Watch The Pursuit

The Pursuit is a captivating and insightful documentary directed by John Papola, featuring economist and social scientist, Arthur C. Brooks. The movie aims to explore the roots of the ongoing crisis of 'happiness' and well-being in modern society and how we might solve it. Brooks is a well-known public figure who has authored many bestselling books and is currently a professor at Harvard University. Brooks has been researching and writing about these issues for over a decade and offers a unique perspective on the topic.

The movie begins with Brooks reflecting on his personal experience with happiness and success. He tells us how his life shifted from a comfortable, academic life to one with unexpected challenges when he joined the American Enterprise Institute, a conservative think-tank. Brooks explains that moving from a liberal and academic environment to one that is more oriented towards policy discussions, influenced his research on happiness and well-being. He realized that merely having a comfortable job and being financially stable did not necessarily lead to happiness, prompting him to look deeper into the roots of well-being.

We are then presented with Brooks traveling across the globe, from Spain to India, and from Switzerland to the United States. He meets with many people from varying backgrounds, ranging from working-class people to intellectuals, entrepreneurs, and community leaders. His conversations are meant to showcase different perspectives on happiness and well-being, especially for people who are not privileged, affluent, or in positions of power.

One of the highlights of the movie is the interview with the famous Indian spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama. Brooks and the Dalai Lama have a stimulating conversation, covering topics such as inequality, compassion, and the importance of understanding our shared humanity.

The movie also explores how different cultures and traditions view well-being, including the importance of family, community, and spiritual/religious practices. Brooks talks to people who belong to different religious beliefs, including Muslims in Spain and Evangelical Christians in the US. He also meets with people who have adopted modern scientific techniques, such as mindfulness, to promote well-being. These conversations highlight the complex relationship between science, spirituality, and culture and how they contribute to the happiness of people around the world.

The Pursuit does not shy away from discussing some of the most pressing issues of the current era, including economic inequality, social and political polarization, climate change, and the role of technology in our lives. Brooks argues that many of these issues contribute to the ongoing crisis of happiness, and the well-being of people across the globe.

Throughout the movie, Brooks emphasizes the importance of human connection and understanding our shared humanity. He promotes the idea that instead of pursuing individual happiness, we should seek to foster a sense of belonging and purpose for all people. The movie ends with a powerful and inspiring message, encouraging viewers to embrace empathy, compassion, and understanding. Brooks' message is that by coming together and building a more inclusive and connected society, we can create a world in which true human flourishing is possible.

In conclusion, The Pursuit is a thought-provoking documentary that offers a unique perspective on the modern crisis of happiness and well-being. Brooks' journey across the globe is captivating, and his insights into different cultures and traditions provide a fascinating look into what makes us human. The movie offers a message of hope and encourages us to embrace our shared humanity, reminding us that our collective well-being is essential to the flourishing of each individual. Whether you are interested in psychology, spirituality, or economics, The Pursuit is a movie that everyone can get something out of.

The Pursuit is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 15 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.