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Huberman Lab #224 · December 23, 2024 · 2h 20m
How to Achieve True Happiness Using Science-Based Protocols
Yale psychologist Laurie Santos — creator of the most popular course in Yale's history — on what the science actually says about happiness. Key finding: we're terrible at predicting what will make us happy. The things that actually work (social connection, gratitude, presence) are the opposite of what we pursue (money, status, achievement).
This summary was generated from show notes and public descriptions, not from a full transcript review. Details may contain inaccuracies.
Canon
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Santos: the hedonic treadmill means we adapt to positive changes (raises, houses, achievements) faster than we expect. The things we sacrifice for produce diminishing returns. Meanwhile, we undervalue things that produce lasting satisfaction.
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Santos: her 'Science of Well-Being' course shows students that the research on happiness overwhelmingly points to relationships — yet students (and adults) consistently prioritize achievement, money, and status over connection.
Misc
✧Santos's 'Science of Well-Being' is the most enrolled course in Yale's 300+ year history — over 3.5 million people have taken it online
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