Book SummaryHappier, by Tal Ben-Shahar

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of Happier

Many of us make the mistake of thinking that happiness is life’s end goal. In Happier, Tal Ben-Shahar suggests instead that happiness isn’t a final destination; rather, it’s an ongoing journey in which we must find a balance of pleasure and meaning in our lives.

Ben-Shahar is a lecturer best known for teaching Positive Psychology, one of Harvard's most popular courses. A graduate of Harvard University, he holds a Bachelor's degree in Philosophy and Psychology and a Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior. After the success of Happier, Ben-Shahar published additional books on the subject, including The Pursuit of Perfect (2009), *[Choose the Life You...

Happier Summary What Is Happiness?

According to Ben-Shahar, happiness isn't a static state or finite destination but an ongoing process of exploring how to find both pleasure and meaning in our daily lives. He explains that pleasure is about immediate gratification—enjoying the present moment and seeking experiences that bring joy, comfort, or sensory delight. Meaning, on the other hand, requires a longer view. It’s the sense of purpose or understanding that what you're doing contributes to a greater cause or aligns with your values.

(Shortform note: Philosophers have long debated the meaning of happiness and the best way to achieve it—in fact, Ben-Shahar's definition closely aligns with Greek philosopher Aristotle’s concept of eudaimonia, often translated as “happiness” or “flourishing.” In Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle defines eudaimonia as a state of well-being derived from both immediate pleasure and higher purpose. Like Ben-Shahar, Aristotle concluded that happiness is an ongoing search for pleasure and...

Happier Summary Why Happiness Is a Worthwhile Pursuit

Ben-Shahar acknowledges that for many, pursuing their own happiness makes them uncomfortable. They consider it selfish or frivolous. However, Ben-Shahar disagrees, arguing that there's no endeavor more worthwhile or profound than the pursuit of happiness. He describes happiness as the “ultimate currency.” He argues happiness, unlike other currencies, is an end in itself—the foundational purpose of life and the yardstick against which all other success should be measured. It enhances the quality of life and improves overall well-being.

(Shortform note: Bhutan has found a way to apply the idea of happiness as the ultimate currency on a national scale. In 1972, King Jigme Singye Wangchuck introduced the concept of Gross National Happiness (GNH). GNH...

Happier Summary How to Become Happier

Your happiness isn't predetermined. Research suggests that people’s happiness is influenced by a combination of three factors: genetics, life circumstances, and activities and habits. While we may not have much control over our genetics or life circumstances, Ben-Shahar explains that we do have significant control over our activities and habits—how we choose to spend our time. By choosing to spend your available time engaging in activities that bring you pleasure and meaning, you can significantly increase your overall level of happiness. In the next section, we’ll outline six strategies or mindsets that can help you lead a happier life.

(Shortform note: Ben-Shahar doesn't dismiss the impact of external circumstances, like war or poverty, on people’s happiness. Indeed, research shows that your circumstances do impact your happiness—but to a lesser degree than most people think. A 2005 study found that 10% of your happiness is determined by life circumstances, 40% by “intentional activity” as recommended by Ben-Shahar, and as much as 50% by genetics. However, the researchers in charge...

Happier Summary How Happiness Will Change the World

Ben-Shahar argues that in addition to changing your life, the pursuit of happiness also has the power to reshape society. He argues that a collective focus on increasing personal happiness can significantly contribute to a healthier, more harmonious, and happier world. According to Ben-Shahar, the world needs a paradigm shift that reframes happiness as the highest good, as opposed to material wealth or other external measures of success and well-being.

An Economic Model for a Happiness-Driven World

Economist Kate Raworth argues that this kind of revolution requires not just a mental shift but an entirely new economic structure. She outlines a theoretical economic system called “doughnut economics” in which the economy’s purpose is to promote human prosperity and...

Shortform Exercise: Identify Your Current Priorities

Ben-Shahar underscores the significance of putting your own happiness first, asserting that it shouldn't be treated as a luxury but as a necessity.

Reflect on your daily activities. What three activities take up most of your time?

Shortform Exercise: Brainstorm Activities That Provide Pleasure and Meaning

Ben-Shahar encourages you to identify activities that bring you both pleasure (present benefit) and meaning (future benefit).

Begin by brainstorming a list of activities that you find pleasurable. These could be as simple as reading a book, going for a walk, or spending time with a loved one.