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20 Best Books on Happiness to Transform Your Life

 

Happiness is a universal pursuit, yet it often feels elusive. While some people seek it through success, relationships, or material wealth, true happiness comes from within. Science, philosophy, and psychology have explored this subject for centuries, offering valuable insights into what makes life fulfilling.

If you're looking to understand the science of happiness, positive psychology, and the art of living a joyful life, these 20 best books on happiness will guide you. This list includes details about each author, their country, genre, publication year, language, and why these books are must-reads.

1. The Happiness Advantage – Shawn Achor

  • Author: Shawn Achor (United States)
  • Published: 2010
  • Genre: Psychology, Self-Help, Happiness
  • Language: English
  • About the Author: Achor is a psychologist, Harvard researcher, and expert in positive psychology.
  • Why Read It?:
    Based on research at Harvard University, this book explains how happiness fuels success, rather than the other way around. A must-read for those looking to improve productivity and mindset.

2. The Art of Happiness – Dalai Lama & Howard Cutler

  • Authors: Dalai Lama (Tibet) & Howard Cutler (United States)
  • Published: 1998
  • Genre: Spirituality, Psychology, Self-Help
  • Language: English
  • About the Authors: The Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, and Cutler is a psychiatrist who explores the Dalai Lama’s teachings from a psychological perspective.
  • Why Read It?:
    Combines Buddhist philosophy with modern psychology, offering practical advice on finding peace, purpose, and happiness.

3. The How of Happiness – Sonja Lyubomirsky

  • Author: Sonja Lyubomirsky (Russia/United States)
  • Published: 2007
  • Genre: Positive Psychology, Science of Happiness
  • Language: English
  • About the Author: Lyubomirsky is a professor of psychology and one of the leading researchers in happiness studies.
  • Why Read It?:
    A science-backed book that explains what truly makes people happy and how to increase long-term happiness using proven techniques.

4. The Happiness Hypothesis – Jonathan Haidt

  • Author: Jonathan Haidt (United States)
  • Published: 2006
  • Genre: Psychology, Philosophy, Happiness
  • Language: English
  • About the Author: Haidt is a social psychologist and professor specializing in moral psychology and human well-being.
  • Why Read It?:
    Explores ancient wisdom from Buddha, Confucius, and Aristotle and connects it with modern psychology to explain the secrets of happiness.

5. Stumbling on Happiness – Daniel Gilbert

  • Author: Daniel Gilbert (United States)
  • Published: 2006
  • Genre: Psychology, Neuroscience, Happiness
  • Language: English
  • About the Author: Gilbert is a Harvard psychologist known for his research on human perception and happiness.
  • Why Read It?:
    Explores why humans are bad at predicting their future happiness and what we can do to make better choices.

6. Authentic Happiness – Martin Seligman

  • Author: Martin Seligman (United States)
  • Published: 2002
  • Genre: Psychology, Self-Help, Positive Psychology
  • Language: English
  • About the Author: Seligman is a psychologist and the father of Positive Psychology, focusing on well-being and resilience.
  • Why Read It?:
    Introduces the PERMA model, explaining how positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishments contribute to happiness.

7. Flourish – Martin Seligman

  • Author: Martin Seligman (United States)
  • Published: 2011
  • Genre: Psychology, Positive Psychology
  • Language: English
  • Why Read It?:
    Builds upon Authentic Happiness, focusing on how to live a fulfilling, meaningful life beyond just feeling happy.

8. The Book of Joy – Dalai Lama & Desmond Tutu

  • Authors: Dalai Lama (Tibet) & Desmond Tutu (South Africa)
  • Published: 2016
  • Genre: Spirituality, Happiness, Self-Help
  • Language: English
  • About the Authors: The Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu, both Nobel Peace Prize winners, share their wisdom on joy and inner peace.
  • Why Read It?:
    A beautiful conversation between two of the world’s most respected spiritual leaders on how to find happiness despite life’s challenges.

9. The Happiness Project – Gretchen Rubin

  • Author: Gretchen Rubin (United States)
  • Published: 2009
  • Genre: Self-Help, Happiness, Personal Development
  • Language: English
  • About the Author: Rubin is a former lawyer turned happiness researcher and bestselling author.
  • Why Read It?:
    Chronicles a year-long experiment in which the author tests different happiness strategies, offering practical takeaways for readers.

10. Hard wiring Happiness – Rick Hanson

  • Author: Rick Hanson (United States)
  • Published: 2013
  • Genre: Neuroscience, Psychology, Happiness
  • Language: English
  • About the Author: Hanson is a psychologist and neuroscientist specializing in mental resilience and well-being.
  • Why Read It?:
    Explains how to rewire your brain for happiness by practicing positive thinking and mindfulness.

11. The Blue Zones of Happiness – Dan Buettner

  • Author: Dan Buettner (United States)
  • Published: 2017
  • Genre: Happiness, Longevity, Well-Being
  • Language: English
  • About the Author: Buettner is a National Geographic researcher and explorer who has studied the world’s happiest and longest-living people.
  • Why Read It?:
    Investigates the happiest places on Earth and reveals practical habits for improving well-being.

12. 10% Happier – Dan Harris

  • Author: Dan Harris (United States)
  • Published: 2014
  • Genre: Happiness, Mindfulness, Self-Help
  • Language: English
  • About the Author: Harris is a journalist and news anchor who turned to mindfulness after a panic attack on live TV.
  • Why Read It?:
    Explains how meditation and mindfulness can make anyone 10% happier—without needing to become a monk.

13. The Joy of Living – Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche

  • Author: Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche (Tibet)
  • Published: 2007
  • Genre: Spirituality, Buddhism, Happiness
  • Language: English
  • About the Author: A Tibetan Buddhist master, Rinpoche blends science and Buddhist wisdom to explain happiness.
  • Why Read It?:
    Shows how meditation rewires the brain for happiness and peace.

14. Solve for Happy – Mo Gawdat

  • Author: Mo Gawdat (Egypt)
  • Published: 2017
  • Genre: Science, Happiness, Self-Help
  • Language: English
  • About the Author: Gawdat is a former Google engineer who developed a scientific formula for happiness after personal tragedy.
  • Why Read It?:
    A mix of engineering, psychology, and philosophy to help you take control of your happiness.

15. The Untethered Soul – Michael A. Singer

  • Author: Michael A. Singer (United States)
  • Published: 2007
  • Genre: Spirituality, Self-Help, Happiness
  • Language: English
  • About the Author: Singer is a spiritual teacher known for his work on mindfulness and self-awareness.
  • Why Read It?:
    Helps you free yourself from mental chatter and experience deep inner peace.

16. The Little Book of Hygge – Meik Wiking

  • Author: Meik Wiking (Denmark)
  • Published: 2016
  • Genre: Happiness, Lifestyle, Self-Help
  • Language: English
  • About the Author: Wiking is the CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen.
  • Why Read It?:
    Introduces the Danish concept of Hygge (coziness and contentment) as a path to happiness.

17. Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life – Héctor García & Francesc Miralles

  • Authors: Héctor García & Francesc Miralles (Spain)
  • Published: 2016
  • Genre: Happiness, Self-Help, Lifestyle
  • Language: English, Spanish, Japanese
  • About the Authors: Both are researchers and authors who studied Japan’s longevity and happiness practices.
  • Why Read It?:
    Explores the Japanese concept of Ikigai (life purpose) and how it leads to a fulfilling life.

18. The Four Agreements – Don Miguel Ruiz

  • Author: Don Miguel Ruiz (Mexico)
  • Published: 1997
  • Genre: Spirituality, Self-Help, Happiness
  • Language: English, Spanish
  • About the Author: Ruiz is a Toltec spiritual teacher, sharing ancient wisdom for modern happiness.
  • Why Read It?:
    Teaches four powerful agreements that lead to freedom, happiness, and peace.

19. Mindset: The New Psychology of Success – Carol S. Dweck

  • Author: Carol S. Dweck (United States)
  • Published: 2006
  • Genre: Psychology, Happiness, Personal Development
  • Language: English
  • About the Author: Dweck is a psychologist known for her work on growth mindset vs. fixed mindset.
  • Why Read It?:
    Shows how changing your mindset can increase happiness, success, and resilience.

20. Radical Acceptance – Tara Brach

  • Author: Tara Brach (United States)
  • Published: 2003
  • Genre: Psychology, Spirituality, Happiness
  • Language: English
  • About the Author: Brach is a psychologist and Buddhist meditation teacher specializing in self-acceptance.
  • Why Read It?:
    Helps you let go of self-judgment and embrace life fully.

Final Thoughts

Happiness isn’t just about feeling good—it’s about living with purpose, gratitude, and self-awareness. These 10 additional books explore happiness from science, psychology, philosophy, and spirituality, giving you practical tools to lead a more joyful and fulfilling life.

Which of these books have made a difference in your life? Share your thoughts in the comments

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