Greater Good

Americans are less likely to say "thanks" on the job than anywhere else, which hurts productivity and happiness. That needs to change.

Job satisfaction is at record lows. What does it take to overcome the fear of change, especially in tough economic times?

It's easy to feel grateful when life is good, says Robert Emmons. But when disaster strikes, gratitude is worth the effort.

Today, Congressman Tim Ryan re-introduces his bill to support the growth of social-emotional learning in schools.

Most of the time, gratitude is good. But research finds that there are situations when "thank you" may be the wrong response.

Emma Seppala explains how compassionate workplaces are good for employee health and the corporate bottom line.

A new study suggests mindfulness meditation can help us overcome the "bystander effect."

Jeremy Adam Smith reports on new findings in family research, with a special focus on immigrants.

A new study reveals how our frame of mind shapes our sense of right and wrong.

New research suggests that cutting back on life’s pleasures helps us enjoy them significantly more.

A new study finds that helping others gives you a health boost.

The "Up" documentaries have followed 14 people from ages seven to 56—and in the process illustrated recent discoveries about the science of a meaningful life.

Mindfulness is more than just moment-to-moment awareness, says Shauna Shapiro. It is a kind, curious awareness that helps us relate to ourselves and others with compassion.

Sonja Lyubomirsky explains what we misunderstand about happiness, and how we can get it right--part of Greater Good's podcast series.

Love is fleeting, says one of the world's leading experts on positive emotion. But with practice, you can foster love anytime you wish—and in doing so, renew old bonds.

They've been called ungrateful, narcissistic, and entitled. But new research reveals the hopes, ideals, and positive qualities of today's young adults.

According to Sonja Lyubomirsky's new book, what should make you happy sometimes doesn't—and what shouldn't make you happy often does!

Many of us assume that we only have so much compassion to spare. But research says we can build our capacity to alleviate suffering.

Qualities like gender, ethnicity, and nationality tend to define us more than being human. What happens when we try to identify with all of humanity?

Good books about the science of meaningful life that we wish we had reviewed in 2012!

We can cultivate empathy throughout our lives, says Roman Krznaric—and use it as a radical force for social transformation.

They've been called ungrateful, narcissistic, and entitled. But new research reveals the hopes, ideals, and positive qualities of today's young adults.

Rick Hanson explains how you can intentionally change your brain to create lasting happiness and well-being.

Emma Seppala explains how compassionate workplaces are good for employee health and the corporate bottom line.

We all have an inner hero, argues Philip Zimbardo. Here's how to find it.

What adoption in the wild tells us about the presence—and the limits—of altruism in the animal kingdom.

Researcher Kristin Neff reveals the benefits of going easy on yourself: less anxiety, less conflict, and more peace of mind.

Most of the time, gratitude is good. But research finds that there are situations when "thank you" may be the wrong response.

A new study suggests mindfulness meditation can help us overcome the "bystander effect."

New research suggests that cutting back on life’s pleasures helps us enjoy them significantly more.

Job satisfaction is at record lows. What does it take to overcome the fear of change, especially in tough economic times?

It's easy to feel grateful when life is good, says Robert Emmons. But when disaster strikes, gratitude is worth the effort.

Can feeling good ever be bad? New research says yes—and points the way to a healthier, more balanced life.

Dacher Keltner explains how compassion is literally at our fingertips.

Love is fleeting, says one of the world's leading experts on positive emotion. But with practice, you can foster love anytime you wish—and in doing so, renew old bonds.

Americans are less likely to say "thanks" on the job than anywhere else, which hurts productivity and happiness. That needs to change.

Need some motivation for practicing gratitude this Thanksgiving? Robert Emmons, the world's leading scientific expert on gratitude, reveals why gratitude is good for our bodies, our minds, and our relationships.

Jeremy Adam Smith reports on new findings in family research, with a special focus on immigrants.

A new study finds that helping others gives you a health boost.

Robert M. Sapolsky explains why stress can become a chronic problem—and how we can reduce the toll it takes on our lives.

Researcher Kristin Neff reveals the benefits of going easy on yourself: less anxiety, less conflict, and more peace of mind.

Can feeling good ever be bad? New research says yes—and points the way to a healthier, more balanced life.

If you're curious about Steven Pinker's massive new book, check out this Greater Good essay for a distilled version.

Facebook is confronting cyberbullying and online conflict. Can a team of researchers help boost kindness among the site's 900 million users?

Positive emotions don’t just make us feel good, explains Barbara Fredrickson. They transform our minds, our bodies, and our ability to bounce back from hard times. Learn Dr. Fredrickson’s research-tested formula for flourishing in life.

What Mitt Romney’s “47 percent” video reveals about the links between inequality, compassion, and happiness.

Fueled by new research, the social-emotional learning movement is building momentum. Is it enough to make American schools change their course?

Obesity has become a public health issue. New research suggests moment-to-moment awareness does a better job of helping people control their weight than any diet.

We all have an inner hero, argues Philip Zimbardo. Here's how to find it.

We can cultivate empathy throughout our lives, says Roman Krznaric—and use it as a radical force for social transformation.

Dacher Keltner explains how compassion is literally at our fingertips.

Positive psychology has identified ways people can increase their happiness. But what happiness habits are right for you?

Are people horrible? It's a question many Americans are asking ourselves after the horror of a school shooting.

How can both parties work together after President Obama's re-election? Psychologist Jonathan Haidt offers some hard advice for liberals and conservatives.

Anne-Marie Slaughter’s “Having it All” essay in this month's The Atlantic raises important questions about men, women... and gratitude.

Rick Hanson explains how you can intentionally change your brain to create lasting happiness and well-being.

Why SEL is a necessity for children of every background.

A recent gathering of compassion researchers reveals new discoveries about how and why humans help each other.

A researcher finds that helping others might be the secret weapon in the fight against addiction.

The most surprising, provocative, and inspiring findings published this past year.

Researcher Kristin Neff reveals the benefits of going easy on yourself: less anxiety, less conflict, and more peace of mind.

Facebook is confronting cyberbullying and online conflict. Can a team of researchers help boost kindness among the site's 900 million users?

We can cultivate empathy throughout our lives, says Roman Krznaric—and use it as a radical force for social transformation.

Dacher Keltner explains how compassion is literally at our fingertips.

The most surprising, provocative, and inspiring findings published this past year.

Rick Hanson explains how you can intentionally change your brain to create lasting happiness and well-being.

Need some motivation for practicing gratitude this Thanksgiving? Robert Emmons, the world's leading scientific expert on gratitude, reveals why gratitude is good for our bodies, our minds, and our relationships.

In one troubled city, researchers and community members are working together to boost altruism among adolescents. What can their project teach other communities facing hard times?

What Mitt Romney’s “47 percent” video reveals about the links between inequality, compassion, and happiness.

Love is fleeting, says one of the world's leading experts on positive emotion. But with practice, you can foster love anytime you wish—and in doing so, renew old bonds.

We all have an inner hero, argues Philip Zimbardo. Here's how to find it.

A recent gathering of compassion researchers reveals new discoveries about how and why humans help each other.

Positive emotions don’t just make us feel good, explains Barbara Fredrickson. They transform our minds, our bodies, and our ability to bounce back from hard times. Learn Dr. Fredrickson’s research-tested formula for flourishing in life.

What adoption in the wild tells us about the presence—and the limits—of altruism in the animal kingdom.

Obesity has become a public health issue. New research suggests moment-to-moment awareness does a better job of helping people control their weight than any diet.

Emma Seppala explains how compassionate workplaces are good for employee health and the corporate bottom line.

Jack Kornfield shares extraordinary stories of forgiveness--and explains how the next story could be yours.

They've been called ungrateful, narcissistic, and entitled. But new research reveals the hopes, ideals, and positive qualities of today's young adults.

Can visualizing death make you happier? Research says yes. Here are four surprising ways to harness the power of negativity.

As Roots of Empathy gears up for its U.S. expansion, founder Mary Gordon reveals how the program has nurtured compassion around the world, one child at a time.