As news of the terrorist attacks in Paris spread through social media, responses followed a pattern I’ve come to know well. First, shock and grief. Friends and followers share video and pictures that are almost pornographic in their deracinated intensity. The images appear with no context, and we see only running, screaming, guns, and blood. … Continue reading »
positive emotions
Happy International Day of Happiness!
Today is the International Day of Happiness, launched last year by the United Nations to promote subjective well-being as a legitimate goal of public policy and social progress. That’s a goal we share at the UC Berkeley Greater Good Science Center, and through the years we’ve covered happiness research from every conceivable angle. Here are … Continue reading »
A new vision of teacher education
“This experience changed my life profoundly, both personally and professionally, and because of it, I will be able to affect a positive change in the lives of others.” — School superintendent This was one of many inspiring testimonials we received from our inaugural Summer Institute for Educators, which wrapped up two weeks ago. We designed … Continue reading »
The secret to flourishing? Science says it’s in the numbers
When it comes to human flourishing, science is getting pretty specific. Over the course of our daily lives, we have a variety of positive and negative experiences. And I think most of us would agree that we are likely to be happiest when we maximize the positive and minimize the negative. But researchers suggest that … Continue reading »