The Happiness Myth

By Jennifer Michael Hecht,

Book cover of The Happiness Myth: The Historical Antidote to What Isn't Working Today

Book description

Historian Jennifer Michael Hecht looks at contemporary happiness advice, explains why much of it doesn't work, and why it drives us crazy and makes us miserable. Using a social/pop-culture look at the world, she begins her inquiry through the lens of today's most oft perused paths towards attaining happiness -…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked The Happiness Myth as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

We live with so many toxic myths about happiness, and many of these myths come from books about happiness! The Happiness Myth steps up to defend happiness from all the nonsense. It’s a rollicking and often-hilarious tour through the history of human happiness, full of surprises and strange-but-true ideas to ponder. 

Historian and poet Jennifer Michael Hecht challenges our current certainties in this irreverent and well-researched exploration of what our ancestors (and we!) need to live happy lives. She’s a wonderful and witty person to spend time with, and she’ll help you become more intelligent about the true and everlasting…

If you love The Happiness Myth...

Ad

Book cover of The Tao of Inner Peace

The Tao of Inner Peace by Diane Dreher,

With its lively, demystifying approach, The Tao of Inner Peace shows how the Tao can be a powerful and calming source of growth, inspiration, and well-being in times of conflict and anxiety.

This timely guide to the timeless wisdom of the Tao Te Ching shows how to: bring greater joy,…

Want books like The Happiness Myth?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like The Happiness Myth.

Browse books like The Happiness Myth

Book cover of The Managed Heart: Commercialization of Human Feeling
Book cover of The Gift of Fear: Survival Signals That Protect Us from Violence
Book cover of How Emotions Are Made: The Secret Life of the Brain

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,881

readers submitted
so far, will you?

Ad

📚 If you like The Happiness Myth, you might also like...

Book cover of Who Is a Worthy Mother?: An Intimate History of Adoption

Who Is a Worthy Mother? by Rebecca Wellington,

I grew up thinking that being adopted didn’t matter. I was wrong. This book is my journey uncovering the significance and true history of adoption practices in America. Now, in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade, the renewed debate over women’s reproductive rights places…

Book cover of Dream It, Design It, Live It: The Ultimate Guide to Manifesting Your Next-Level Life

Dream It, Design It, Live It by Diana Drake Long,

Dream It, Design It, Live It will empower you to create more happiness, abundance, and fulfillment while honoring your values for self-care, life-work balance, and living your truth.

Diana Drake Long is recognized as one of the world's master coaches, and her Dream It, Design It, Live It system gives…

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in happiness, opium, and self-actualization?

Happiness 360 books
Opium 28 books
Self-Actualization 234 books