The Biology of Happiness

Focusing on the intersection of evolutionary biology and neurobiology, the book presents a model of happiness rooted in survival and procreation instincts. It explains how nervous systems guide behavior through reflexes in primitive animals, while humans experience a more complex interplay of positive and negative emotions influenced by cognitive processes. This evolutionary strategy enhances behavioral flexibility, allowing for learning from experiences. Ultimately, the book suggests that the human ability to experience happiness is an unintended outcome of these developments.