Science of Happiness

When Hood introduced a class called “The Science of Happiness” as a series of lunchtime lectures at the University of Bristol, he was astounded not only by the response but also the increased feeling of well-being displayed by the students who attended these lectures. His seven lessons, spelled out in this book, are a fresh mix of accessible science, common sense, and examples from a variety of countries that make his thoughts both appealing and practical. They include such things as moving away from ego centrism, spurring isolation and negative comparisons, becoming more optimistic, controlling attention, increasing connection with others, and ultimately getting out of our own heads. Each chapter ends with “happiness exercises” including things like starting a journal, random acts of kindness, gratitude, forgiveness, meditation, talking to strangers, and looking at the night sky. Taking a lead from the joy of children, Hood leans toward face-to-face conversations and enjoying nature. In a world filled with cell phones and grim newscasts, the author seems to have found a welcome way to increase much-needed peace and happiness.

― Booklist

Do yourself a favor and grab this fantastic guide! The Science of Happiness explains practical strategies for getting out of our own heads and finding more connection, presence, and joy.

— Laurie Santos, professor of Psychology at Yale University and host of The Happiness Lab podcast

The Science of Happiness is a rare bird—a book that is grounded in the best new science, written with wit and wisdom, and provides clear and valuable lessons for living your best life. Highly recommended!

— Daniel Gilbert, author of the New York Times bestseller Stumbling on Happiness

This is a wonderful guide to what actually makes people happier—full of wisdom backed by a wealth of scientific evidence. If you want practical ideas that you can use right now to boost your wellbeing, this is your book.

— Robert Waldinger, author of The Good Life: Lessons from the World’s Longest Study on Happiness

BRUCE HOOD is an award-winning professor of Developmental Psychology in Society at Bristol University and the author of several books including Supersense, The Self Illusion, The Domesticated Brain and Possessed. He has appeared extensively on TV (including the prestigious BBC’s ‘Royal Institution Christmas Lectures’ in 2011), film (including ‘Living in the Future’s Past’ presented by Jeff Bridges in 2019) and radio, (including the BBC podcast ‘The Happiness Half Hour’ in 2021). He is a fellow of the American Psychological Society, the Royal Institution of Great Britain and the British Psychological Society.