Happiness – A Very Short Introduction

This excellent book is more than a summary of the field and represents an original contribution to it. Happiness and wellbeing have become fashionable topics, especially since the publication of Richard Layard's book in 2004. Haybron explains in the first chapter that there are three main approaches: emotional state theory, hedonism or pleasure, and life satisfaction. He discusses emotional state theories in terms of endorsement, engagement and achievement before devoting a separate chapter to life satisfaction, which involves judgement rather than feelings. It turns out that studies of happiness may exaggerate its degree, and tend to be measured on subjective scales. These sources of happiness are treated in terms of security, outlook, autonomy, relationships, and skills and meaningful activity. Nature can also be important, and there is an interesting relationship between levels of income and happiness - the correlation does not seem to increase above $75,000 in the case of the US. This leads on to a discussion of wellbeing and the relationship between virtue, meaning and happiness. Consuming is not enough; we also need to develop a sense of appreciation. The final chapter considers the nature of a good life and contains the summary practical advice that you should: 'engage yourself of meaningful activities that interest you, but don't overdo it and forget to relax. Make time for the people you love. Keep the lid on your debts. And make it come out even.' Ultimately, happiness is about a life well lived and worth living.