TEDTalks: Dan Gilbert Asks Why are we happy? Why aren't we happy?

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Dan Gilbert, author of Stumbling on Happiness, challenges the idea that we'll be miserable if we don't get what we want. Our "psychological immune system" lets us feel truly happy even when things don't go as planned. I am not convinced -- are you? [22:02]

TEDTalks is a daily video podcast of the best talks and performances from the TED Conference, where the world's leading thinkers and doers are invited to give the talk of their lives in 18 minutes.

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If you are not convinced, it is because you are unable to synthesize happiness. I can. I am happy despite the bad things that might happen. It can take some practice. Study and live like a Buddhist. Suppress your cravings for material wealth. Tell yourself you don't really need it. When bad things happen, tell yourself that it is not that bad and that shit happens and it is meaningless. Then restart your life from that point forward!

By PCfixnerd (not verified) on 01 Nov 2009 #permalink