Nancy Etcoff: Happiness and its surprises

The video explores the pursuit of happiness, highlighting that humans are wired to seek it. Despite various methods like self-help books and medication, happiness levels remain flat while depression rises. The video critiques Freud's pessimistic view and introduces the new science of happiness, which sees happiness and unhappiness as separate systems. It discusses innate pleasures, social nature, and evolutionary influences on happiness. Materialism's impact and the shift towards post-materialist values are also examined, concluding with reflections on love and self-awareness.

What is one of the main reasons people pursue happiness according to the introduction?

• To fulfill societal expectations

• Because it is a natural human inclination

• To achieve financial success

• To avoid negative emotions

What is a significant issue with the current methods of pursuing happiness?

• They are outdated

• They are not accessible to everyone

• They have not significantly increased overall happiness

• They are too expensive

According to Freud, what is the ultimate goal of psychoanalytic psychotherapy?

• Reaching a state of ordinary misery

• Achieving complete happiness

• Eliminating all negative emotions

• Understanding one's childhood

What is the formula for a happy marriage mentioned in the psychological perspectives section?

• Three positive interactions for every negative one

• Five positive interactions for every negative one

• Seven positive interactions for every negative one

• Ten positive interactions for every negative one

What is a key point in the new science of happiness?

• Happiness and unhappiness are endpoints of a single continuum

• Happiness and unhappiness are separate systems

• Unhappiness is the absence of happiness

• Happiness is solely determined by genetics

What chemical is associated with the brain's reward system?

• Cortisol

• Dopamine

• Serotonin

• Oxytocin

What is the universal signal of happiness?

• A frown

• A sigh

• A smile

• A laugh

What is one way humans can rise in social status, according to the social influences section?

• By gaining prestige through expertise

• By acquiring wealth

• Through physical dominance

• By forming alliances

What does Maslow's hierarchy suggest about human motivation?

• It is primarily focused on self-preservation

• It is fixed and unchanging

• It is solely driven by biological needs

• It evolves as basic needs are met

What shift in values is observed in people who experience a quantum change?

• From materialist to post-materialist values

• From individualistic to collectivist values

• From conservative to liberal values

• From traditional to modern values