In the novel, Hardwiring Happiness: The New Brain Science of Contentment, Calm, and Confidence (by Rick Hanson).
Part 1: Summary
In this section, please summarize the book's key claims in your words, including the overall arguments and evidence for these claims. You do not need to worry about minor details here; the goal is to give the reader a “birds-eye-view” of the book by highlighting its core ideas and arguments.
Part 2: Connections
In this section, you need to identify two different concepts or research findings that are in some way related to the book. For each connection that you identify, you are asked to: (1) clearly summarize – in your own words – the relevant concept or research finding; and (2) elaborate on how that concept or research finding is connected or applies to the book, and specifically, how it has informed your understanding of the book.
Some concepts are:
Four Psychological Barriers to Happiness;
1) The hedonic treadmill: Does pleasure keep its promise?
2) Negative emotions: Good reasons for bad feelings?
3) Affective asymmetry: Is bad stronger than good?
4) Modern environments: Are we throwing fuel on the fire?
The pursuit of happiness: Paradoxes and Puzzles;
1) Uncertainty and adaptation
2) Satisficing versus maximizing
3) Valuing happiness
Four Key Types of Questions;
1) Conceptual questions
2) Methodological questions
3) Epistemic questions
4) Philosophical questions
As just one example, if you feel that the concept of the hedonic treadmill is relevant to the book, you can focus on that as one of your two connections. In that case, you would: (1) summarize clearly what the hedonic treadmill is by describing the concept and any relevant supporting details (e.g., concrete examples of the hedonic treadmill and supporting evidence); and (2) elaborate on how the notion of the hedonic treadmill relates to the points expressed in the book. For instance, does the book discuss whether people return to a baseline state of happiness after positive or negative life events?
Part 3: Critique
In the next part, you are asked to offer an independent critique and evaluation of the main points within the book. Your critique should focus on at least two of these questions:
(1) Do you find the book’s core arguments and ideas convincing or not, and why?
(2) Does the book ignore or overlook important ideas that should be considered?
(3) If you could make changes to the book, what would you edit and revise, and why?
(4) Do you think the book can guide future research in happiness and meaning, and if so, how?
