I'm studying at Yale

This week I'm starting a short-course from Yale University. The topic is The Science of Well-being.

A big reason this blog started is for my own discovery about what does (and doesn't) bring meaning and joy to our lives. So I'm joining 338,000 other students to learn more from Yale's Professor Laurie Santos.

The professor will reveal "misconceptions about happiness, annoying features of the mind that lead us to think the way we do, and the research that can help us change". The course also promises we will "engage in a series of challenges designed to increase your own happiness and build more productive habits".

Does it cost?

I'll be doing the free version of the course. I'm not interested in the certificate, just in learning. It's 100% online with videos and readings each week for 10 weeks.

The course includes misconceptions about happiness, what really makes us happy, and strategies we can use to improve our actions and happiness.

Want to know more?

If you want to join in, see the full course outline.

Update

I've finished the course and have written some follow-up articles:

Comments

Less Clutter More Cash - now available

Do you feel like you have too much stuff? Is your home full of things you never use? Would you like to swap them for cash? We did My wife and I have sold more than 550 items online as we downsize and we've learnt a bit along the way. I've put some of our best tips into this handy ebook. I hope you can use these tips so you too can have less clutter and more cash. Enter your email address below to receive the book for free. Less Clutter More Cash Get my new ebook for free. PS. This will subscribe to the But Wait There's Less email list, so you'll know when the new updated version of the book is available. You can unsubscribe at any time.

You know what to do. Ignore this ad!

Yes, jewellery stores pump out the ads around valentine's day - that's no surprise. After all it's a made-up day designed to sell more stuff at higher prices. But this year they seem extra desperate to sell stuff we don't want, with the "You know what to do" campaign. I reckon the sales team are scared by the number of couples that have realised that love is not in physical merchandise but in quality time. So they've made an ad exactly about these people. The message seems to be aimed straight at guys to say "even if you and your partner agree not to waste money on jewellery, you should buy her some anyway". Apparently in a relationship it's important to ignore what your wife or partner says and do what profit-motivated corporations tell you to do. I tend to disagree. If you're interested have a look - it's interesting to see how transparent it is.

Why living differently is rare

Why do so many go mainstream? Once you discover the benefits of an alternate lifestyle (for want of a better phrase) it's hard to see why more people haven't taken it up. Whether it's minimalism, part-time work, frugality, financial independence or eco-friendly living; at some point we ask ourselves why so many people live the mainstream lifestyle. "Why do people own so much stuff?" we might wonder, "Surely they must realise how little joy they get from those items.". "Why do people (and companies) insist on working 40 hours a week rather than 30?" "Why do people spend practically all their income, rather than investing for a passive income that could last forever?" "Why do people drive so much when there are healthier, more affordable and eco-friendly ways to travel?" The wisdom of Solomon I recently read about the conformity experiments of Solomon Asch. He gave people simple multiple choice questions and record...

But wait... there's less!

Search This Blog