Stumbling on Happiness

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Stumbling on Happiness

by Dr. Daniel Gilbert. A Happiness Science Book Review

Daniel Gilbert, the author, is a psychologist who starts out with the premise that what sets humans apart from animals is our ability to anticipate the future and make decisions accordingly. What follows is a fascinating and often practical exploration of the current research on human's perceptions of what makes them happy and what really does make them happy.

Daniel Gilbert has a light and humorous style, which makes this book an easy read. He is also a scientist, so the book focuses on scientific research and is very well referenced. It is a very complete and comprehensive guide to the subject of people's perceptions of happiness and the reality behind them.

Since it turns out that we humans do not generally have a very accurate perception of what makes us happy, all this research is useful as a self help manual in making better decisions to lead a happier life.

The book is well organized and leads the reader through a progression of insights and steps. It is also available in audio format, read by the author. I liked the audio format as a way to hear the book the first time and found that there was so much good material I wanted to go back and review, the written format was also useful to me as a student of happiness.

This book is a good choice for anyone who has made a bad choice before and wonders why. Stumbling on Happiness provides an excellent perspective on how to live a happier life.

Practical- 4/5
Easy to Read- 4/5
Comprehensive- 4/5
Good How to Guide- 4/5
Well Researched/Referenced- 5/5
Inspiring- 4/5
Overall- 4/5

Our Top Recomendations for Selp Help Books on:

1) How to Be Happy

Happy for No Reason, by Marci Shimoff
How to Keep Your Sanity in an Upside Down World, by Dr. Jim Keelan

2) How to Have Better Relationships and More of Them

The Five Love Languages, by Dr. Gary Chapman
How to Win Friends and Influence People, by Dale Carnegie

3) Happiness Science

Authentic Happiness, by Dr. Martin Seligman
Stumbling on Happiness, by Dr. Daniel Gilbert

4) How to Develop Happy Habits

Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, by Steven Covey
Influencer, by Patterson, Grenny, Maxfield, McMillan, Switzler

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