Stumbling on Happiness (Vintage)
About this product
NATIONAL BESTSELLER • Bringing to life scientific research in psychology, cognitive neuroscience, philosophy, and behavioral economics, this witty, accessible book reveals what scientists have discovered about the uniquely human ability to imagine the future, and about our capacity to predict how much we will like it when we get there.
• Why are lovers quicker to forgive their partners for infidelity than for leaving dirty dishes in the sink?
• Why will sighted people pay more to avoid going blind than blind people will pay to regain their sight?
• Why do dining companions insist on ordering different meals instead of getting what they really want?
• Why do pigeons seem to have such excellent aim; why can’t we remember one song while listening to another; and why does the line at the grocery store always slow down the moment we join it?
In this brilliant book, renowned Harvard psychologist Daniel Gilbert describes the foibles of imagination and illusions of foresight that cause each of us to misconceive our tomorrows and misestimate our satisfactions. With penetrating insight and sparkling prose, Gilbert explains why we seem to know so little about the hearts and minds of the people we are about to become. Read more
Editor's Take
Amazon reviewers say Stumbling on Happiness is thought-provoking, engaging, witty, and well worth reading, with many praising its readable style and practical examples of how people misjudge what will make them happy. Some reviewers also note that it starts strongly but becomes a bit weaker in the middle.
On Goodreads, the book has a large body of reader feedback and a generally positive average rating, which suggests broad interest and steady appeal among readers of psychology and self-help.
On Reddit, a book review post describes it as a reflective read that prompted personal reflection, aligning with the common view that the book is interesting and mentally stimulating. Thriftbooks and other book listings show only limited review activity for this exact edition, so the strongest opinion signals come from Amazon and broader reader communities.
Across YouTube search results, multiple videos appear to be genuine reviews or discussions of this specific title, including one by a channel titled Stumbling on Happiness - Daniel Gilbert: A Review and another called Stumbling On Happiness by Daniel Gilbert- Book Review.
Price History
Specifications
| Topic | Happiness |
Product Details
| ASIN | 1400077427 |
| Publisher | Vintage |
| Publication date | March 20, 2007 |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 336 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 9781400077427 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1400077427 |
| Item Weight | 8.5 ounces |
| Dimensions | 5.15 x 0.74 x 7.98 inches |
| Best Sellers Rank | #54,685 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #57 in Marketing & Consumer Behavior #127 in Emotional Mental Health #134 in Cognitive Psychology (Books) |
| Customer Reviews | 4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars (3,800) |
