Happy Brain – Where Happiness Comes From, and Why - Softcover

Burnett, Dean

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0393356957 ISBN 13: 9780393356953

Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company, 2020

Synopsis

The pursuit of happiness is one of the most common and enduring quests of human life. It's what drives us to get a job, fall in love, watch stand-up comedy, go to therapy, have questionable obsessions, and come home at the end of the day. But where does happiness come from, and why do we need it so much? Is lasting, permanent happiness possible-or should it be? And what does any of this have to do with the brain? In this delightful sequel to Idiot Brain, Dean Burnett explores these questions from a neuroscientific perspective. He combines the latest research and theories about how the brain works with interviews and contributions from relevant individuals, such as relationship experts, psychology professors, comedy writers, celebrities, millionaire gurus, and pretty much anyone else involved in bringing about happiness in others. Distinguished by Burnett's signature wit and curiosity, Happy Brain elucidates our understanding of what happiness actually is, where it comes from, and what exactly is going on in our brains when we're in a cheery state. Humorous and enlightening, Happy Brain explores a fascinating aspect of modern neuroscience and, in the process, reveals something about what it means to be human.

About this title

Review:

You should read this funny, stimulating and rewarding book. You'll be happy you did.

Dean Burnett is a real funny cat, and I adore him and his brain.--Whoopi Goldberg

Dean Burnett approaches the complex, often fleeting, state of mental satisfaction with ebullient curiosity and wonder.

A pleasing tour of the brain and its feel-good longings.

About the Author:

Dean Burnett is a neuroscientist who lectures and tutors at the Centre for Medical Education at Cardiff University. He writes a popular science blog called Brain Yapping, for the Cosmic Shambles Network, and dabbles in stand-up comedy. He lives in Cardiff, Wales.

About this edition

• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
• Publication date: 2020
• ISBN 10: 0393356957
• ISBN 13: 9780393356953
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 352