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The Happiness Experiment: A Revolutionary Way to Increase Happiness
Significantly increase your own happiness and transform lives!
A near-death experience changed everything for Carl Barney, sparking a groundbreaking idea that would redefine happiness forever. His concept of pre-quests—Happiness Grants given during life instead of through a will—ignited The Happiness Experiment. By sharing his wealth with twenty friends, Carl didn’t just transform their lives; he uncovered a new understanding of joy fulfillment, and legacy.
In The Happiness Experiment, Carl shares
the gripping, heartwarming stories of lives
forever changed and unveils a revolutionary
step-by-step blueprint for creating true, lasting
happiness. With insights into important
values, deliberate planning, and purposeful
action, this book will challenge everything you
thought you knew about joy and generosity.
If you’ve ever longed to live with intention,
connect deeply with others, and experience fulfillment on a whole new level, The Happiness Experiment is your essential guide. Let Carl’s bold philosophy show you how to create a life—and a legacy—that truly matters.
A near-death experience changed everything for Carl Barney, sparking a groundbreaking idea that would redefine happiness forever. His concept of pre-quests—Happiness Grants given during life instead of through a will—ignited The Happiness Experiment. By sharing his wealth with twenty friends, Carl didn’t just transform their lives; he uncovered a new understanding of joy fulfillment, and legacy.
In The Happiness Experiment, Carl shares
the gripping, heartwarming stories of lives
forever changed and unveils a revolutionary
step-by-step blueprint for creating true, lasting
happiness. With insights into important
values, deliberate planning, and purposeful
action, this book will challenge everything you
thought you knew about joy and generosity.
If you’ve ever longed to live with intention,
connect deeply with others, and experience fulfillment on a whole new level, The Happiness Experiment is your essential guide. Let Carl’s bold philosophy show you how to create a life—and a legacy—that truly matters.
383 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 8, 2025
77 people are currently reading
2423 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
July 26, 2025
I DNF about 40% of the way through. While I appreciate the general topic, I don't really like the writing style. Instead of just writing a straightforward non-fiction book or a memoir about his process, it's mostly presented as a conversation between the author and his friend? Financial advisor? Lawyer? I forget how this man fits into the narrative. This means that the dialogue always has a stiltedness to it because so much of the time is spent explaining concepts or references, and people just don't talk that way in real life. It comes across like you're watching a training video at work.
From what I read of the material, I appreciate that the author was interested in helping his beneficiaries with financial literacy, so they don't receive money and have it ruin their lives like you hear from lotto winners. I did not appreciate that he told them to spend it in ways that would make them happy, and then dictated rules about what kind of happiness HE wanted for them. No one was allowed to use the money to send their kids to college or pay off their mortgage. Well, what if those are the things that would make them happy? Not having college debt or the added interest rate of a mortgage payment hanging over their heads for the next 30 years? For lots of people, financial security IS happiness. It doesn't have to be fancy vacations or buying some stupid ass car. It might just be knowing that you're out of debt and that you have enough money in the bank to do something special when you want to. It seems selfish that this man is trying to tell them what kind of happiness they're allowed to pursue.
I appreciate NetGalley and the publisher for access to a digital ARC. My honest review is my own opinion.
From what I read of the material, I appreciate that the author was interested in helping his beneficiaries with financial literacy, so they don't receive money and have it ruin their lives like you hear from lotto winners. I did not appreciate that he told them to spend it in ways that would make them happy, and then dictated rules about what kind of happiness HE wanted for them. No one was allowed to use the money to send their kids to college or pay off their mortgage. Well, what if those are the things that would make them happy? Not having college debt or the added interest rate of a mortgage payment hanging over their heads for the next 30 years? For lots of people, financial security IS happiness. It doesn't have to be fancy vacations or buying some stupid ass car. It might just be knowing that you're out of debt and that you have enough money in the bank to do something special when you want to. It seems selfish that this man is trying to tell them what kind of happiness they're allowed to pursue.
I appreciate NetGalley and the publisher for access to a digital ARC. My honest review is my own opinion.
June 28, 2025
After a terrifying brush with death, entrepreneur Carl B. Barney developed a revolutionary approach to happiness, giving "Happiness Grants" or inheritances to grantees while he was still alive. Filled with stories about the changed lives of recipients as well as a plan to boost your own happiness while uplifting others. Recommended!
July 14, 2025
This is a book about a man who decides to give people money with the understanding they will use a happiness coach (does he pay for these, too?) and make a happiness plan. He chooses people he already has written into his will.
There are a number of people who receive these happiness grants and each story goes the same way.
Author: I want to give you the money I would have given you in my will - why wait?
Receiver: Oh, no, I couldn't take your money....
A: Even if it's this much? (shows figure to receiver, but not to the reader)
R: (audible gasp) That's a lot of money.
A: And it's a grant, just do the following things and it's yours!
R: Sounds great - can't wait for happiness to hit
Spoiler: They're all happier.
To say this book wasn't for me is an understatement. Having never thought of Ayn Rand as "happy," I'm unsure why a quote of hers heads a chapter, but it let me know a little more about the author. To sum up the book, money won't make you happy. But wait, the author gives money to people as a way to make them happy, or at least a start on the road to happiness. So, does money make you happy or not?
I didn't understand the author's need to define morality at all in this book, but he chooses to define it this way, "being moral means choosing and pursuing one's own life-serving values while respecting the rights of others to do the same." This is juxtaposed with people being self-sacrificing for others. Really, why? He has other words he defines a little differently than the average writer, so I had to keep reminding myself that that's the way he uses language.
The author has executive coaches, happiness coaches, financial advisors, and who knows what else because, as he says early on, his problem was having too much money. He decides that rather than bequeathing money to people in his will, he will "prequeath" money so he can see them enjoy it. Sounds a little narcissistic. The money has strings - people must get a happiness coach and have a happiness plan. The author also checks back in with people after a few months (and then again, after another few months) to find out how their happiness is going.
There have been numerous studies on happiness, none of which are cited in this book, so when the author says that it's the anticipation, the planning that brings happiness, it's not ground-breaking news. But for those who my have been unaware, some mention of studies might have been nice. There are even studies around how much money one needs before they consider themselves happy and that after that, more money doesn't bring more happiness.
My thanks to NetGalley and Greenleaf Book Group for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
There are a number of people who receive these happiness grants and each story goes the same way.
Author: I want to give you the money I would have given you in my will - why wait?
Receiver: Oh, no, I couldn't take your money....
A: Even if it's this much? (shows figure to receiver, but not to the reader)
R: (audible gasp) That's a lot of money.
A: And it's a grant, just do the following things and it's yours!
R: Sounds great - can't wait for happiness to hit
Spoiler: They're all happier.
To say this book wasn't for me is an understatement. Having never thought of Ayn Rand as "happy," I'm unsure why a quote of hers heads a chapter, but it let me know a little more about the author. To sum up the book, money won't make you happy. But wait, the author gives money to people as a way to make them happy, or at least a start on the road to happiness. So, does money make you happy or not?
I didn't understand the author's need to define morality at all in this book, but he chooses to define it this way, "being moral means choosing and pursuing one's own life-serving values while respecting the rights of others to do the same." This is juxtaposed with people being self-sacrificing for others. Really, why? He has other words he defines a little differently than the average writer, so I had to keep reminding myself that that's the way he uses language.
The author has executive coaches, happiness coaches, financial advisors, and who knows what else because, as he says early on, his problem was having too much money. He decides that rather than bequeathing money to people in his will, he will "prequeath" money so he can see them enjoy it. Sounds a little narcissistic. The money has strings - people must get a happiness coach and have a happiness plan. The author also checks back in with people after a few months (and then again, after another few months) to find out how their happiness is going.
There have been numerous studies on happiness, none of which are cited in this book, so when the author says that it's the anticipation, the planning that brings happiness, it's not ground-breaking news. But for those who my have been unaware, some mention of studies might have been nice. There are even studies around how much money one needs before they consider themselves happy and that after that, more money doesn't bring more happiness.
My thanks to NetGalley and Greenleaf Book Group for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 4, 2025
The author Carl B. Barney evidently has made a boatload of money out of meager beginnings. All this money has not really made him very happy. So after some reflection, he decided to "bring forward" some of his bequeaths that were to be provided in his will (calling them "pre-queaths").
Some went to family, but several went to employees.
Part of me kept wondering, if he is giving this money to his employees ... why didn't he provide them wages and investment tools for them in the first place?
Anyway, the book takes us through several steps. Author not appreciating his vast fortune. Providing a way to communicate the gift of money to the people that have meant something to him and that they need to spend the money on only certain things - can't give to charity - and have a plan on how they are going to spend the money. Then additional be/pre-queaths. And then results of what people have spent money on.
I just kept reflecting on discussions with our financial planner and how we have saved for some of the things we had been dreaming about; it seems much more rewarding to have saved and achieved your dreams than to have someone want you to provide a plan before they will give you the money they were going to give you anyway.
Anyway, in the book, many of those receiving money had more fun planning what they would do with the money. Some took an especially long time coming up with a plan. I could relate to that, if I'm tired and driving a long way ... sometimes I think about winning the lottery and how I would spend that money (as a way to stay awake).
300 pages ... and everything you need to know to make your own pre-queaths ... if you have tons of money you are looking to distribute. publication date is July 2025.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Greenleaf Book Group press (the publisher) and the author for the opportunity to read the advance read copy of The Happiness Experiment in exchange for an honest review.
Some went to family, but several went to employees.
Part of me kept wondering, if he is giving this money to his employees ... why didn't he provide them wages and investment tools for them in the first place?
Anyway, the book takes us through several steps. Author not appreciating his vast fortune. Providing a way to communicate the gift of money to the people that have meant something to him and that they need to spend the money on only certain things - can't give to charity - and have a plan on how they are going to spend the money. Then additional be/pre-queaths. And then results of what people have spent money on.
I just kept reflecting on discussions with our financial planner and how we have saved for some of the things we had been dreaming about; it seems much more rewarding to have saved and achieved your dreams than to have someone want you to provide a plan before they will give you the money they were going to give you anyway.
Anyway, in the book, many of those receiving money had more fun planning what they would do with the money. Some took an especially long time coming up with a plan. I could relate to that, if I'm tired and driving a long way ... sometimes I think about winning the lottery and how I would spend that money (as a way to stay awake).
300 pages ... and everything you need to know to make your own pre-queaths ... if you have tons of money you are looking to distribute. publication date is July 2025.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Greenleaf Book Group press (the publisher) and the author for the opportunity to read the advance read copy of The Happiness Experiment in exchange for an honest review.
October 16, 2025
No Lessons To Be Learned
This book has more of a reality TV entertainment value than information and tips for anyone wanting to gain insights into achieving greater happiness.
In this book, the author details how he gave generous cash donations to a score of his friends so he could witness the impact of this on their perceived levels of happiness. He did this instead of leaving bequests to them in his will. An interesting concept, but one that comes across as a self-indulgent glorification exercise rather than a truly revolutionary way to increase happiness.
The author and his acolytes all glowingly state that the planning process and coaching provided were more important for their newly garnered happiness than the cash donations given and received. If this were true, then the “experiment” should have included two dozen people given only the planning tools and the free coaching. Then their perceived gains in happiness could be compared with those given financial largess.
Sadly, none of the recipients used their bequests to free up their time for charities, serve on non-profit boards, or otherwise enrich the communities around them. Instead, the money was used to renovate their homes and gardens, purchase luxury automobiles, and travel to destinations they had only dreamed of. This was an exercise in narcissistic and indulgent happiness, not authentic happiness.
Written by the former owner of a chain of collapsed for-profit colleges, which were shuttered after law enforcement agencies and former students went to court over claims of deceptive practices, there are no lessons to be learned from this self-proclaimed experiment. And there is no value to be gained by exchanging your time for reading this book.
This book has more of a reality TV entertainment value than information and tips for anyone wanting to gain insights into achieving greater happiness.
In this book, the author details how he gave generous cash donations to a score of his friends so he could witness the impact of this on their perceived levels of happiness. He did this instead of leaving bequests to them in his will. An interesting concept, but one that comes across as a self-indulgent glorification exercise rather than a truly revolutionary way to increase happiness.
The author and his acolytes all glowingly state that the planning process and coaching provided were more important for their newly garnered happiness than the cash donations given and received. If this were true, then the “experiment” should have included two dozen people given only the planning tools and the free coaching. Then their perceived gains in happiness could be compared with those given financial largess.
Sadly, none of the recipients used their bequests to free up their time for charities, serve on non-profit boards, or otherwise enrich the communities around them. Instead, the money was used to renovate their homes and gardens, purchase luxury automobiles, and travel to destinations they had only dreamed of. This was an exercise in narcissistic and indulgent happiness, not authentic happiness.
Written by the former owner of a chain of collapsed for-profit colleges, which were shuttered after law enforcement agencies and former students went to court over claims of deceptive practices, there are no lessons to be learned from this self-proclaimed experiment. And there is no value to be gained by exchanging your time for reading this book.
July 16, 2025
An account of when the author was a passenger on a Delta Airlines flight in which an engine exploded shortly after takeoff from Reno, Nevada. Barney's thoughts turned toward his loved ones, and his gratitude that they were in his will.”he says, listening as his last will and testament was read to them by an attorney. Thinking about this grim scene, he realized that he “didn’t like this picture one bit. There had to be a better way”; he wanted to see the most important people in his life “experience the pleasure and happiness” of his bequests while he was still alive. He then shares how he created what he ultimately coins the “Happiness Experiment,” in which he offered money—not bequests, but what he calls “pre-quests”—to his loved ones with explicit directions that they work with a Happiness Coach and create a Happiness Plan. This , would ensure that they spend their funds in ways that bring them true joy. With each pre-quest, he revised his ideas about joy, ultimately learning that “the way to achieve real, lasting happiness is through values and virtues. The book clearly provides readers with concepts about happiness, taking off from the notion that “few people take enough time to think about what would make them happier, and create a plan to pursue it.” The “Lives Transformed” portion, which shows the impact that his experiment had on his loved ones’ lives, is compelling. I enjoyed reading this book and thought it is an incredibly good self-help book.
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
October 19, 2025
I went into this book with some skepticism, and unfortunately, it only deepened as I read. I, for one, love the premise as a thought experiment. I love learning and hearing about how others are creating and cultivating a rich life that matches their vision. I love the thought process, the execution and hearing how wildly personal some of the results can get with enough thought. However, this book was not that.
By the third chapter, I found myself thoroughly disengaged and very frustrated. The delivery, I found, was not only out of touch, but also vaguely condescending. The constant conversations had between himself and people he was paying were dry, unoriginal, and did not really seem to be grounded in anything that could be replicated outside of this very specific situation, which left a bad taste in my mouth. It read as a dry, humble brag of a personal memoir—and I don’t say that lightly. I love learning from everyone, no matter the walk of life, but this didn’t feel like teaching or a grateful sharing of knowledge.
Ultimately, this book did not resonate with me and I DNF’d 75% through. Readers looking for thoughtful, inclusive, and grounded discussions on happiness may want to look elsewhere. If you want a more nuanced approach specifically to money gifts and death, I would recommend looking at Die with Zero: Getting All You Can from Your Money and Your Life
Thank you to Greenleaf Book Group and NetGalley for an audioARC of this book.
By the third chapter, I found myself thoroughly disengaged and very frustrated. The delivery, I found, was not only out of touch, but also vaguely condescending. The constant conversations had between himself and people he was paying were dry, unoriginal, and did not really seem to be grounded in anything that could be replicated outside of this very specific situation, which left a bad taste in my mouth. It read as a dry, humble brag of a personal memoir—and I don’t say that lightly. I love learning from everyone, no matter the walk of life, but this didn’t feel like teaching or a grateful sharing of knowledge.
Ultimately, this book did not resonate with me and I DNF’d 75% through. Readers looking for thoughtful, inclusive, and grounded discussions on happiness may want to look elsewhere. If you want a more nuanced approach specifically to money gifts and death, I would recommend looking at Die with Zero: Getting All You Can from Your Money and Your Life
Thank you to Greenleaf Book Group and NetGalley for an audioARC of this book.
July 6, 2025
The Happiness Experiment by Carl B. Barney
A Revolutionary Way to Increase Happiness
Significantly increase your own happiness and transform lives!
A near-death experience changed everything for Carl Barney, sparking a groundbreaking idea that would redefine happiness forever. His concept of pre-quests—Happiness Grants given during life instead of through a will—ignited The Happiness Experiment. By sharing his wealth with twenty friends, Carl didn’t just transform their lives; he uncovered a new understanding of joy fulfillment, and legacy.
In The Happiness Experiment, Carl shares
the gripping, heartwarming stories of lives
forever changed and unveils a revolutionary
step-by-step blueprint for creating true, lasting
happiness. With insights into important
values, deliberate planning, and purposeful
action, this book will challenge everything you
thought you knew about joy and generosity.
If you’ve ever longed to live with intention,
connect deeply with others, and experience fulfillment on a whole new level, The Happiness Experiment is your essential guide. Let Carl’s bold philosophy show you how to create a life—and a legacy—that truly matters.
I recommend this book.
The Happiness Experiment by Carl B. Barney is a 5 star book.
A book you will want to read again.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions shared here in this review are my own.
A Revolutionary Way to Increase Happiness
Significantly increase your own happiness and transform lives!
A near-death experience changed everything for Carl Barney, sparking a groundbreaking idea that would redefine happiness forever. His concept of pre-quests—Happiness Grants given during life instead of through a will—ignited The Happiness Experiment. By sharing his wealth with twenty friends, Carl didn’t just transform their lives; he uncovered a new understanding of joy fulfillment, and legacy.
In The Happiness Experiment, Carl shares
the gripping, heartwarming stories of lives
forever changed and unveils a revolutionary
step-by-step blueprint for creating true, lasting
happiness. With insights into important
values, deliberate planning, and purposeful
action, this book will challenge everything you
thought you knew about joy and generosity.
If you’ve ever longed to live with intention,
connect deeply with others, and experience fulfillment on a whole new level, The Happiness Experiment is your essential guide. Let Carl’s bold philosophy show you how to create a life—and a legacy—that truly matters.
I recommend this book.
The Happiness Experiment by Carl B. Barney is a 5 star book.
A book you will want to read again.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions shared here in this review are my own.
November 3, 2025
I received this galley as an audio book. I did like the narrator and found it easy to keep my attention on the book.
One of the reasons I wanted to read this book was because the description said you would get a step by step blueprint for creating lasting happiness. I don’t agree that I got step by step instructions. Maybe I missed it because I had the audio version and couldn’t easily go back. The majority of the book was conversations with the people he prequested money to.
You don’t realize from the description that the book is not relevant to the average person. The author is extremely wealth giving money to people that are well off. The instructions are to spend all the money not save it and spend it on things you couldn’t afford prior to being given the money. There was a few stories where they spent the money renovating a “second” home, probably not the average person.
We recently replaced a built in hot tub that was broken when we fixed broken windows. A day after I finished the book we needed to empty it for the first time. We were seventeen years younger when we bought the house with it built in. We had a hard time climbing around to empty it and our house on our pump disconnected and sprayed water all over the ceiling and new carpet squares. I couldn’t help but think buying a hot tub for our happiness was what the happiness experiment prescribes. However, it was causing us a lot of anxiety, and sore muscles, not happiness. Lol
One of the reasons I wanted to read this book was because the description said you would get a step by step blueprint for creating lasting happiness. I don’t agree that I got step by step instructions. Maybe I missed it because I had the audio version and couldn’t easily go back. The majority of the book was conversations with the people he prequested money to.
You don’t realize from the description that the book is not relevant to the average person. The author is extremely wealth giving money to people that are well off. The instructions are to spend all the money not save it and spend it on things you couldn’t afford prior to being given the money. There was a few stories where they spent the money renovating a “second” home, probably not the average person.
We recently replaced a built in hot tub that was broken when we fixed broken windows. A day after I finished the book we needed to empty it for the first time. We were seventeen years younger when we bought the house with it built in. We had a hard time climbing around to empty it and our house on our pump disconnected and sprayed water all over the ceiling and new carpet squares. I couldn’t help but think buying a hot tub for our happiness was what the happiness experiment prescribes. However, it was causing us a lot of anxiety, and sore muscles, not happiness. Lol
December 16, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
The Happiness Experiment immediately pulled me in, he had me at the possible plane crash. Carl Barney’s brush with death and the way it reshaped how he thought about legacy, wealth, and happiness was genuinely compelling. I loved the core idea of “pre-quests” or Happiness Grants and how intentionally giving while still alive could deepen meaning for both the giver and the receiver. The stories of the recipients and the emphasis on values, purpose, and deliberate happiness planning were intriguing and thought-provoking.
I was so interested, in fact, that I found myself wanting to know more about who Barney was, how he made his money, and how he continues to use his wealth. Unfortunately, that curiosity changed my experience of the book. After researching the author, learning that the colleges that made him wealthy have since closed, and that he openly supports others who profited from similar institutions, any goodwill I felt toward the message began to unravel.
While the concepts in the book may resonate with readers interested in intentional happiness and legacy-building, it was difficult for me to separate the ideas from the source. In the end, the experiment itself was fascinating, but my trust in the messenger didn’t hold.
The Happiness Experiment immediately pulled me in, he had me at the possible plane crash. Carl Barney’s brush with death and the way it reshaped how he thought about legacy, wealth, and happiness was genuinely compelling. I loved the core idea of “pre-quests” or Happiness Grants and how intentionally giving while still alive could deepen meaning for both the giver and the receiver. The stories of the recipients and the emphasis on values, purpose, and deliberate happiness planning were intriguing and thought-provoking.
I was so interested, in fact, that I found myself wanting to know more about who Barney was, how he made his money, and how he continues to use his wealth. Unfortunately, that curiosity changed my experience of the book. After researching the author, learning that the colleges that made him wealthy have since closed, and that he openly supports others who profited from similar institutions, any goodwill I felt toward the message began to unravel.
While the concepts in the book may resonate with readers interested in intentional happiness and legacy-building, it was difficult for me to separate the ideas from the source. In the end, the experiment itself was fascinating, but my trust in the messenger didn’t hold.
July 19, 2025
Mr. Barney decided to give some of his friends and associates "pre-quests" or Happiness Grants. This was money that he would have left to these people in his will, but he decided to give them the money while he was still living.
The main requirement for receiving this money was to create a happiness plan. This was a detailed plan on how the money would be spent in the next 5 years. The money was to be used to create happiness for the receivers, not to be given away.
I enjoyed this book and was very impressed with the process that the author used to determine who would receive the grants and the planning that was required before the money was awarded.
It is true that a large sum of unexpected cash can definitely change your life for the better, but careful planning is a must. I have read horror stories about how lottery winners have received huge sums of money and it ruined their relationships and their life. Mr. Barney required the recipients of his grants to work with a life coach and financial planner to make sure the money would be used in ways that were aligned with the recipient's values and long term goals.
The author enjoyed watching the recipients of his generosity achieve happiness through travel, home improvements, entertainment and shared experiences with friends and family.
This experiment had a happy ending and the book provides detailed information about how anyone can achieve similar results.
The main requirement for receiving this money was to create a happiness plan. This was a detailed plan on how the money would be spent in the next 5 years. The money was to be used to create happiness for the receivers, not to be given away.
I enjoyed this book and was very impressed with the process that the author used to determine who would receive the grants and the planning that was required before the money was awarded.
It is true that a large sum of unexpected cash can definitely change your life for the better, but careful planning is a must. I have read horror stories about how lottery winners have received huge sums of money and it ruined their relationships and their life. Mr. Barney required the recipients of his grants to work with a life coach and financial planner to make sure the money would be used in ways that were aligned with the recipient's values and long term goals.
The author enjoyed watching the recipients of his generosity achieve happiness through travel, home improvements, entertainment and shared experiences with friends and family.
This experiment had a happy ending and the book provides detailed information about how anyone can achieve similar results.
July 23, 2025
I went into this book with some skepticism, and unfortunately, it only deepened as I read. From the introduction, it was clear that I was probably not the target audience — the tone and premise felt distinctly disconnected from the financial realities most people live with.
By page 21, I found myself thoroughly disengaged. The core message — that money doesn’t create happiness, even while the author gives money away as part of his "experiment" — felt deeply contradictory. It's hard to take seriously a claim that money isn't the source of happiness when the catalyst for happiness in the book is the promise of receiving money. Of course people begin to think more positively when they know financial relief is coming — that’s not a profound insight, it’s basic human nature.
The premise struck me as not only out of touch, but also unintentionally condescending. The narrative seems to present privilege as a lens for universal truth, which left a bad taste in my mouth.
Ultimately, this book did not resonate with me. Readers looking for thoughtful, inclusive, and grounded discussions on happiness may want to look elsewhere.
By page 21, I found myself thoroughly disengaged. The core message — that money doesn’t create happiness, even while the author gives money away as part of his "experiment" — felt deeply contradictory. It's hard to take seriously a claim that money isn't the source of happiness when the catalyst for happiness in the book is the promise of receiving money. Of course people begin to think more positively when they know financial relief is coming — that’s not a profound insight, it’s basic human nature.
The premise struck me as not only out of touch, but also unintentionally condescending. The narrative seems to present privilege as a lens for universal truth, which left a bad taste in my mouth.
Ultimately, this book did not resonate with me. Readers looking for thoughtful, inclusive, and grounded discussions on happiness may want to look elsewhere.
July 21, 2025
Thank you Greenleaf press for the free book.
Publishers have been sending me self-help books lately for some reason and this was one of the better ones. This actually gave practical, concrete advice on how you can intentionally pursue happiness. It showed actual examples of people who did "happiness planning," often with a life coach (the people showcased were given a grant for this experiment). With planning and thought, you can achieve happiness, both in the short-term and the long-term. Included at the end is a happiness planning workbook.
Some readers might criticize this book for the money/grant aspect which enabled people to make changes in their lives (money=happiness), but money is part of the planning. The issue of money is not going to go away; it can't, and shouldn't, be ignored. There are examples of how money helps to reduce unhappiness and stress, of course, but the bottom line is that happiness comes from having meaning and purpose.
Recommended for people who like The Happiness Project and Atomic Habits (which is referenced in this book several times).
Publishers have been sending me self-help books lately for some reason and this was one of the better ones. This actually gave practical, concrete advice on how you can intentionally pursue happiness. It showed actual examples of people who did "happiness planning," often with a life coach (the people showcased were given a grant for this experiment). With planning and thought, you can achieve happiness, both in the short-term and the long-term. Included at the end is a happiness planning workbook.
Some readers might criticize this book for the money/grant aspect which enabled people to make changes in their lives (money=happiness), but money is part of the planning. The issue of money is not going to go away; it can't, and shouldn't, be ignored. There are examples of how money helps to reduce unhappiness and stress, of course, but the bottom line is that happiness comes from having meaning and purpose.
Recommended for people who like The Happiness Project and Atomic Habits (which is referenced in this book several times).
August 10, 2025
The Happiness Experiment follows a wealthy man who, after a near-death experience, decides to give “pre-quests” to the people in his will—financial gifts given while he’s still alive. Recipients must work with a happiness coach or a partner to explore what will truly make them happy, and he even covers gift taxes and offers access to his CPA/financial advisor.
I love the concept of a pre-quest. After working hard and saving, how amazing would it be to see firsthand how your gift benefits others? I started the book skeptical, worried it might come off as pretentious, but ultimately I understood the author’s intent. I could relate to the joy of hearing what people do with a gift—knowing you played a role in making something possible.
I did find myself skimming at times, as I didn’t need all the nitty-gritty details of each recipient’s life. Still, the planning pages at the end are worth exploring.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I love the concept of a pre-quest. After working hard and saving, how amazing would it be to see firsthand how your gift benefits others? I started the book skeptical, worried it might come off as pretentious, but ultimately I understood the author’s intent. I could relate to the joy of hearing what people do with a gift—knowing you played a role in making something possible.
I did find myself skimming at times, as I didn’t need all the nitty-gritty details of each recipient’s life. Still, the planning pages at the end are worth exploring.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 16, 2025
The Happiness Experiment by Carl Barney isn’t just another feel‑good self‑help book, although reading it will make you feel better. It’s a deeply insightful guide that blends neuroscience, psychology, and practical exercises to truly transform your outlook. And his "Happiness Grants" are genius. What a gift he gave to the world to construct a way for people to share their wealth in person rather than just from the grave. What stood out to me most was Carl’s idea of “pre-quests”—gifting during life instead of waiting until the end—which turned out to be transformative not just for the recipients, but for him as well. The real-life stories are moving, and the book offers a practical, thoughtful roadmap for living with more purpose and joy. For me, the book read more as an inspirational memoir than a self-help guide for others. The author is a compelling figure and he shares a worthwhile message. 3.5 rounded up Thank you to Carl B. Barney, Greenleaf Book Group, and NetGalley
December 15, 2025
A fabulous book that everyone should read. I like the idea of a multi-millionaire giving out pre-quests to people who would receive a bequest in his will when he died. I liked the idea of making it only for creating more happiness. As someone who has had the same new year's resolution for 30 years - "To have MORE fun" - this hit home. It reinforced that life is to be lived in the present, not some off time in the future when you can afford it. It also reinforced that making others happy, makes me happy. I love to see the expression on people's faces when I give them a gift that I think they will appreciate, or when we are doing something fun. Many gifts I give are to create memories, because we all have enough stuff. I liked the idea that heis pre-quest included a gift of planning - coaching, and no tax. /there is a workbook at the end so people who haven't thought about it can do so in an organized manner. My kinde version made it difficult to see the page structure.
July 7, 2025
Thank you, Netgalley, for an ARC for this book. This review is my thoughts on the book.
My first thought on the book was wow, who has this kind of money to follow Carl's idea of 'Happiness Grants? But as I read more of the book, I did find great ideas for bringing happiness to your life. Under mindsets in music, the list has some interesting ideas and made me think more about which songs really do bring me happiness and why. For example, the song I danced to with my son at his wedding always makes me smile and cry when I hear it. Much the way that Amazing Grace and bagpipes can really reach my soul. Music for me is very personal and often related to a memory or event. So, making a playlist for Happiness hit a chord with me.
I am grateful to have read this book as it has shown me a different way to look at my life and the simple things in it that can bring me happiness.
My first thought on the book was wow, who has this kind of money to follow Carl's idea of 'Happiness Grants? But as I read more of the book, I did find great ideas for bringing happiness to your life. Under mindsets in music, the list has some interesting ideas and made me think more about which songs really do bring me happiness and why. For example, the song I danced to with my son at his wedding always makes me smile and cry when I hear it. Much the way that Amazing Grace and bagpipes can really reach my soul. Music for me is very personal and often related to a memory or event. So, making a playlist for Happiness hit a chord with me.
I am grateful to have read this book as it has shown me a different way to look at my life and the simple things in it that can bring me happiness.
November 17, 2025
1/5 stars
The Happiness experiment was contradictory, money obsessive, and downright unenjoyable. To sum this book up: the moral of the story is money does not buy happiness, however, the experiments throughout this book all involve one person with money giving money to other people with no money to spread happiness, joy, and give stability. So does money = happiness? The argument was lost. Yes, yes it does, apparently. And the goal in life is to make so much money that you can help others and spread happiness through, what would you guess? oh, right, MONEY!
The narrator was great and was the only reason I did not DNF the book, he did a great job with pacing, tone, and holding interest.
Thank you to Netgalley and Greenleaf Audiobooks for the opportunity to listen to this ALC in exchange for an honest review!
The Happiness experiment was contradictory, money obsessive, and downright unenjoyable. To sum this book up: the moral of the story is money does not buy happiness, however, the experiments throughout this book all involve one person with money giving money to other people with no money to spread happiness, joy, and give stability. So does money = happiness? The argument was lost. Yes, yes it does, apparently. And the goal in life is to make so much money that you can help others and spread happiness through, what would you guess? oh, right, MONEY!
The narrator was great and was the only reason I did not DNF the book, he did a great job with pacing, tone, and holding interest.
Thank you to Netgalley and Greenleaf Audiobooks for the opportunity to listen to this ALC in exchange for an honest review!
July 7, 2025
What a boring, self-indulgent, navel-gazing, waste of time of a book!
Rich dude who made his money in for profit education (aka scammy diploma mills that, you know, EXPLOIT PEOPLE FOR MONEY and saddle them with student loans and worthless degrees) suddenly thinks he has ~too much money~ so he decides to give some of it away. He makes sure to tell us, multiple times, that he has a home in Northern California and a home in Lake Tahoe, and that's all he needs. (Those are two of the most expensive housing markets, y'all. Just saying.)
I admit, I skimmed some of this because it was just so repetitive and BORING. Uninspired, insipid, and not worth the paper it's printed on. I'd advise you to skip this one.
Thank you to NetGalley for the free review copy.
Rich dude who made his money in for profit education (aka scammy diploma mills that, you know, EXPLOIT PEOPLE FOR MONEY and saddle them with student loans and worthless degrees) suddenly thinks he has ~too much money~ so he decides to give some of it away. He makes sure to tell us, multiple times, that he has a home in Northern California and a home in Lake Tahoe, and that's all he needs. (Those are two of the most expensive housing markets, y'all. Just saying.)
I admit, I skimmed some of this because it was just so repetitive and BORING. Uninspired, insipid, and not worth the paper it's printed on. I'd advise you to skip this one.
Thank you to NetGalley for the free review copy.
August 3, 2025
I just finished “The Happiness Experiment” by Carl B Barney. I thought it was an interesting take on wealth and how it affects happiness. Basically, many rich people can be very unhappy because of the mental load of having so much stuff to take care of, but poorer people can be very happy, living a life of moderation with things they love. He has been instances of giving money away to people and observing their responses. Some of the stories are very heartwarming. This book was a good read, but I think more detail about some of the people would have really pulled me into their stories and been much more emotional.
October 25, 2025
Thank you Netgalley for my copy.
I have a new aim in life: make so much money I can give half of it away and still not worry! Unfortunately, I don't think this is possible, but it's a nice idea.
I enjoyed this book.
Some thing(s) I liked:
✅Well written
✅Hearing about what people chose to do with their grants
✅The idea of bequests before death so one can see the money enjoyed
Some thing(s), not so much:
⭕ Unfortunately, whilst the entire book tries to make the point money doesn't make one happy, it was all about money... Making people happy. Even if that was having it just so one can give it to others.
I have a new aim in life: make so much money I can give half of it away and still not worry! Unfortunately, I don't think this is possible, but it's a nice idea.
I enjoyed this book.
Some thing(s) I liked:
✅Well written
✅Hearing about what people chose to do with their grants
✅The idea of bequests before death so one can see the money enjoyed
Some thing(s), not so much:
⭕ Unfortunately, whilst the entire book tries to make the point money doesn't make one happy, it was all about money... Making people happy. Even if that was having it just so one can give it to others.
November 16, 2025
I was hoping for a practical guide to everyday happiness, but this felt more like a peek into the lives of people who already have plenty. The author’s “experiments” mostly involve handing large sums of money to folks who can already afford luxuries—second homes, renovations, hot tubs—so it’s hard to take the advice and apply it to normal life. Entertaining in parts, yes, but if you’re looking for a realistic roadmap for your happiness, this isn’t it. More a thought-provoking glance at privilege than a blueprint anyone can follow.
Thank you Netgalley for this ALC.
Thank you Netgalley for this ALC.
January 1, 2026
I appreciate the idea behind this book, but am SO conflicted about my feelings while reading it. The ultimate point of the book is to make a difference in people’s lives before you pass away (instead of a large bequeath after you e gone). The problem I had while reading this is that the author had more financial resources available to him than the general population. Don’t get me wrong—good for him for building up wealth. I just feel like this “plan” is completely out of reach for the average person. I wish it had been a more attainable idea and not so financially centered.
June 27, 2025
This book is very interesting. It takes a look at how you can plan out your future and things that can bring you happiness. It talks about what in your life would make you happy and how the planning of that process has a big impact on your life. The stories in the book include how Carl changed his thinking and his life with the Happiness Experiment. I highly recommend this book and completing the happiness experiment in the back of the book!
July 6, 2025
I received a free DRC of this book through Netgalley. I enjoyed reading the different reactions to Carl's happiness experiment with his friends, family, and coworkers. It turns out that happiness can be planned for and executed into being. I liked the practical side of the book with steps to figuring out what makes you happy and what you need to do to achieve happiness.
July 7, 2025
Egotistical man "gives" away inheritances before he dies--with a catch. Have a plan, share it with him, you must use it now, selfishly only for yourself, and not save anything. Oh, and rave about how awesome he is. The stories repeat, repeat, repeat. A no thanks for me. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
July 9, 2025
This was a great read! There was a lot to learn while reading this book. I really liked the pre-question idea. I loved seeing how they all decided on what would make them happy. This will stick with me for a long time!
I want thank NetGalley and Greenleaf Book Group for this dreaded copy. This is my honest opinion of this work.
I want thank NetGalley and Greenleaf Book Group for this dreaded copy. This is my honest opinion of this work.
August 29, 2025
This book offers an interesting and very upbeat journey into one's exploration of happiness.
I read it slowly over a long period of time, using it as a constant well of reassurance that forever new attempts at finding simple ways of happiness exist.
It's inspiring!
Thank you Greenleaf Book Group for introducing me to this book!
I read it slowly over a long period of time, using it as a constant well of reassurance that forever new attempts at finding simple ways of happiness exist.
It's inspiring!
Thank you Greenleaf Book Group for introducing me to this book!
July 19, 2025
**received this book in a giveaway**
I did not, in the slightest, enjoy this book. I understand the concept, and how the author's actions impacted those he cares about, but I couldn't relate to anything happening.
I did not, in the slightest, enjoy this book. I understand the concept, and how the author's actions impacted those he cares about, but I couldn't relate to anything happening.
July 7, 2025
DNF. Privilege white male bootstrap story.
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