Happier - Libro en Inglés

Happier – Tal Ben-Shahar

At Harvard University, one of the most popular courses in the institution’s history was a class on positive psychology taught by Tal Ben-Shahar. In Happier: Learn the Secrets to Daily Joy and Lasting Fulfillment, he shares the lessons of that course with general readers.

Ben-Shahar draws on research in positive psychology, as well as on philosophy, self-help literature and his own experience, to explore what happiness is and how we can cultivate more of it. He argues that happiness is not a destination we arrive at, but the ultimate currency of life, found in the overlap between pleasure and meaning, present benefit and future benefit.

He describes four approaches to life: the hedonist, who seeks pleasure now and ignores the future; the rat racer, who sacrifices present happiness for future goals; the nihilist, who has given up on happiness altogether; and the happy person, who finds activities that are both enjoyable now and meaningful in the long term. He then explores how to apply this understanding to education, work and relationships.

Each chapter includes exercises, such as journaling, gratitude practices, reflecting on meaningful activities and setting goals that bring both pleasure and purpose, designed to help readers put the ideas into practice.

Accessible, encouraging and practical, Happier is a valuable read for anyone who wants to live a more joyful and fulfilling life, and for readers interested in an introduction to positive psychology. It is not a substitute for professional mental health care.