The Science of Happiness: Arthur Brooks on Building a Fulfilling Life

What if the pursuit of happiness is making us miserable? To help us answer that question is Dr. Arthur Brooks. Arthur is a Harvard professor, social scientist, and bestselling author known for his work on well-being, leadership, and human flourishing. His journey is anything but traditional—starting out as a professional musician before transitioning to academia, where he’s become a leading voice in the study of happiness… But as you’ll hear in this episode, the path of happiness might not be exactly what you think it is. Whether you’re a high performer seeking more fulfillment or simply looking to understand happiness from a deeper perspective, this conversation offers a powerful roadmap for living fully. CHAPTERS: Chapters 00:00- The Pursuit of Happiness and Excellence 02:20 - A Unique Path to Academia 04:39 - The Journey of a Musician 09:24 - Taking Risks in Life and Love 12:41 -Navigating Relationships and Personal Growth 16:24 - The Importance of Change and Adaptation 20:13 - Understanding Strengths and Happiness 26:32 - Self-Awareness and Discernment in Life 30:29 - The Journey to Happiness 33:18 - Understanding Emotions and Their Role 39:02 - The Intersection of Science and Philosophy 53:13 - Defining Happiness Beyond Feelings 01:00:10 - The Year of Play: Embracing Enjoyment 01:06:29 - Satisfaction Through Struggle: The Path to Fulfillment 01:11:55 - Understanding Meaning: The Core of Existence