Happiness makes life worth living. This has been a key genetic characteristic of our species for millions of years. However, in the past sixty years or so, those in the developed nations find themselves on a new path unlike anything from our ancestral environment. We have focused on money as a means to make life decisions. But the reality is that we fail to appreciate the cost of achieving more wealth and the benefits it offers us. A review of many discouraging sociological trends implies we need to re-think our approach to happiness.

Includes bibliographical references and index.