Royal Society Science Book Prize Winner
Stumbling on Happiness
by Daniel Gilbert
Summary
A Harvard psychologist explores the science of how human beings imagine the future, written for general readers curious about the workings of their own minds. Gilbert draws on cognitive science and behavioral research to argue that our brains systematically misforecast what will bring us joy, leading us to chase the wrong goals. The book reframes happiness as a problem of perception rather than circumstance, helping readers see why they so often miscalculate what they want.
”
Historical Context & Significance
A foundational text for understanding how the mind "fills in" details of the future that aren't actually there, leading to chronic dissatisfaction.