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 role do positive emotions play according to the text?

What does the speaker say about the impact of nature on recovery from surgery?

What are the three systems underlying reproduction mentioned in the text?

How does the speaker suggest that social status affects happiness?