about the essence of happiness. Through rigorous research and down-to-earth narrative, Dowd’s creative and inspired approach clears away the fog of scientific skepticism and philosophical cynicism that surrounds this most fundamental of all human conditions. Dowd grapples with the judgments of science while understanding that science has its place. Science describes the world, but does not explain it, and Dowd’s book helps cross the line from description to understanding, transcending the limits of pragmatism and simplicity to reveal the deep complexity and beauty that lives at the heart of this mysterious condition called happiness. Told in the best tradition of contemporary social science writing, Principles of Human Happiness: The Science of Human Fulfillment teaches irrefutable principles common to the well being of all of us.

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