The Happiness Industry

What was a Buddhist monk doing at the 2014 World Economic Forum in Davos lecturing the world's leaders on mindfulness? Why do many successful corporations have a 'chief happiness officer'? What can the chemical composition of your brain tell a potential employer about you? In the past decade, governments and corporations have become increasingly interested in measuring the way people feel: 'the Happiness index', 'Gross National Happiness', 'well-being' and positive psychology have come to dominate the way we live our lives. As a result, our emotions have become a new resource to be bought and sold.In a fascinating investigation combining history, science and ideas, William Davies shows how well-being influences all aspects of our lives: business, finance, marketing and smart technology. This book will make you rethink everything from the way you work, the power of the 'Nudge', the ever-expanding definitions of depression, and the commercialization of your most private feelings. The Happiness Industry is a shocking and brilliantly argued warning about the new religion of the age: our emotions.

Product details

• Authors: William Davies
• Publisher: Verso
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 30.06.2016
• EAN: 9781784780951
• ISBN: 978-1-78478-095-1
• No. of pages: 320
• Dimensions: 130 mm x 197 mm x 24 mm
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Religion/theology; POLITICAL SCIENCE / General, BUSINESS & ECONOMICS / Economics / General, Politics & government, Economic systems and structures, Economic systems & structures, Politics and government