Class Central is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

YouTube

The Surprising Science of Happiness

TED-Ed via YouTube

Overview

Explore the fascinating realm of happiness through cognitive researcher Nancy Etcoff's TED talk. Delve into the science behind our pursuit of joy, examining how it relates to our circumstances and impacts our physical well-being. Discover insights on the positivity offset, reward pathways, and universal signals of enjoyment. Investigate the roles of biophilia, social status, and materialism in our quest for contentment. Analyze the relationship between money and happiness, and consider how women's values shift after significant life changes. Gain a deeper understanding of human emotions and the complex factors influencing our well-being in this thought-provoking presentation.

Syllabus

Intro
Hooked on a Feeling
The pursuit of happiness is obligatory
Depression and Anxiety Rising
Freudian Pessimism
Negativity Bias
The new science of happiness
Positivity Offset
Reward and Pleasure Pathways
Universal Signal of Enjoyable Emotions
Biophilia
The Sexual Brain and the gene replicator
Social Status: Dominance vs Prestige
Can money buy happiness?
Materialism
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
Women's Values after Quantum Change

Taught by

TED-Ed

Reviews

Start your review of The Surprising Science of Happiness

Never Stop Learning.

Get personalized course recommendations, track subjects and courses with reminders, and more.

Someone learning on their laptop while sitting on the floor.