The Science of Happiness Has Arrived
• The most popular class at Harvard is
Happiness class, taught by Tal Ben-Shahar.
Happiness can be taught just like math.
• Time Magazine devoted a special issue to
happiness in 2006.
• The University of Pennsylvania offers an
entire degree in Happiness

After studying illness for decades, scientists are now studying
happiness, meaning, flow, positive emotion, and flourishing.
• Number of Psychology journal articles on: (1967-2000)
– Anger: 5,584
– Depression: 54,040
– Anxiety: 41,416
– Joy: 415
– Happiness: 1,710
– Life satisfaction: 2,582
• Ratio: 21/1
We’re gaining breakthrough knowledge about happiness. We
know its components, can measure it, and can teach it.
Source: Harvard Positive Psychology Course

Happiness has some amazing benefits
• Better health
• Longer life
• More success at work, make more money
• Stronger relationships including marriage
• Cope better

I already know about happiness. Don’t I?
• Less than 10% of people are truly happy on
five measured components.
• Most people mistake fleeting superficial
happiness for all there is.

Where Can I Learn More?
• The American Happiness Association provides science-based
education and resources to help people learn and practice
intentional and sustainable happiness.
• Help us increase world happiness.
• Visit us at http://www.americanhappiness.org