In short, we derive support for our preferred conclusions by listening to the words that we put in the mouths of people who have already been preselected for their willingness to say what we want to hear.

Impact is rewarding. Mattering makes us happy.

Lower your cortisol level. The happiest people have the lowest level of cortisol, a stress hormone that raises blood pressure and weakens the immune system. Cut the stress-more yoga, less road rage-and you'll cut your cortisol production.

The secret of happiness is variety, but the secret of variety, like the secret of all spices, is knowing when to use it.

People want to be happy, and all the other things they want are typically meant to be a means to that end.

Most of us appear to believe that we are more athletic, intelligent, organized, ethical, logical, interesting, open-minded, and healthy-not to mention more attractive-than the average person.

If you are like most people, then like most people, you don't know you're like most people.