The Psychology Podcast Tal Ben-Shahar || The Science of Happiness
Jun 17, 2021
Tal Ben-Shahar, a best-selling author and former Harvard professor, shares his insights on happiness and well-being. He speaks about his unique journey from squash player to teaching happiness at Harvard. Topics include the multifaceted nature of happiness, the impact of social media on mental health, and how different cultures define happiness. Tal emphasizes that achieving happiness may not be a direct pursuit, advocating for resilience and creativity in fostering fulfillment, especially in disadvantaged populations.
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Squash Injury
- Tal Ben-Shahar's squash career ended due to injury at 21, changing his path.
- He had planned to become a squash coach but turned to psychology instead.
Lessons from Squash
- Tal Ben-Shahar learned important life lessons through squash, like the fleeting nature of happiness from achievements.
- Winning tournaments brought temporary happiness, making him realize it's more than milestones.
Path to Harvard
- Tal Ben-Shahar's unhappiness led him to switch from computer science to philosophy and psychology.
- He discovered positive psychology through Philip Stone, eventually taking over his course at Harvard.