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A Happy Life May Not Be a Meaningful Life
Scientific American: Psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor Viktor Frankl once wrote, “Life is never made unbearable by circumstances, but only by lack of meaning and purpose.” For most people, feeling happy and finding life meaningful are
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The Powerlessness of Positive Thinking
The New Yorker: Since publishing “The Secret,” in 2006, the Australian author Rhonda Byrne has been writing self-help manifestos based on the idea that people who think positive thoughts are rewarded with happiness, wealth, influence
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Money, Sleep and Love: What Makes a Happy Parent?
LiveScience: Who is happier: Parents or non-parents? It’s a conundrum that burns hot in the cultural discourse. Are parents made miserable by dirty diapers, long sleepless nights and needy kiddos? Or are they on
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What Makes Older People Happy
The New York Times: Every year, my husband and I wonder what kind of birthday gift to give his dad, now 86 years old. The newest gadget, which may be admired but almost surely will
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How Does Misfortune Affect Long-Term Happiness?
NPR: We’re doomed to be miserable if we don’t get what we want — right? Not quite, says psychologist Dan Gilbert. He says our “psychological immune system” lets us feel truly happy even when things
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Be Happier: Spend More Money on Others
Pacific Standard: If you want to feel happier—and who doesn’t—what should you do with that $20 you have in your pocket? The evidence is clear, according to a new research paper: You should use it