Happiness The Science behind Your Smile

Throughout the ages people have thought about happiness, argued about its nature, and, most of all, desired it. Here, Daniel Nettle uses the latest scientific insights to explore the origins and purpose of our pursuit of happiness. Looking at psychological studies, brain systems, and mind-altering drugs, he shows that while lasting happiness may be beyond all of us, it is our evolved desire for happiness that drives us to achieve much that is worthwhile in itself. Book jacket.

Daniel Nettle is Lecturer in Biological Psychology at the Open University. He is the author of Strong Imagination: Madness, Creativity, and Human Value and co-author of Vanishing Voices (with Suzanne Romaine). He lives in the U.K.