Arthur Brooks tackles one of America's most contentious questions: who actually experiences happiness and why. Every group claims superior contentment. Religious Americans insist they outpace secularists in well-being, while secularists make the opposite claim. Conservatives and liberals each believe their worldview delivers greater satisfaction. Brooks cuts through these competing assertions by examining extensive survey data and empirical research. He discovers a genuine happiness divide that mirrors America's deepest cultural and political divisions. The research reveals that specific values correlate with higher reported happiness: faith, charitable giving, industriousness, optimism, and individual freedom. Conversely, secular worldviews, heavy dependence on government solutions, and excessive focus on security tend to diminish well-being. Brooks argues these patterns have significant implications for public policy and personal choices. His analysis suggests ways government might better support citizens' happiness pursuits without overreach.
Genres: business, american, politics, economics, non-fiction, academic
Vibes: thought-provoking
Tropes: research
277 pages · Kindle Edition