Includes bibliographical references (p. 231-262) and index.
Contents
Introduction : America's pursuit of happiness -- pt. I. The culture of happiness -- 1. The politics of happiness -- 2. Is happiness a gift from above -- 3. Is happiness a family value? -- 4. Staying happy in the age of freedom and insecurity -- pt. II. The economics of happiness -- 5. Does money buy happiness? -- 6. Inequality and (un)happiness in America -- 7. Happiness is a full-time job -- 8. The secret to buying happiness -- Conclusion : happiness lessons for our leaders -- Appendix. The data on happiness -- Notes -- Acknowledgments -- Index.
Summary
The author analyzes evidence and empirical research to determine which groups are the happiest in America; and offers suggestions on how the government can help individuals maximize their happiness.
