Happiness: Lessons from a New Science (Second Edition)

(Paperback)

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'Unorthodox, devastatingly straightforward and more provocative of actual thought than 99% of books said to be 'thought-provoking'' ANDREW MARR ARE YOU REALLY HAPPY Today most of us are richer, healthier, have better homes, cars, food and holidays than ever before. But are we any happier than we were fifty years ago It seems that as incomes rise, the urge to compare ourselves to others constantly increases too. What is going on Richard Layard delves into philosophy, economics, the latest psychological research and his experience as a policy adviser to examine the happiness conundrum, exploring questions such as- What are the main causes of happiness - and which matters most What should we do differently to live more happily Does helping people help us to be happy Does success count - or just being more successful than others How can we control our moods Offering some surprising answers, he shows us how we can give ourselves the tools to boost the happiness we all want, in our daily lives and even as a society. 'An impassioned plea that the pursuit of contentment be placed centre stage ...... should be required reading' GUARDIAN

Reviews

Unorthodox, devastatingly straightforward and more provocative of actual thought than 90% of books said to be "thought-provoking". If happiness isn't a political issue, what's the point of politics -- Andrew Marr
A remarkable book ... which effectively trashes the claim of economics to guide policy for a good society ... read it, and take heart -- Simon Caulkin * Observer *
Fascinating ... argues that we should make happiness, not growth, the object of our economic policies -- John Kay * Financial Times *

Author Bio

Richard Layard is a leading economist who believes that the happiness of society does not necessarily equate to its income. He is best known for his work on unemployment and inequality, whihc provided the intellectual basis for Britain's improved unemployment policies. He founded the Centre for Economic Performance at the London School of Economics, and since 2000 he has been a member of the House of Lords. His research into the subject of happiness brings together findings from such diverse areas as psychology, neuroscience, economics, sociology and philosophy.