by David Malouf
First published 2013
What makes us happy? David Malouf tackles this deceptively simple question in a meditation that spans centuries of human thought. Despite material abundance that previous generations could never imagine, people in wealthy nations remain restless. They seek fulfillment through yoga studios, dating apps, therapy sessions, and shopping sprees. Malouf argues that happiness represents the most basic human emotion, yet our pursuit of it has become increasingly complex. He draws from ancient Greek creation stories and Athenian philosophy, examines how Thomas Jefferson made happiness a political right, and analyzes how painters like Rembrandt and Rubens captured pure joy on canvas. The author weaves together mythology, philosophy, art, and literature to trace how different cultures have understood contentment. He observes how modern society grows more disconnected as it expands, leaving individuals isolated despite constant connectivity. Malouf distills centuries of wisdom into clear, accessible prose that illuminates why we struggle to find satisfaction in an age of plenty.
Genres: art, philosophy, non-fiction, biography-memoir, academic, cultural-studies
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: academic, informative, philosophical
Period: 19th-century, 20th-century, 21st-century, Ancient, Athenian, Modern
96 pages · Hardcover · Pantheon