In his widely praised book, award-winning psychologist* Jonathan Haidt examines the world’s philosophical wisdom through the lens* of psychological science, showing how a deeper understanding of old sayings, like “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you,” or “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,” can enrich and even change our lives.

    Citing* Plato, Buddha and modern brain science, Haidt notes the mind is like an “elephant” of automatic* desires* and impulses* atop which conscious intention* is a weak “rider.”

    The author searches through Eastern and Western religious and philosophical traditions for other words of wisdom to prove—and sometimes critique*—with the findings of neurology* and cognitive* psychology.

    The Buddhist-Stoic order to throw away worldly attachments* in search of happiness, for example, is supported by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s studies into pleasure. And Nietzsche’s view that what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger is considered against research into post-traumatic* growth.

    A supporter of the “positive psychology” movement, Haidt also offers practical advice on finding happiness and meaning. Riches don’t matter much, he says, but close relationships, quiet surroundings and short commutes* help a lot, while meditation, cognitive psychotherapy and Prozac* are all good ways to fight unhappiness. This well-written book looks at some age-old issues and gives readers food for good thought.

    (SD-Agencies)