
The Unwritten
Alchemy
The Feynman Lectures on Physics
Lean Solutions
Andy Grove
How Nature Works
Layered Money
Give and Take
Nuclear Terrorism
The Spy Who Came In From The Cold
Body by Science
Intellectuals and Society
The Rosie Effect
Polio