5. The sources of happiness

Abstract

Listing the different sources of our happiness can be tricky: relationships, friends, family, community, love. ‘The sources of happiness’ considers where we find our happiness and how these sources differ through generations and across cultures. How important are genes to determining our happiness? There are five key sources to happiness: security, outlook, autonomy, relationships, and skilled and meaningful activity. The context in which a person lives is a large part of the story of happiness. The pursuit of happiness isn't just an individual matter. A lot depends on where a person is and their ability to live as they choose.