How and How Not to Be Happy

✍ Scribed by J. Budziszewski

• Publisher: Regnery Gateway
• Year: 2022
• Tongue: English
• Leaves: 256
• Category: Library

✦ Synopsis

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.

✦ Table of Contents

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

✦ Subjects

How and How Not to Be Happy, Happiness studies