Description:
This six-part BBC series looks at the latest research from around the world to discover what makes us happy. We all want to be happy but despite the massive increase in our wealth over the last 50 years, our levels of happiness have not increased. Now scientists are saying they can actually measure happiness, that it is more than a vague concept or mood…it is real. Moreover, they argue, it leads to longer life, better health, greater resilience, and human performance.
Mark Easton goes on a journey to understand what lasting happiness is. The six-part series looks at the newest research, examine the latest policy proposals,
This six-part BBC series looks at the latest research from around the world to discover what makes us happy. We all want to be happy but despite the massive increase in our wealth over the last 50 years, our levels of happiness have not increased. Now scientists are saying they can actually measure happiness, that it is more than a vague concept or mood…it is real. Moreover, they argue, it leads to longer life, better health, greater resilience, and human performance.
Mark Easton goes on a journey to understand what lasting happiness is. The six-part series looks at the newest research, examine the latest policy proposals, and meet the most cutting-edge thinkers from around the world.
What is happiness?
Episode 1: What is happiness?
Scientists say they can measure happiness, and they claim it can make us more resilient and creative, harder working, healthier and even live longer.
So shouldn't the government intervene and make us do what's good for us or at least encourage us?
We journey to the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, which is the only country in the world that puts happiness at the heart of government.
Rewiring our brains
Episode 2: Rewiring our brains
A new form of psychology - positive psychology - suggests we can think ourselves happy and actually rewire our brains to be more optimistic.
We are told we all have a set range of happiness. Now positive psychologists say we can make ourselves 10-15% happier permanently - if we work at it.
And they are keen to try it out on a whole nation.
The price of happiness
Episode 3: The price of happiness
As a society we are richer than we have ever been but according to scientists we are not any happier.
Psychologists say we are driven by our in-built need to compare ourselves with others, and we quickly adapt to money and possessions.
We explore what could be done to improve our consumer society - should we ban advertising for children, tax the rich, commute less or work less?
Happy mind healthy body
Episode 4: Happy mind healthy body
Scientists say happiness makes us healthier.
Happiness seems to have a protective effect, giving us some protection against heart disease and cancer.
The science of happiness has persuaded influential figures in government to consider ideas which could lead to a complete rethink in the NHS.
Trust in happiness
Episode 5: Trust in happiness
Trust, community and friendships are crucial to our happiness and health. But trust has declined dramatically since the 1950s.
Research suggests that a decline in agreed rules of behaviour, commuting, and even the TV are partly to blame.
The science of happiness poses questions about multiculturalism and whether we should do much more build bridges between different communities.
Future happiness
Episode 6: Future happiness
Technology promises happiness at the flick of a switch.
But labour saving devices and technological advances have not produced lasting happiness, and we have all ended up working more to pay for the latest gadgets.
We are told we should teach children to be happy. They have started teaching happiness in the USA and now happiness is entering the classroom in the UK.
Written and presented by Mark Easton
Series producer: Mike Rudin
Visit BBC website with episode guide: [Link removed - login to see]
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