Happiness Lessons from a New Science

An illuminating road map—founded on groundbreaking scientific research—pointing the way to a better, happier life From a distinguished economist and leading figure in the new field of happiness studies comes this revolutionary work addressing the elusive concept of happiness and how we can have more of it. Based on sophisticated, cutting-edge scientific research, Happinessintegrates insights gleaned from psychology, neuroscience, sociology, and applied economics to draw surprising conclusions about the true causes of happiness and the means we have to effect it. (Hint: It probably isn’t wealth or fame.) BACKCOVER: Impressive . . . An excellent job of recounting the collective findings of much of this new science.” —The Wall Street Journal His lively new book . . . will not make conventional economists happy, but it should cause all of us to reflect more deeply on what really makes life worth living.” —Robert D. Putnam, author of Bowling Alone

Richard Layard is one of Britain-'s best-known economists and world expert on unemployment and inequality. He founded Europe-'s leading economics research center at the London School of Economics and was an economic advisor for the British government.