How and How Not to Be Happy

Description

It's Time to Start Asking the Right Questions About Happiness The West is facing a happiness crisis. Today, less than a quarter of American adults rate themselves as very happy—a record low. False views of happiness abound, and the explosion in "happiness studies" has done little to dispel them. Why is true happiness so elusive, and why is it so hard to define? In How and How Not to Be Happy, internationally renowned philosopher and happiness theorist, J. Budziszewski, draws on decades of study to dispel the myths and wishful thinking that blind people from uncovering lasting fulfillment. Could happiness lie in health, wealth, responsibility, or pleasure? Should we settle for imperfect happiness? What would it even mean to attain perfect fulfillment? Budziszewski separates the wheat from the chaff, exploring how to attain happiness—and just as importantly, how not to. Publisher Note Introduction Chapter 1: The Seven Secrets to Happiness No One Is Talking About Part 1: The Neuroscience of Brain Types and Happiness Chapter 2: Finding Happiness in the Brain Secret 1: Know Your Brain Type Chapter 3: An Introduction to Brain Typing Chapter 4: The Balanced Brain Type : Happy Brain Systems and Balanced Neurochemicals Chapter 5: The Spontaneous Brain Type: The Prefrontal Cortex and Dopamine Chapter 6: The Persistent Brain Type: The Brain’s Gear Shifters and Serotonin Chapter 7: The Sensitive Brain Type: The Limbic System and Oxytocin and Endorphins Chapter 8: The Cautious Brain Type: The Anxiety Centers and GABA Part 2: The Biology of Happiness Secret 2: Optimize the Physical Functioning of Your Brain Chapter 9: Bright Minds Are Happier: 11 Essential Strategies to Optimize Your Brain for a More Positive Outlook Secret 3: Nourish Your Unique Brain Chapter 10: Happy Nutraceuticals: Natural Ways to Feel Good Secret 4: Choose Foods You Love That Love You Back Chapter 11: The You, Happier Diet: Happy Foods vs. Sad Foods Part 3: The Psychology of Happiness Secret 5: Master Your Mind and Gain Psychological Distance from the Noise in Your Head Chapter 12: Anchoring Happiness into Your Nervous System: Practices That Train Your Brain to Be Happy Chapter 13: Positivity Bias Training: Directing Your Mind to What’s Good Part 4: The Social Connections of Happiness Secret 6: Notice What You Like About Others More Than What You Don’t Chapter 14: Happy Connections: The Neuroscience of Relationship Bliss Chapter 15: Happiness around the World: What Different Cultures Teach Us about Happiness Part 5: The Spirituality of Happiness Secret 7: Live Each Day Based on Your Clearly Defined Values, Purpose, and Goals Chapter 16: Clarity: Core Values, Purpose, and Goals in the Four Circles Conclusion: The Daily Journey of Happiness Gratitude and Appreciation About Daniel G. Amen, MD Resources Index