Hi Friends, I’m Arthur Brooks, a social scientist, Vanderbilt professor, and columnist at The Free Press. I write, speak, and teach about the science of human happiness, blending neuroscience, behavioral science, philosophy, and religion for insights on how to live better and be happier. Each week on Office Hours, you’ll get a glimpse into the research on happiness and explore how to use it to improve your life—and share what you learn with those you love. Join me in the movement to build a happier world–starting with you. Production by penname.co. Photography by www.calebhargett.com.
Relying on AI chatbots to alleviate loneliness creates a damaging "doom loop" that substitutes superficial interaction for genuine human connection. While these large language models simulate intimacy, they fail to meet the right-hemispheric needs for mystery and meaning, ultimately increasing social isolation and anxi...
Midlife career dissatisfaction often stems from the natural decline of fluid intelligence, which typically peaks around age 40. While fluid intelligence drives innovation and rapid problem-solving, its inevitable decline creates a "hinge point" where formerly successful individuals feel lost or burned out. The solution...
True generosity requires both giving and receiving, as refusing to accept help is a form of selfishness that denies others the moral prestige and joy of contributing. Creating a virtuous cycle of happiness depends on allowing others the opportunity to be generous, which fosters social capital and mutual well-being. Res...
Sustaining a long-term, healthy marriage requires moving beyond fleeting emotions toward a commitment rooted in the will. Falling in love functions as an entrepreneurial endeavor, balancing gut-level intuition with the calculated risk of long-term partnership. True love, as defined by Thomas Aquinas, involves knowing t...
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