Origins of Happiness: The Science of Well-Being over the Life Course

The book "The Origins of Happiness" explores the key factors that affect human well-being, including income, education, employment, family conflict, health, childcare, and crime, and offers a new vision for how we can become more healthy, happy, and whole.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 344 pages
Publication date: 27 August 2019
Publisher: Princeton University Press

The pursuit of happiness is a fundamental aspect of human life, and understanding what makes people happy is a complex and multifaceted endeavor. The book "The Origins of Happiness" seeks to revolutionize our understanding of human priorities and promote public policy changes that are based on what truly matters to people. Drawing on a wealth of evidence from large-scale data from various countries, the authors explore the key factors that affect human well-being, including income, education, employment, family conflict, health, childcare, and crime.

In this comprehensive analysis, the authors argue that traditional measures of economic growth and material wealth are not the sole determinants of happiness. Instead, they suggest that a broader range of factors, such as social connections, personal relationships, and community engagement, play a crucial role in shaping our overall well-being.

One of the key findings of the book is that income and education are important, but they are not the only factors that contribute to happiness. In fact, the authors argue that social connections and personal relationships are even more important in determining our level of happiness. This is because these relationships provide us with a sense of belonging, purpose, and fulfillment, which are essential components of happiness.

Another important finding of the book is that community engagement and social capital are also key factors in promoting happiness. This includes factors such as volunteering, participation in community organizations, and social support networks. By engaging in these activities, individuals can build strong social connections and develop a sense of belonging and purpose, which can lead to greater happiness and well-being.

The authors also address the issue of family conflict and its impact on happiness. They argue that family conflict can be a significant source of stress and anxiety, which can negatively affect our overall well-being. By promoting policies that support healthy family relationships, such as marriage counseling, family therapy, and parental leave, we can help reduce family conflict and promote greater happiness.

Health is another critical factor that affects human well-being. The authors argue that good health is not just the absence of disease but also a state of physical, mental, and emotional well-being. By promoting policies that promote healthy lifestyles, such as access to healthy food, exercise, and healthcare, we can help improve our health and promote greater happiness.

Childcare is another important factor that affects human well-being, particularly for women and families with young children. The authors argue that access to affordable and high-quality childcare can help reduce stress and anxiety for parents, which can in turn promote greater happiness and well-being.

Finally, the authors address the issue of crime and its impact on happiness. They argue that crime can create a sense of fear and insecurity, which can negatively affect our overall well-being. By promoting policies that reduce crime, such as increased police presence, improved criminal justice systems, and social programs that support at-risk populations, we can help create a safer and more secure environment, which can promote greater happiness.

In conclusion, "The Origins of Happiness" offers a groundbreaking new vision for how we might become more healthy, happy, and whole. By recognizing the importance of social connections, personal relationships, community engagement, and other factors that affect human well-being, we can promote public policy changes that prioritize what truly matters to people. This will lead to a more prosperous and fulfilling society for all.

Weight: 410g
Dimension: 212 x 133 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691196336