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Stumbling on Happiness: Summary

Everything you need to know about Daniel Todd Gilbert's Stumbling on Happiness, in 1 paragraph.
An illustration of a reader enjoying Stumbling on Happiness by Daniel Todd Gilbert in a cosy interior
A reader enjoying Stumbling on Happiness by Daniel Todd Gilbert
Stumbling on Happiness is a book written by Daniel Todd Gilbert that offers insights into the psychology of how humans perceive happiness. Its main topics include why humans are bad at predicting what will make them happy, how memories affect our judgments of the present, and why we often overestimate or underestimate the importance of particular events in our lives. The author uses personal anecdotes and scientific research to illustrate his points and explain why people often fail to recognize what will truly bring them happiness.

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Stumbling on Happiness: Key Points

  1. Our minds are not built to accurately predict our future happiness. We overlook the impact of change, underestimate how quickly we adapt to new situations, and have a distorted view of how much control we have over our own lives.
  2. People’s present experiences are heavily influenced by their expectations. If you expect something to be bad, it will likely seem worse than it actually is; if you expect something to be great, then it will likely seem better than it is.
  3. The more important a decision is, the harder it is to make a good choice because our emotions can get in the way and cloud our judgment.
  4. To increase your chances of making a decision that will lead to greater happiness, take time to consider all available options and make sure you understand the consequences of each choice before making a decision.
  5. Happiness comes from being content with what you already have and savoring life’s small pleasures rather than striving for some unattainable perfect life.

What to say about Stumbling on Happiness

  • "Stumbling on Happiness by Daniel Todd Gilbert is an insightful look into the science of happiness, and I highly recommend it."
  • "This book dives deep into the psychology of how we perceive and experience happiness, and offers valuable insight for anyone interested in learning more about the topic."
  • "I found Stumbling on Happiness to be an enlightening read, as it examines why we make the decisions we do when it comes to seeking out our own happiness."
  • "The author's comprehensive exploration of the various factors that contribute to our level of happiness is both thought-provoking and inspiring."
  • "One of the most interesting aspects of Stumbling on Happiness is its examination of how our memories impact our current levels of contentment."
  • "The wealth of research included in this book makes it a must-read for anyone looking to gain a better understanding of how we find happiness."
  • "In his book, Gilbert offers a variety of useful strategies for improving our perception and enjoyment of life's simple pleasures."
  • "Stumbling on Happiness provides an eye-opening exploration into the complexities that govern our pursuit of happiness, and reveals some unexpected truths about what truly makes us happy."
  • "The author does a great job of weaving together facts and anecdotes to create a compelling narrative about finding joy in everyday life."
  • "It was fascinating to read Gilbert's take on why we often fail to recognize true happiness when it presents itself, and how to overcome this obstacle."

What to post on LinkedIn or Twitter about Stumbling on Happiness

  • Just finished reading Stumbling on Happiness by Daniel Todd Gilbert - a great read that emphasizes the importance of understanding our own minds and how it shapes our perception of happiness!
  • Highly recommend Stumbling on Happiness by Daniel Todd Gilbert for anyone looking to gain greater insight into their own happiness and how to achieve it.
  • Have you read Stumbling on Happiness by Daniel Todd Gilbert? It's a great book that helps us understand our mental processes and how they affect our pursuit of happiness!
  • Stumbling on Happiness by Daniel Todd Gilbert is an eye-opening book about the complexities of finding true happiness. A must-read for anyone looking to better understand themselves and their happiness.
  • Excited to have finished reading Stumbling on Happiness by Daniel Todd Gilbert - an incredibly insightful book about the power of understanding our own minds and how it affects our search for joy and fulfillment in life!

Top 5 Quotes from Stumbling on Happiness

  1. "The human being is the only animal that thinks about the future."
  2. "The best way to predict your future is to create it."
  3. "Happiness is a combination of being satisfied with what you have and being optimistic about what you may get."
  4. "The past is gone and the future is not here yet. All we have is this moment, so make it count."
  5. "We are all just stumbling around in the dark, trying to find our way to happiness."

Other books by Daniel Todd Gilbert

  • The Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World
  • The Science of Social Rejection
  • Your Brain On Humor: Neuroscientific Approaches to Laughter, Fun, and Joy
  • The Psychology of Everyday Things
  • Exploring Social Psychology
  • Judgment in Managerial Decision Making

Did you know?

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Stumbling on Happiness was a New York Times Bestseller and has been translated into over 25 languages.