The David Rubenstein Show Arthur C. Brooks
18 snips
Oct 9, 2025 
Arthur C. Brooks, a Harvard professor and behavioral scientist, dives into the intriguing science of happiness and meaning. He defines happiness as a combination of enjoyment, satisfaction, and meaning, rather than a fleeting emotion. Brooks shares insights on teaching happiness, the significance of personal relationships, and the impact of social media on well-being. He also discusses his journey from musician to academic, his collaboration with Oprah Winfrey, and his ambitious aim to educate a billion people on happiness.
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Learning Happiness Is A Skill
- You can learn to pursue happiness by studying the science, changing habits, and teaching others what you learn.
- Arthur C. Brooks compares mastery of happiness to learning golf: understand, practice, and teach to improve.
Manage Emotions, Don’t Erase Them
- Manage negative emotions rather than expecting to become entirely different by taking a course.
- Use emotional self-management to interpret grumpiness and convert it into learning and growth.
Happiness Has Three Macronutrients
- Happiness is not a feeling but composed of enjoyment, satisfaction, and meaning as its core 'macronutrients'.
- Enjoyment requires pleasure plus people plus memory to become conscious and lasting.
