Become stronger: Jumpstart your anti-fragile systems | Tal Ben-Shahar: Full Interview

Oct 8, 2025

Tal Ben-Shahar, a Harvard-educated expert in positive psychology and co-founder of the Happiness Studies Academy, explains how happiness often evades those who chase it through success and status. He introduces the concept of anti-fragility, reframing hardship as a chance for growth. Ben-Shahar emphasizes the importance of curiosity, the quality of our relationships, and finding meaning in work. With practical tips like gratitude journaling and cultivating connections, he outlines a path to genuine happiness and resilience.

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INSIGHT

Personal Quest Sparked A Field

Tal Ben-Shahar changed majors to study why he wasn’t happy and how to become happier.
He pursued interdisciplinary study to improve well-being for individuals and societies.

INSIGHT

Happiness As Means And End

Happiness is both an end in itself and a means to better performance, health, and relationships.
Small increases in happiness produce measurable gains in creativity and productivity.

INSIGHT

Happiness Is More Than Pleasure

Equating happiness with pleasure is a misunderstanding; happiness includes meaning, relationships, and coping with pain.
Accepting painful emotions is part of a realistic happy life.

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"There's research showing that people who are curious, who ask questions, are not just happier, they're not just more successful, they also live longer.” Success, status, and achievements promise to deliver happiness, but often come up empty when realized. Tal Ben-Shahar’s own experience with this personal dissatisfaction drove him to study the science and philosophy of wellbeing. Ben-Shahar outlines how anti-fragility and post-traumatic growth reframe hardship as opportunity and how happiness can be found through connection, purpose, and clarity instead. 00:00:00 Happiness studies 00:00:20 The paradox of chasing happiness 00:00:56 Two questions about happiness 00:02:39 The science of happiness in difficult times 00:03:41 Why isn’t there a field that studies happiness? 00:06:57 What is anti-fragility? 00:08:24 PTSD vs PTG 00:14:25 SPIRE: the 5 dimensions of well-being 00:15:23 Why not include financial wellness in SPIRE? 00:16:19 Exercising your spirit, body, and mind 00:17:17 3 archetypes of work 00:24:26 Physical wellbeing and the mind-body connection 00:27:09 3 levels of recovery 00:32:20 Time off and wellness 00:37:10 Curiosity and engaging deeply with others 00:40:37 The importance of relational and emotional health 00:41:06 The #1 condition to increase anti-fragility: The quality of our relationships 00:46:31 Generosity in connections 00:47:49 Sustainable generosity 00:48:21 Is the pursuit of happiness selfish? 00:51:13 The 2 kinds of people who do not experience difficult emotions 00:52:44 The importance of gratitude 55:37 Gratitude and growth 00:57:47 Learning to fail

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- About Tal Ben-Shahar: Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar is an internationally renowned teacher and author in the fields of happiness and leadership. After graduating from Harvard with a BA in Philosophy and Psychology and a PhD in Organizational Behavior, Tal taught two of the most popular courses in Harvard’s history: Positive Psychology and The Psychology of Leadership. He then taught Happiness Studies at Columbia University. A prolific writer, Tal's books have appeared on best-sellers lists around the world and have been translated into more than 30 languages. Tal Ben-Shahar consults and lectures to executives in multinational corporations, educational institutions, and the general public. Topics include leadership, education, ethics, happiness, self-esteem, resilience, goal setting and mindfulness. Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar is the co-founder of the Happiness Studies Academy, as well as the creator and instructor of the Certificate in Happiness Studies and the Happier School programs. Tal is an avid sportsman and a certified yoga instructor whose work bridges Eastern and Western traditions, ancient wisdom and modern technology, science and art.

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