Summer 2007 (Volume IV, Issue 1)

 

Building Gratitude

Groundbreaking research has revealed that practicing gratitude can lead to transformative life changes. More than a simple “thank you,” studies show gratitude can build physical health, personal happiness, and strong social bonds. This issue of Greater Good explores how this research can apply to everyday life, from romantic relationships to children s classrooms. This issue also marks the debut of a few new departments in Greater Good, including a column by co-editor Dacher Keltner in which he helps readers understand the emotions conveyed by their body language.

Buy this back issue

 
  

From The Editors

In Brief

The robot Kismet expresses (clockwise from bottom left) fear, anger, and surprise.

Can Robots Feel Your Pain? (02)

By Jeremy Adam Smith | Summer 2007

Not yet, but empathic androids are the next wave in robotics.

 

The Power of One (03)

By Naazneen Barma | Summer 2007

 

By the Numbers (04)

By Jason Marsh | Summer 2007

What's good on TV?

 

The Path to Forgiveness (05)

By Nalini Padmanabhan | Summer 2007

 

Green With Empathy (06)

By Shannon McIntyre | Summer 2007

 

Body Language (08)

By Dacher Keltner | Summer 2007

Dacher Keltner reveals the science behind everyday gestures

 

The Quiet Diet (09)

By Julia Barzik | Summer 2007

 

The Circle of Security (10)

By Daniel Goleman | Summer 2007

New programs help at-risk parents tune in to what their children really need.

 

Brain Teaser

Q&A

The Politics of Gratitude (11)

By Jason Marsh | Summer 2007

An interview with Iraq’s former ambassador to the United States, Rend Al-Rahim Francke

 

Features

Pay it Forward (12)

By Robert Emmons | Summer 2007

Gratitude may seem like a simple emotion, but Robert Emmons argues that it inspires kindness, connection, and transformative life changes. And he’s done the research to prove it.

 

The Art of the Thank You (13)

By Sage Cohen | Summer 2007

 

Stumbling toward Gratitude (14)

By Catherine Price | Summer 2007

New research suggests gratitude is a key to health and happiness, but Catherine Price wanted to find out for herself.

 

Shallow Gratitude (16)

By Christi Chidester | Summer 2007

 

Love, Honor, and Thank (17)

By Jess Alberts , Angela Threthewey | Summer 2007

Researchers Jess Alberts and Angela Trethewey have found that a successful relationship doesn’t just depend on how partners divide their household chores, but on how they each express gratitude for the work the other one puts in.

 

A Lesson in Thanks (19)

By Jeffrey Froh | Summer 2007

Psychologist Jeffrey Froh infused middle-school classes with a small dose of gratitude—and found that it made students feel more connected to their friends, family, and their school.

 

Hope on the Battlefield (20)

By Lt. Col. Dave Grossman | Summer 2007

Military leaders know a secret: The vast majority of people are overwhelmingly reluctant to take a human life.

 

Mindful Kids, Peaceful Schools (21)

By Jill Suttie | Summer 2007

With eyes closed and deep breaths, students are learning a new method to reduce anxiety, conflict, and attention disorders. But don’t call it meditation.

 

Tools for the Greater Good

Book Reviews

The Dalai Lama talks with neuroscientist Helen Neville at his residence in Dharamsala, India, as part of the 12th Mind & Life conference.

Change Your Mind and Your Brain Will Follow (22)

By Mirka Knaster | Summer 2007

The Dalai Lama at MIT
Edited by Anne Harrington and Arthur Zajonc
Harvard University Press, 2006, 304 pages

Train Your Mind, Change Your Brain: How a New Science Reveals Our Extraordinary Potential to Transform Ourselves
By Sharon Begley
Ballantine Books, 2007, 304 pages

 

Book Review: The Power of Play (23)

By Dawn Friedman | Summer 2007

By David Elkind
Da Capo Lifelong Books, 2007, 240 pages

 

Book Review: Why Good Things Happen to Good People (24)

By Jill Suttie | Summer 2007

By Stephen Post and Jill Neimark
Broadway Books, 2007, 320 pages

 

Book Review: The Mark of Shame (25)

By Jason Marsh | Summer 2007

By Stephen P. Hinshaw
Oxford University Press, 2007, 352 pages

 

Book Review: Alone Together (26)

By Jeremy Adam Smith | Summer 2007

By Paul R. Amato, Alan Booth, David R. Johnson, and Stacy J. Rogers
Harvard University Press, 2007, 336 pages

 

Pop Culture Review

A makeshift memorial board in the Battlestar Galactica reminds the crew of their sacrifices.

Altruism in Space (27)

By Jeremy Adam Smith | Summer 2007

What does the science-fiction series Battlestar Galactica teach us about human nature?

 

Ideas for the Greater Good

Invitation to the Dance (28)

By Barbara Ehrenreich | Summer 2007

 

Most...

  
  
  

 
Is Happiness Selfish?

Is Happiness Selfish?

May 24, 2012

Will focusing on other people's happiness ultimately make us happier than if we focus on our own needs?

 
  
Is she flirting with you? Take the quiz and find out.

Greater Good Live

  

When is Stress Good for You?

When is Stress Good for You?

Combining wit with deep knowledge, Robert Sapolsky explains the optimal amount of stress.

Watch
 

The Greater Good Guide to Mindfulness

The Greater Good Guide to Mindfulness

This invaluable resource, a special benefit for GGSC members, offers insight into what mindfulness is, why it’s important, and how to teach it.

Get the Guide
 

Pathways to Gratefulness

The Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco
June 23rd 2012, 10am-5pm
Pathways to Gratefulness

Network for Grateful Living presents a summit geared at awakening the practice of gratefulness and grateful living in all of us.

» All Events

 
  
image

Greater Good Sections

Sponsors

The Quality of Life Foundation logo Special thanks to

The Quality of Life Foundation for its support of the Greater Good Science Center