The How of Happiness: A Scientific Approach to Getting the Life You Want

The How of Happiness by Sonja Lyubomirsky was published in 2008, a time when the sociohistorical context was marked by several noteworthy trends and issues. While the book primarily focuses on individual happiness and well-being, it indirectly reflects the societal and cultural backdrop of its time.

In the aftermath of the 2007-2008 Global Financial Crisis, a sense of economic uncertainty and instability pervaded society. Many individuals and families experienced financial hardships, including job losses, home foreclosures, and dwindling retirement savings. The economic downturn had far-reaching implications for people’s overall well-being, leading to heightened stress, anxiety, and a sense of powerlessness. Lyubomirsky’s book thus indirectly addressed a pressing social issue: the impact of economic downturns on people’s mental health and overall life satisfaction. The financial crisis had exposed the fragility of relying solely on external circumstances, such as wealth and material possessions, for one’s well-being. It underscored the vulnerability of equating financial success with happiness, especially given that external factors could quickly erode that success. Moreover, Lyubomirsky’s work offered readers a counter-narrative—one that emphasized the importance of Personal Agency in Happiness, with a focus on internal states and