The Happiness Hypothesis by Jonathan Haidt is a groundbreaking exploration of the science of happiness. Drawing on ancient wisdom and modern science, Haidt shows how the pursuit of happiness is a fundamental part of human nature. He examines the major theories of happiness, from Aristotle to Freud,
The Happiness Hypothesis: Finding Modern Truth in Ancient Wisdom is a 2006 book written by American social psychologist Jonathan Haidt. In it, Haidt poses several "Great Ideas" on happiness espoused by thinkers of the past—such as Plato, Buddha and Jesus—and examines them in the light of contemporary psychological research, extracting from them any lessons that still apply to our modern lives. Central to the book are the concepts of virtue, happiness, fulfillment, and meaning.