The Biology of Happiness

by Bjørn Grinde

The brief presents a model for happiness based on current knowledge in evolutionary biology and neurobiology. Briefly, the primary purpose of nervous systems is to direct an animal toward behaviour relevant for survival and procreation. In primitive animals actions are based on reflexes, while in humans the modules directing behaviour engage positive and negative affect (good and bad feelings), and they are swayed by cognitive processes. The reason why evolution opted for this strategy was the improved flexibility in response – i.e., we learn from previous experiences. The human capacity for happiness is an accidental consequence. An array of brain modules has evolved to care for various pursuits, but recent studies suggest that they converge on shared neural circuits designed to generate positive and negative mood. Happiness can be construed as the net output of the relevant modules. The briefs suggests a strategy for how to avoid having negative feelings (such as anxiety, depression and chronic pain) dominate the mind, and how to exercise positive feelings. In short, the book offers both a deeper understanding of what happiness is about, and a framework for improving well-being. An array of brain modules has evolved to care for various pursuits, but recent studies suggest that they converge on shared neural circuits designed to generate positive and negative mood. Happiness can be construed as the net output of the relevant modules. The book suggests a strategy for how to avoid having negative feelings (such as anxiety, depression and chronic pain) dominate the mind, and how to exercise positive feelings. In short, the book offers both a deeper understanding of what happiness is about, and a framework for improving well-being.  

119 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Ehab mohamed · Rating 3 out of 5]

بيولوجيا السعادة كتاب صدرت ترجمته حديثا عن المركز القومي للترجمة والذي يتناول السعادة من منظور بيولوجي تطوري مع عرض علمي لآليات عمل المخ والتي تساهم في مسألة السعادة مع استعراض لأهم أسباب انخفاض السعادة وانتشار القلق والاكتئاب مع سبل تحسين السعادة ورفعها وكل ذلك كما ذكرت من منظور بيولوجي تطوري.

تحياتي للمترجم أحمد موسى على ترجمته المتميزة واختياراته المناسبة لترجمة المصطلحات العلمية وإشراكه للقاريء في اختياراته، وشكر أكبر على ترشيحاته من الكتب في هوامش الكتاب مما جعل تجربة القراءة أكثر ثراء، وشكرا أيضا على اختياره لترجمة كتاب غير شائع بمصطلحات السوق مما ينم عن ذائقة جيدة وحسن اختيار.

[Usfromdk]

I'm not rating this as it does not make sense to rate it. Some parts of the last few chapters deserve 0 stars. A few of the first chapters deserve three stars.

The first half of the book has a few problems but is generally of a reasonably high quality. I learned some new stuff there. The last chapters of the book are quite poor.

In general I'd probably if hard-pressed give it two stars as a sort of average rating of the material. But 2 stars would imply that I think the book is 'okay'. And some parts of it really is not okay. However I also cannot justify giving the book one star.