Can We Be Happier?

From the bestselling author of Happiness and co-editor of the annual World Happiness Report

Most people now realize that economic growth, however desirable, will not solve all our problems. Instead, we need a philosophy and a science which encompasses a much fuller range of human need and experience.

This book argues that the goal for a society must be the greatest possible all-round happiness, and shows how each of us can become more effective creators of happiness, both as citizens and in our own organizations.

Written with Richard Layard's characteristic clarity, it provides hard evidence that increasing happiness is the right aim, and that it can be achieved. Its language is simple, its evidence impressive, its effect inspiring.

"In this book 'Can We Be Happier?' which is part of Richard Layard's excellent, ongoing exploration of what happiness is and how it can be achieved, he provides evidence that if you have peace of mind and are full of joy, your health will be good, your family will be happy and that happiness will affect the atmosphere of the community in which you live." The Dalai Lama
"For people who want to understand how both the political economy and psychology influence wellbeing, it's a great primer. The few hours it took me to read it were happy ones." -- Rana Foroohar * Financial Times *
"Layard's pose is lucid and his analysis is spot on... guaranteed to put a smile on every reader's face" -- Sebastian Shakespeare * Daily Mail *
"Can We Be Happier? is a work of passion, a culmination of decades of research. ...the book is humane'" -- Richard Seymour * Guardian *