Customer Reviews

The Science of Happiness: How Our Brains Make Us Happy-and What We Can Do to Get Happier

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3 star:		(1)
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As the title says, this books discusses the research of what happens in the brain when we experience different feelings (or runs amuck in depression or addiction) and what we can do to increase the positive feelings. I was surprised by a chapter discussing societal factors.

It does not read like a translation, there are references to lots of American locations and icons. While I knew much of the advice (such as the good effects of exercise), I learned a good bit (such as income equality brings greater happiness). The book also refutes some 'common sense' adages. All in all, an enjoyable read that I found very interesting.

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Consider these questions:

(1) Is happiness more than simply the opposite of unhappiness?
(2) Is happiness genetic?
(3) Does the feeling of anger pass if you vent it?
(4) Is it possible to prolong the good moments in one's life?
(5) Does money make people happy?
(6) Can we stay in love with the same person all our life?
(7) What is the greatest happiness?

These are just some of the questions answered in this interesting, comprehensive, scientifically-based, and easy-to-read book, an "international bestseller," by German science and freelance writer Dr. Stefan Klein. This book was well translated from German by Stephen Lehmann.

What is happiness? This question, as Klein tells us, was the "catalyst" for this book. Klein continues:

"My own search for positive feelings...played a role in my hope that we could find happiness if we only knew where to look for it. I was also motivated by curiosity, which is an occupational disease of scientists and journalists--and I am both."

The book itself mentions both current and historical happiness research as well as case studies. Klein also delves into literature resources on happiness.

I feel that this book is strongest when it deals with the neuroscience of happiness. The reason for this is mentioned in the book's acknowledgements section:

"I have been fortunate in getting to know many of the leading researchers in the study of the brain and emotions, and they have been generous with their time and insights."

Finally, there are two things I question regarding this book:

(1) Is the scientific measurement of positive or pleasurable feelings really an adequate basis for an understanding of happiness and how to attain it?

(2) Klein presents a plethora of animal research and extrapolates the conclusions of this research to humans. Is this extrapolation really justified especially when dealing with the complex feeling of happiness?

Despite these queries, I still learned much from this book.

In conclusion, an anonymous person once said, "Much happiness is lost in the pursuit of it." Perhaps, but thanks to the discoveries of neuroscience presented in this book, we can all learn to be happy.

(first published 2002; translation published 2006; introduction; 3 parts or 15 chapters; epilogue; main narrative 260 pages; notes; bibliography; acknowledgements; index)

<<Stephen Pletko, London, Ontario, Canada>>

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This is a great book. Everyone has an opinion, but science attempts to analyze the facts to determine the truth.

This book is easy to read, but it cites many scientific studies to shows how our everyday behavior can alter our brain chemistry for the better or worse. It does not rely on dogmatic opinion unsupported by scientific data.

The translation from German is superb. One would never know from reading this book that it was originally written in another language.

The reader who objected to the last chapter just objects to the truth. Scientific research sometimes turns up facts that are not politically correct in some circles. A quick Goggle search of the Internet for "happiness nations" yields many web sites supporting the observations of the last chapter of this book.

Again - If you are to read one book on this subject, this would be the one to read. There are several other good books on happiness. I have half a dozen. This is the best of the bunch.

Jim Fuqua

Klein is a scientist and journalist, and this book is a perfect combination of both. He's done great research and written a very readable text, but with the unbiased, evidence-supported findings of a scientist.

The title of the book is perfectly descriptive. He uses the basis of neuroscience, biochemistry, and psychology throughout the book. He discusses addictions, diseases, and social/work environments also.

As another reviewer mentioned, there are many references to animal studies (poor mice!). But its inclusion I think is necessary for proper understanding rather than taking his word for it.

I truly enjoyed this book and gained a GREAT deal of knowledge from it. It also helped verify knowledge I already had. Definite recommendation!

This is one of the better books I have read to help gain insight. So good I recommended it to several friends.

excellent & fascinating book (though it can be a little redundant at times)...if you like:
*steven pinker
*kay redfield jamieson
*peter whybrow
*carl sagan
*richard dawkins
*evolutionary psychology
*neuroscience

you'll enjoy this book. i breezed through it in a few hours - simply because i couldn't put it down since it's such a light enjoyable read.

Last chapter spoiled the book by ambushing the reader with an inappropriate socialist political agenda. Klein is supposed to be a science journalist.

I'm not a huge fan of this book, although I don't like saying mean things about other authors' books. My problem with it is that I think he's taking too much artistic license in his interpretation of scientific information. He's supposed to be a journalist, not an abstract painter. I understand that he's trying to write an entertaining page turner, but I'd rather have him stick to the facts a little more closely. Author of Adjust Your Brain: A Practical Theory for Maximizing Mental Health.