Harvard Professor Explains The Secret to Happiness

In the midst of a global mental health crisis, renowned Harvard professor Arthur Brooks has emerged as a beacon of hope, sharing his profound insights on the pursuit of happiness. Speaking on “Making Money with Charles Payne,” Brooks, who has dedicated his life to unraveling the science of happiness, unveiled a simple yet transformative secret to achieving lasting contentment.

“Everybody wants to be happy. But what we really can get is happier,” Brooks emphasized during his appearance. “Your happiness is not a destination, it’s a direction. And the way that people can get happier is by understanding the basic science of what happiness is all about.” His latest book, a collaboration with media icon Oprah Winfrey, has resonated with readers globally, empowering them with knowledge and strategies to enhance their well-being.

Brooks cautioned against fixating too intensely on the pursuit of happiness, asserting that excessive preoccupation could paradoxically lead to discontent. “When we feel like we must be ultimately blissful, and we’re not, then that becomes a real source of frustration,” he elucidated. “But when we understand what it really is, which is not a feeling, this is very important. This is one of the biggest mistakes that my students make, is thinking that happiness is a nice feeling. It’s not. Feelings are just evidence of happiness.”

According to Brooks, happiness is an amalgamation of life enjoyment, contentment with achievements, and the discovery of purpose. He urged individuals to embrace each of these aspects as an enriching journey rather than a source of frustration. Reflecting on personal experience, he highlighted the profound impact that comprehending the science behind happiness has had on his own life.

In his upcoming book, “Build the Life You Want: The Art and Science of Getting Happier,” Brooks shares a poignant conversation with his mother-in-law, who came to grasp the essence of happiness only in her later years. “You have to design your habits. You have to pursue the habits of the happiest people,” Brooks noted. “The happiest people have kind of a happiness 401K plan. They have a happiness pension plan where they’re investing every day in their faith, their family life, their friendships, and serving other people with their work. Faith, family, friends, and work. Those are the big four.”

As the discussion unfolded, Brooks emphasized the pivotal role of faith, family, friendships, and meaningful work in fostering happiness. He underscored the importance of steering clear of distractions, such as excessive time spent on social media, and redirecting energy toward building a fulfilling and purpose-driven life.

In a world increasingly besieged by the adverse impacts of social media and a mounting mental health crisis, Brooks’ wisdom serves as a guiding light, illuminating a path toward genuine and sustainable happiness.