Positive psychology is a thriving field with increasing political influence, yet there are few evolutionary studies that have had a tangible impact on rethinking mechanisms of well-being. This Element reviews existing literature and proposes synthesizing insights into human flourishing under an umbrella of multilevel selection (MLS). Conceptualizing quality of life as 'Happiness + Meaning = Well-being' draws attention to how people navigate between individual and group needs, and how they reconcile selfish pursuits with altruism and cooperation. We define happiness as the cluster of affects that reward individuals for solving adaptive challenges. We approach meaning as a reward that individuals experience when contributing to their community. By way of examples, we critically examine the Nordic well-being societies whose ethos and education advance prosocial values and practices and strike a balance between individualist and communitarian ideals. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.

To create happier lives for more people, we must understand both the biological and cultural mainsprings for human well-being.

Book Information
ISBN 9781009378536
Author Mads Larsen
Format Paperback
Page Count 72
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 131g
Dimensions(mm) 229mm * 152mm * 4mm