Happier: Summary Review

This is a summary review of Happier containing key details about the book.

What is Happier About?

“Happier” by Tal Ben-Shahar, Ph.D. explores the science of happiness and provides practical strategies for increasing one’s overall level of happiness and well-being.

Happier provides straightforward guidelines for integrating habits of gratitude and accepting negative emotions into daily life. This book shimmers with a rare brand of good sense that is embedded in scientific knowledge about how to increase happiness.

Summary Points & Takeaways from Happier

Some key summary points and takeaways from the book include:

* Happiness is a skill that can be cultivated and developed.

* Happiness is not necessarily the result of external circumstances, but rather it is a result of one’s perspective and mindset.

* The pursuit of pleasure is not the same as the pursuit of happiness. Pleasure is fleeting, while happiness is more long-lasting.

* Positive activities and relationships, such as exercise, meditation, and spending time with loved ones, are essential for cultivating happiness.

* Gratitude and savoring positive experiences can increase happiness.

* The concept of “flow,” or the state of being fully immersed in an activity, can lead to increased happiness and well-being.

* Setting achievable goals and working towards them can increase happiness, as can taking breaks and practicing self-care.

* The pursuit of happiness is not a solitary endeavor, and it is important to have a support system and cultivate meaningful relationships.

Who is the author of Happier?

Tal Ben-Shahar, also known as Tal David Ben-Shachar, is an American and Israeli teacher, and writer in the areas of positive psychology and leadership. As a lecturer at Harvard University, Ben-Shahar created the most popular course in Harvard’s history.

Book details

• Print length: 208 pages
• Genre: Nonfiction, Psychology, Self Help

What are the chapters in Happier?

Chapter 1. The Question of Happiness
Chapter 2. Reconciling Present and Future
Chapter 3. Happiness Explained
Chapter 4. The Ultimate Currency
Chapter 5. Setting Goals
Chapter 6. Happiness in Education
Chapter 7. Happiness in the Workplace
Chapter 8. Happiness in Relationships
Chapter 9. First Meditation: Self-Interest and Benevolence
Chapter 10. Second Meditation: Happiness Boosters
Chapter 11. Third Meditation: Beyond Temporary High
Chapter 12. Fourth Meditation: Letting Our Light Shine
Chapter 13. Fifth Meditation: Imagine
Chapter 14. Sixth Meditation: Take Your Time
Chapter 15. Seventh Meditation: The Happiness Revolution

What do critics say?

Here’s what one of the prominent reviewers had to say about the book: “Dr. Ben-Shahar, one of the most popular teachers in Harvard’s recent history, has written a personal, informed, and highly enjoyable primer on how to become happier. It would be wise to take his advice.” – Ellen J. Langer, author of Mindfulness and On Becoming an Artist

* The editor of this summary review made every effort to maintain information accuracy, including any published quotes, chapters, or takeaways. If you’re interested in furthering your personal development, I invite you to check out my list of favorite personal development books page. On this page, you’ll find a curated list of books that have personally impacted my life, each with a summary and key lessons.

Chief Editor

Tal Gur is an impact-driven creator at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 life goals around the globe. Tal's journey and recent book, The Art of Fully Living, inspired him to found Elevate Society.