Finding Happiness in a Harvard Classroom
Tal Ben-Shahar teaches a class on what he calls "how to get happy." The best advice? Simplify, he says. Tovia Smith, NPR hide caption
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Tovia Smith, NPR
Tal Ben-Shahar teaches a class on what he calls "how to get happy." The best advice? Simplify, he says.
Tovia Smith, NPR
At Harvard University this semester, students are flocking to a new class that might give them some insight into the secret to happiness. Psychology 1504, or "Positive Psychology," has become the most popular course on campus.
Twice a week, some 900 students attend Tal Ben-Shahar's class on what he calls "how to get happy." He achieved personal happiness by taking himself off the tenure track -- because not having to publish makes him happy. His class offers research from the relatively new field of positive psychology, which focuses on what makes people happy, rather than just their pathologies.
The Question of Happiness
By Tal Ben-Shahar
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FAQs
Contrary to what you might think, it's not career achievement, money, exercise, or a healthy diet. The most consistent finding we've learned through 85 years of study is: Positive relationships keep us happier, healthier, and help us live longer.
What is the most popular class at Harvard University happiness? ›
Psychology 1504, or "positive psychology," has become the most popular course on campus. It focuses on what makes people happy, rather than just their pathologies.
Who teaches happiness at Harvard University? ›
Harvard professor who teaches a class on happiness: The happiest people balance and prioritize 3 things. Social scientist Arthur C. Brooks, who teaches a happiness course at Harvard University, has been searching for the answers about what it means to be happy for decades, and he's arrived at some specific conclusions.
What do students do for fun at Harvard? ›
Harvard Athletics offers forty-two Division I intercollegiate varsity teams for women and men — more than any other Division I college — as well as numerous club and intramural sports and recreational activities. More than eighty percent of our students participate athletics of some kind.
What is the easiest class at Harvard? ›
The Easiest Courses At Harvard
- Neurobiology 95hfj: The Sleeping Brain. ...
- Organismic and Evolutionary Biology 59: Plants and Human Affairs. ...
- Portuguese Ac: Beginning Portuguese for Spanish Speakers. ...
- Psychology 950: Psychology Live! ...
- Swedish A: Beginning Swedish Language and Literature.
There is no formula for gaining admission to Harvard. Academic accomplishment in high school is important, but the Admissions Committee also considers many other criteria, such as community involvement, leadership and distinction in extracurricular activities, and personal qualities and character.
What is the number 1 major of Harvard? ›
The most popular majors overall in Harvard are Political Science and Government, Economics, Social Sciences, Evolutionary Biology, and Psychology.
Who is the most successful Harvard student? ›
Top 100 Famous Harvard Alumni
| S.No. | Name | Notable Position |
|---|
| 1 | Barack Obama | 44th President of the United States of America |
| 2 | Steve Ballmer | Former CEO of Microsoft, Owner of the Los Angeles Clippers |
| 3 | Ratan Tata | Indian Industrialist, Philanthropist |
| 4 | George W Bush | 43rd President of the United States of America |
93 more rowsDoubt: uncertainty about our situation and ourselves that blocks our ability to see the way forward with flexibility and our willingness to engage with challenges and demands in our daily lives.
What is Yale's most popular class happiness? ›
The course, taught by Laurie Santos, 42, a psychology professor and the head of one of Yale's residential colleges, tries to teach students how to lead a happier, more satisfying life in twice-weekly lectures. “Students want to change, to be happier themselves, and to change the culture here on campus,” Dr.
How to Be Happy on School Days
- Listen to upbeat music.
- Focus on the good things about school.
- Go outside for a few minutes.
- Get some exercise.
- Do something nice for someone.
- Smile more often.
- Use feedback to improve your grades.
- Talk to a friend if something's bothering you.
Gardner, who has seen many generations of Harvard students, told me that the current crop is “more worried and uptight.” Fischman noted that students repeatedly referenced a desire to be perfect, contributing to stress that occurs “daily, if not on the minute.”
Is it hard being a Harvard student? ›
Well, Harvard is hard, I would say with a smile. The reason I could say this with a smile was largely because I knew I was not alone – not only were there many relatable first-year students in my classes, but Harvard has countless resources to support its students.
