Stumbling On Happiness: 2 Minutes Summary

1 SENTENCE SUMMARY: This book explores the human desire for happiness, delving into how our brains work to both help and hinder our pursuit and how we can find more joy in our lives.

“The ability to imagine our own future and to choose a path that will take us there is the greatest gift evolution has given us, and the thing that makes us most human.”

Quick Info

Overview

Stumbling On Happiness by Dan Gilbert is an exploration of the science and psychology behind the human pursuit of happiness.

Gilbert is a Harvard professor and a renowned psychologist, and in the book he reveals how our brains work to manufacture the feeling of happiness and why so many of us are bad at predicting what will make us happy in the future.

He explores why our brains delude us into believing that certain events, people, and possessions will make us happy and how we can use science and psychology to better understand our own happiness.

Through research, experiments, and anecdotes, Gilbert reveals the secrets of true happiness.

4 Key Lessons from Stumbling On Happiness by Dan Gilbert

1. Don’t overestimate your ability to predict what will make you happy

This lesson helps people understand that they cannot accurately predict what will make them happiest.

People often overestimate how much they will enjoy or dislike something before they try it.

This can lead to people making poor decisions or passing up opportunities that could lead to a greater level of happiness.

2. Happiness is a choice

This lesson teaches that happiness is not just something that happens to us.

We can actively choose to be happy, regardless of our circumstances.

We can choose to practice gratitude, savor the moment, and focus on the positive aspects of our lives.

Doing so can help us find more fulfillment and joy.

3. Happiness is a process

This lesson helps people understand that happiness is not a destination, but rather a journey.

It is important to recognize that happiness is something that must be actively worked on.

We must continuously strive for it and make conscious efforts to engage in activities that make us happy.

4. Learn to accept change

This lesson helps people understand that change is inevitable.

We must learn to accept and embrace change in order to be truly happy.

We must learn to let go of the past and focus on creating a better future.

By doing so, we can find happiness in the present moment and also prepare ourselves for whatever changes lie ahead.

Who Should Read It

This book would be of interest to anyone who is curious about the science of human happiness, specifically those who are interested in the psychological research behind our decisions and why we pursue certain goals.

It would be especially helpful to those who are searching for happiness and meaning in life, as it offers insights and strategies to find satisfaction.

Where to Get It

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About Dan Gilbert

Dan Gilbert is an American psychologist, author, and professor at Harvard University.

He is the Edgar Pierce Professor of Psychology at Harvard and has been since 1975.

He is best known for his research on affective forecasting, which is the ability to predict one’s own future emotional states.

His book, Stumbling On Happiness, has been a New York Times bestseller since its publication in 2006.

He has also written several other books and articles on a variety of topics in psychology, including emotion, well-being, and decision-making.

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Other Happiness Books you may Like:

• Best Books on Happiness
• The Art Of Happiness by Dalai Lama
• The Art of Living by Epictetus
• The Art of Non-Conformity by Chris Guillebeau
• The Conquest of Happiness by Bertrand Russell

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Over to You

If you already read Stumbling On Happiness by Dan Gilbert, please take a moment to rate it and maybe write your feedback in the comments. You’ll help other readers make the best choice.

Thanks a lot,
Simon

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