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Scientists say they have found the formula for true happiness

From Postimees · () Estonian

Translated from Estonian and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Context piece
  • Researchers at the University of Toronto examined how freedom and independence affect people’s assessments of their lives.
  • The study connects the ancient debate over the good life with modern psychology and explores why people may feel satisfied even when daily emotions fluctuate.

“It’s nice to enjoy good sex and delicious ice cream,” says cognitive scientist Laurie Santos, who studies well-being at Yale University. “But ultimately, true happiness probably comes from what we do with others, and from building a good life for ourselves more broadly.”

Researchers at the University of Toronto examined the role of freedom and independence in how people evaluate their lives. Their new study links the ancient debate over what makes a good life with contemporary psychology.

It’s nice to enjoy good sex and delicious ice cream.

· Laurie SantosThe Yale cognitive scientist describes pleasures that can contribute to enjoyment.

The research offers clues to why people sometimes choose a more difficult path and still feel that their lives are going well, even when their everyday emotions fluctuate.

But ultimately, true happiness probably comes from what we do with others, and from building a good life for ourselves more broadly.

· Laurie SantosSantos argues that lasting happiness comes from relationships and building a good life.
About this summary

Originally published by Postimees in Estonian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.