DR. KELTNER: Imagine that scientists have created a happiness
machine, a machine that could make you as happy as you'd
like with just the push of a button.
Would you use it?
Would you push the button?
I've asked that question of my students for years.
And most of them say, no.
Most of them want to find true happiness on their own in a genuine way.
But how do you do that?
EMILIANA SIMON-THOMAS: That's where science comes in.
For the past decade, researchers have been
developing a roadmap for the pursuit of happiness,
suggesting, for instance, that roughly 40% of our happiness
is determined not by our genes, but by our daily activities.
It's up to you.
I'm Emiliana Simon-Thomas.
DR. KELTNER: And I'm Dr. Keltner, here at UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science
Center.
We've been part of the scientific movement
to identify the sources of a happy, meaningful life.
And we've made some valuable discoveries.
And we would like to share these findings with you
to help you unlock the secrets to a happier life, healthier
relationships, stronger communities.
EMILIANA SIMON-THOMAS: That's where this course comes in.
The Science of Happiness is the first MOOC
to teach this research, with presentations from some of the world's
top experts on the subject, like Sonja Lyubomirsky, Jon Kabat-Zinn, Paul Ekman
and Barbara Frederickson.
They'll join us in covering topics like mindfulness, compassion and gratitude.
DR. KELTNER: Together we'll tour this field
that some call positive psychology.
We'll explore why writing down things you're grateful for
can strengthen your immune system and improve your sleep,
how meditation can actually change your brain for the better,
and why spending money on others is actually better for your happiness
than spending on yourself.
EMILIANA SIMON-THOMAS: Along the way, we'll
devote special attention to the links between happiness
and human connection, kindness, a commitment to something greater
than yourself.
DR. KELTNER: But we're going to do more than tell you
about the science of happiness, we're going
to help you experience it firsthand.
Each week, you'll try out research tested methods
for boosting happiness and strengthening your meaningful connection to others.
And you'll be able to track your progress over time
and discuss it all with your classmates.
EMILIANA SIMON-THOMAS: So please join us for The Science of Happiness.
We'll put the secrets to happiness at your fingertips
with just the click of button.